Edward Lee Ames, SeniorBurleson, TX, and Watkins Glen, NY

Edward Lee Ames Sr., age 90, passed away on Monday, November 17, 2025, in Burleson, TX.

Ed was born on April 1, 1935, in Elmira, NY, to the late William and Hazel Ames. He grew up in Bennettsburg and Burdett, NY, with four siblings and graduated from Watkins Glen Central High School in 1955. He worked and raised his family in Watkins Glen before relocating to Harrisburg, NC, and eventually Burleson, TX.

Ed’s passion for auto racing began at age 13 when the first sports car races came to the streets of Watkins Glen. A lifelong fan of many forms of motor racing, NASCAR was his favorite. He raced Go-Karts in his early years and worked as a mechanic for Swarthout’s Garage and The Ford Garage in Watkins Glen before joining Central Asphalt, where he worked for 38 years and valued the camaraderie of his colleagues.

In retirement, Ed cherished family gatherings for holidays, birthdays, picnics, boating, racing, and just goofing around. Before the passing of his wife, Sandy, attending NASCAR at the Glen, Vintage Grand Prix weekends, and traveling to various tracks in their RV or camping around the Finger Lakes were annual rituals they shared. While he enjoyed traveling, being at home with family was his greatest joy.

He was predeceased by his wife, Sandra Ames; parents William and Hazel Ames; brothers William, Robert, Richard, and Daniel Ames; sister-in-law Marie Ames; brother-in-law Richard Bradley; and step-children Kim Cherkis and Kevin Rudy.

Ed is survived by his children: Edward Ames (Melissa) of Crowley, TX; Susan Maccou (Alberto) of Myrtle Beach, SC; Pamela Ames (Tony Dempsey) of Rochester, NY; Mark Ames of Hood River, OR; and step-daughter Kay Rogers (Ty) of Watkins Glen, NY. He is also survived by his sister Ann Bradley of Florida and sisters-in-law Connie Palmer of Horseheads, NY, and Anna Ames of NC.

His grandchildren include Dr. Elana Maccou, Manuel Maccou, Megan Olson (Michael), Shannon Williams (Jake), and Bridger and Lily Ames. Step-grandchildren include Christin Bressett, Christopher Cherkis, Kyle Rogers, Kayla Rudy, and Andrew Rudy. Surviving great-grandchildren are Caleb, Felipe, Harrison, and Charlotte, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A graveside service will be held on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Montour Cemetery, Mill St., Montour Falls, NY.

Arrangements are under the direction of Vedder-Scott & Zinger Funeral Home, Montour Falls, NY, and Lucas Funeral Home, Burleson, TX. Condolences may be shared at www.vedderscottzinger.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the International Motor Racing Research Center, 610 South Decatur Street, Watkins Glen, NY 14891.