Edwin J. Ewing

Edwin J. Ewing, 85, of Roanoke, Va., passed away peacefully on Thursday morning, May 14, 2009. He was a long time resident, of Roanoke, Va. He was born in Cambridge, Ohio. During World War II, he was an Army Combat Engineer serving both the European and South Pacific Theatres. After military service he attended and graduated from Ohio University. He was employed by Crosley Broadcasting of Cincinnati and played a role in the early development of broadcast television. He came to Roanoke as one of the original staff persons of WDBJ Channel 7. He earned a masters degree in education from Virginia Tech, and was employed by the University to develop the broadcast section of the Communications Studies Department. He retired from Virginia Tech after 22 years. Ed was a charter member and an officer in the Russian Sister Cities organization. Many young Russians, visiting Roanoke would stay at the family home. He was on the Board of Directors of Roanoke Valley. Sister Cities, Inc. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jane M. Ewing, to whom he was married for 50 years. He is survived by his son, Michael and his wife, Gwen, of Christiansburg; his daughter, Becky and her husband, Lou Ellis, of Roanoke; two brothers, Winson of Clinton, Wash., and Foster of Kent, Ohio; and one sister, Louise of New Mexico. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Edwin J. and Jane M. Ewing Study Abroad Scholarship Fund in the Communications Studies Department at Virginia Tech, Account #883630. Mail contributions to the Virginia Tech Foundation, Blacksburg, Va. 24061. A celebration of Ed's life will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2009. A celebration of Ed's life will be held Saturday, May 23, 2009 at 4 p.m. and stories are welcomed. Please call Lou or Becky Ellis at 1-540344-1757 for the location. Arrangements by Oakey's South Chapel, 540-989-3131.