Edith Geysen Fanning, El Paso, Texas passed away May 16, 2022. She was from Washingtonville, New York. She graduated from Washingtonville Central High School and Katharine Gibbs School in New York City. Edith served as the Executive Assistant to the CEO of Central Hudson Gas and Electric Corporation in Poughkeepsie, New York, for nine years. Edith was also very active in the Junior League of Newburgh, New York, prior to her marriage to Lieutenant John Fanning in 1960. Don Stivers, the well-known military artist, used the Fannings’ wedding photograph as the subject for his painting, “Wedding at West Point.”
While the Fannings were on active duty, Edith was very involved in the Officers Wives’ Club having served as Publicity Chairman, Sun Carnival Chairman, Member at Large and President.
The Fanning’s daughter, Jacqui, was the 1978 Fort Bliss Sun Princess.
In 1975, the Fort Bliss Commanding General, Major General CJ LeVan asked Edith to form the Air Defense Artillery Association. She served as Secretary of the Association for 35 years retiring after the Association was moved to Fort Sill in 2010.
Edith was introduced to the military at a very young age because the United States Military Academy used Edith’s parents’ farm for its summer maneuvers. LIFE magazine had a feature article about the Academy using the Geysen farm for its training.
Edith was preceded in death by her parents and husband. She is survived by her daughter Jacqueline S. Fanning.
Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00pm Tuesday, May 31, at Funeraria Del Angel Central, 3839 Montana Avenue, El Paso, Texas 79903. Scripture service will be Wednesday, June 1, at 12:30pm at Funeraria Del Angel Central followed by committal service at 2:00pm at Fort Bliss National Cemetery, 5200 Fred Wilson Avenue. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to your favorite charity.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.FunerariaDelAngelMartin.com for the Fanning family.
