Garry D. Sowards
Garry D. Sowards, 55, of Hurricane died Thursday, October 17, 2002, in Putnam General Hospital after a long illness.
Surviving: wife, Louise; daughter, Melissa Hardy of Tampa, Florida; mother, Alcie Sowards of Hurricane; brother, Charles Sowards of Las Vegas, Nevada; sister, Virginia Abbott of Hurricane; grandchildren, Will and Jackson Hardy of Tamps, Florida.
Service was held Sunday, October 20, 2002, at Allen Funeral Home, Hurricane, with the Rev. Jim McGehee and the Rev. Tracy Mills officiating. Burial was in Forest Memorial Park, Milton.
Elbert Hale Sr.
Elbert Hale Sr., 80, of Winfield died Thursday, October 17, 2002, in Putnam General Hospital after a long illness.
He was retired from the Volkswagon Plant - Stamping Plant, South Charleston, with 11 years of service. He was a member of Winfield Church of Christ, and a 23 year resident of Winfield.
He was preceded in death by a son, Elbert Hale Jr., and a granddaughter, Marie Hale.
Surviving: wife, Edna Hoyle Hale; sons, Donald Hale of Monroe, Michigan, Regis Hale of Pinch, Danny Hale of Scott Depot, and Brian C. Hale of Hurricane; sisters, Alfreda Blevins of Wayne, Charlotte Fraley of Doylestown, Ohio, Jewel Dodge of Rittman, Ohio, and Betty Cyrus of Sterling, Ohio; brothers, Charles Hale of Lincoln Park, Michigan and Kenneth Hale of Taylor, Michigan; 14 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren.
Service was held Sunday, October 20, 2002, at Chapman Funeral Home, Teays Valley, with Minister Ray Reynolds officiating. Burial was in Winfield Cemetery.
Cathy Jo Pederson
A memorial service for Cathy Jo Pederson, 53, of Hurricane was held Saturday, October 19, 2002, at Chapman Funeral Home, Teays Valley.
Dwight H. DeVore
Dwight Haorld DeVore, 82, of Fraziers Bottom died October 19, 2002, in the VA Medical Center, Huntington, after a long illness.
He was born September 27, 2002, a son of the late Howard and Edith Wall DeVore and was a lifelong resident of Putnam County.
He was a member, deacon and former trustee of Fraziers Bottom Church of God and was retired from the state of West Virginia. He was a decorated veteran of the United States Army, having received the Purple Heart, and was a member of VFW Post 9097, Teays Valley, and Disabled American Veterans.
Surviving: wife, Irma Wilcoxen DeVore; sister, Betty Crist of Fraziers Bottom; brothers, Jack DeVore of Williamsport, Ohio, Carroll DeVore of Grove City, Ohio, and Donnie DeVore of Jacksonville, Florida; several nieces and nephews.
Service was held Tuesday, October 22, 2002, at Chapman Funeral Home, Teays Valley, with the Rev. Jerry Ranson officiating. Burial was in Evergreen Cemetery, Fraziers Bottom.
Sherry Lynn Simenson
Sherry Lynn Simenson, 43, of Milton, W.Va, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 16, at her residence. Funeral services were conducted Saturday, Oct. 19, 2002 at the Wallace Funeral Home and Chapel by Pastor Darrell Huffman. Burial in New Rockford, N.D. She was born May 6, 1959, in Omaha, Neb., a daughter of Virgil and Marlys Miller Berglund of Fargo, N.D. She was a member of New Life Church. She was preceded in death by one sister, Paulette Pease. She is survived by her husband, Todd Simensom one daughter and son-in-law, Sherilynn and Charlie See of Huntington; one son, Virgil Simenson of Fort Lewis, Wash; five sisters, Vicki Widner of West Fargo, N.D, Sarah Young and her husband Jason of Benson, Minn., Judy Kent and her husband Tom of Encino, Calif., Billie Schaff of Kent, Wash., and Cindy Siebold and her husband Steve of Warroad, Minn.; four brothers, Bill Berglund and his wife Rhonda of West Fargo, N.D., Lonnie Berglund of Grafton, N.D., Gordon Miller and his wife Sally of Omaha, Neb., and Don Cannon of Wichita, Kan.; several nieces and nephews.
Mary Alice Harless
Mary Alice Harless, 70, of Huntington, died Monday, Oct. 14, 2002, at home. Funeral services were conducted Thursday, Oct. 17, 2002, by the Rev. Arlie Johnson and Kelvin Ferguson at the Wallace Funeral Home and Chapel, Barboursville. Burial in Ridgelawn Memorial Park. She was born on Sept. 3, 1932, a daughter of the late Andy and Minnie Marshall Rowe. She was an employee of Chateau Grove Personal Care Home. She was preceded in death by a grandson, James Harless. She is survived by three daughters and one son-in-law, Barbara Harless of Huntington, Violet Harless of Florida and Lisa and Butch Mulcahy of Huntington; three sons and daughters-in-law, Jackie and Nancy Harless, Johnny and Phyllis Harless and Roger and Cyndi Harless, all of Huntington; four sisters; three brothers, 14 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Gerald L. Pariseau
Gerald L. Pariseau, 59, of Ona, W.Va., passed away Monday, Oct. 14, 2002, at his home. Funeral services were conducted at Friday, Oct. 18, 2002 at the Wallace Funeral Home and Chapel by Father Bert W. Valdes. Burial in Baylous Cemetery. He was born May 3, 1943, in Manchester, N.H., a son of the late Henry and Ellen Shea Pariseau. He was a U.S. Navy veteran. He is survived by his wife, Judith Preston Pariseau; one daughter, Michelle Rodriquez of Arlington, Va.; two sons, Steven Pariseau of Columbus, Ohio, and James Pariseau of Huntington; four sisters, four brothers and seven grandchildren.
Edith Virginia Adkins
Edith Virginia Adkins, 82, of Barboursville went to be with the Lord on Oct. 12, 2002, after a long illness. Funeral services were conducted at the Wallace Funeral Home and Chapel, Barboursville, on Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2002, by Pastor Jeff Sizemore and Minister Willie Purdee. Burial in Dial Cemetery, Branchland. She was born on March 15, 1920, in Lincoln County, a daughter of the late Blaine and Annie Sheets Abshire. She was a member of the Bloomingdale-Salem Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, Halleck W. Adkins; and one daughter, Janice Adkins; three grandchildren, Angela Adkins, David Massie and Dana Lawson. She is survived by eight children and spouses, Hilda Lawson and Gordie of Barboursville, Melba McCreery and Bill of Huntington, Halleck “Cappy” Adkins and Claudette of Salt Rock, Paul Adkins and Jenny of West Hamlin, Doug Adkins and Martha of West Hamlin, Gary Adkins and Betty of Branchland, Lois Morrison and Greg of Barboursville, Roger Adkins and Terrie of Tipp City, Ohio; one sister, Ethel Frye of Branchland; and one brother, Charles Abshire of Ona. Edith leaves behind 19 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren.
Timothy W. Jones
Timothy Wayne “Timbo” Jones, 43, of Eleanor died October 3, 2002 at home.
He was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Bancroft, and was a nine-year employee of Pepsi Bottling, Nitro. He was a member of International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local Union No. 175, and the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society.
Surviving: parents, Clyde “Bud” and Marilyn Jones of Eleanor; sister, Debra Hodges of Red House; brothers, Daniel R. Jones of Milam, Texas and Paul Michael Jones of St. Albans; niece, Melissa Jones of Eleanor; nephews, Seth and Jordan Hodges of Midway.
Service was held Monday, October 7, 2002, at Chapman Funeral Home, Teays Valley, with Father Patrick M. McDonough officiating. Burial was in Beech Grove Cemetery, Eleanor.
Robert L. Oates
Robert L. “Bob” Oates, 61, of Scott Depot died Wednesday, October 2, 2002, in CAMC Memorial Hospital, Charleston.
He was born January 29, 1941 in Philadelphia, the son of the late Ted and Emma Oates. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Charles Oates of Cleveland, Ohio.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Army 101st Airborne Division and was retired from the Federal Highways Administration as a financial manager with 31 years of service. He was an avid Jaguar enthusiast and has restored several Jaguars of the 1950’s era. He attended Bethel Church in Smithers.
Surviving: wife, Bobbi; sister and brother-in-law, Becky and Mark Moreno of Palm Desert, California; stepson, Bill Watts of Kimberly; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Allan and Jo Workman of Kimberly; nieces and nephews, Amie Moreno of Boston, Tony Moreno of Boston, Karen and Bob Bragg of South Charleston, Amy and Darin Affolter of Mineral Wells; great-nieces, Aubrie and Karoline Affolter; great-nephews, Conner Bragg and Steffan Affolter; several cousins and a host of wonderful friends.
Service was held Monday, October 7, 2002, at O’Dell Funeral Home, Montgomery, with the Rev. Claude R. Miller and the Rev. Bill Smith officiating. Burial was in Montgomery Memorial Park, London.
Rebecca W. Powers
Rebecca W. Hayes Powers, 63, of Hurricane died October 3, 2002, in Thomas Memorial Hospital after a long illness.
She was a lifelong member of Hurricane First Church of the Nazarene, where she was a former choir director/song leader, served on the church board for several years, and was a avid softball player with the church league. She was a former designer with Hurricane Floral, worked as a tell with Huntington Federal Savings and Loan and a loan officer with united Financial Services. She loved the outdoors, painting and singing.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Lee Powers, her parents, John Lacy and Wilda Lucille Boso Hayes.
Surviving: daughters, Darnitta J. “Dee” Elswick of Scott Depot and Nora C. “Christy” Powers of Hurricane; brothers and sisters-in-law, Harry Lacy and Joyce Hayes of North Ridgeville, Ohio, John “Dennie” Hayes, Donald R. and Jackie Hayes and Ronald J. and Sherry Hayes, all of Hurricane, and Jackie Powers of Scott Depot; grandchildren, Tonya, Cathy, Ron and ReNay; three great-grandchildren; eight nephews; two nieces.
Service was held Monday, October 7, 2002, at First Church of the Nazarene, Hurricane with the Rev. Phillip Bower, the Rev. James C. Baker and the Rev. Patrick McGue officiating. Burial was in White Chapel Memorial Gardens, Barboursville. Chapman Funeral Home, Teays Valley, was in charge of arrangements. The family suggests memorial donations be made to Hurricane First Church of the Nazarene Building Fund, PO Box 486, Hurricane WV 25526.
Mildred A. Racer
Mildred Ann “Mickey” Racer, 62, of Hurricane died October 4, 2002, in Thomas Memorial Hospital after a sudden illness.
She was a lifelong resident of Putnam County, a homemaker and a Christian.
Surviving: husband of 42 years, Roger Racer; sons, Adam W. Racer of St. Albans and Harold “Boodle” Racer of South Charleston; sisters, Lois L. Nelson of Columbus, Lynn Hensley of Winfield, and Joyce McCallister of Jackson, Tennessee; brothers, Dan O. Carpenter of Phoenix, Arizona and Larry C. Carpenter of Scott Depot; grandson, Wade Racer of St. Albans.
Graveside service was held Sunday, October 6, 2002, at Young Cemetery, Hurricane, with the Rev. Fred McCallister officiating. Bartlett-Chapman Funeral Home, St. Albans, was in charge of arrangements.
Eugene Starcher
Eugene Starcher, 89, of Poca, formerly of Arnoldsburg, died Thursday, October 3, 2002, in Putnam General Hospital after suffering a stroke.
Born May 7, 1913, he was a son of the late J.Y. and Myrtle Westfall Starcher. He lived most of his life in Arnoldsburg until his retirement. He was involved in timbering, farming and was retired from the West Virginia Department of Highways.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Ruth Sturm Starcher, a brother, Seldon Starcher, and two sisters, Fay Cox and Mattie Vineyard.
Surviving: daughter and son-in-law, Sandra and Joe Lancaster of Grantsville; son and daughter-in-law, Joe and Phyllis Starcher of Poca; brother, Charles Knotts of Bickmore; grandson and his wife, Gregory S. and Traci Lancaster; great-grandsons, Kaden Scott and Jacob Lee of Elizabeth; grandson and his wife, Kyle P. and Tracy Lancaster and great-granddaughter, Addison Marie of Arnoldsburg; grandson, Kevin P. Lancaster of Grantsville; granddaughters and husband, Julie Christine and Philip Garlow and great-grandson, Philip Joseph of Poca; grandson and his wife, John Eugene and Pam Starcher and great-grandson, Joshua Peyton of Woodlawn, Tennessee; numerous nieces and nephews.
Service was held Sunday, October 6, 2002, at Stump Funeral Home, Arnoldsburg, with Tim Davis officiating. Burial was in Sturm Cemetery, Millstone.
Mabel E. Warner
Mabel E. Warner, 86, of Hurricane died October 4, 2002, at her home following a long illness.
She was a homemaker, a seven-year resident of Hurricane and a native of Kanawha County. She was a 60-year member of the Cross Lanes United Methodist Church and a member of the United Methodist Women and a charter member of the Elizabeth Circle. She was also a member of D.A.R., the Cross Lanes Happy Seniors, and a former treasurer of the Tyler Mountain Volunteer Fire Department and a former aide at Pointe Harmony Elementary School, Cross Lanes.
Surviving: husband of 67 yeas, William E. Warner of Hurricane; daughter, Nancy Austin of Hurricane; son, William R. “Bill” Warner of Micco, Florida; sisters, Dora Coiner of St. Albans; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild.
Service was held Sunday, October 6, 2002, at Cross Lanes United Methodist Church with the Rev. Nat Turner Lacy and the Rev. George Webb officiating. Burial was in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans. Cooke Funeral Home, Nitro, was in charge of arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to Cross Lanes United Methodist Church Building Fund, 5320 Frontier Drive, Cross Lanes WV 25313.
