Edward A. Yancey

LOWVILLE - Edward A. Yancey, 76, of the Town of Harrisburg, died Friday evening, October 17, 2025 at Crouse Hospital in Syracuse.

Ed was born on July 13, 1949 in Lowville, the son of the late Edward C. and Bertha E. (Beyer) Yancey. In his youth, Ed worked on the family dairy farm, raised pigeons, and was a member of Lowville FFA. Ed graduated from Lowville Academy and Central School, Class of 1967. He served his country as a conscientious objector, serving in a hospital in New Jersey in 1970. On October 1, 1977 Ed married the love of his life, Arlene VanNest, at Lowville Mennonite Church. Ed owned and operated Yancey's Sales & Service.

He is survived by his wife, Arlene, their three children, Edward B. (Jessica) Yancey and their daughter Vera; Jessica A. (Peter R.) Lehman; and Jennifer R. Yancey; his siblings, Ginny Lyndaker; Herb Yancey; Ted Yancey; Tim Yancey; Gordon Yancey; and John Yancey; several nieces and nephews.

Ed is predeceased by his sister, Carolyn Malone.

Ed's marriage with Arlene was one of devoted love and partnership. He was a fun loving and caring father to his children. He was proud to have coached his kids in Lowville Little League on his championship team. Many knew Ed as a lifelong snowmobile enthusiast. As a kid he wrote that he "couldn't wait for school to get out to ride my sled everyday." He raced snowmobiles for over 51 years and also raced motocross in his younger days. He started his business, Yancey's Sales & Service, in 1971 as a Chaparral dealer. In 1975, Ed's collection of antique and vintage snowmobiles began. Over the years, Ed had dealerships for Sno-Jet, Kawasaki, Hodaka, Arctic Cat, Polaris, and Stihl. He sold his last new sled in 2001. He continued small engine repair and part sales until his passing. Ed was passionate about local history and postcards of Lewis County. He contributed regularly to the Lowville Journal & Republican "Remember When" section, and was a consistent participant in the paper's weekly "Whatzit." Ed could carry on a conversation with anyone and was a friend to all. He always found someone he knew on whatever adventure he took.

Ed will be greatly missed by many.

All services will be private.

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