Sammy D. Ashworth
Sammy D. Ashworth, 54, of Milton passed away Monday, January 6, 2003, in the VA Medical Center. Funeral services were conducted 1 p.m. Thursday, January 9, 2003, at Heck Funeral Home Milton with Pastor Paul Meadows officiating. Burial in White Chapel Memorial Gardens, Barboursville, with military graveside rites by American Legion Post 139, Milton. He was born December 5, 1948, a son of the late Fleetis and Stella Rolfe Ashworth. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Don “Diesel’ Ashworth. He was a former welder for American Car Foundry. He was a member of the American Legion Post 139 Milton and VFW Post 9738 Guyandotte. He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Raymond G. and Jerry Ashworth of Milton; one sister and brother-in-law, Joyce and Ernest “Jay’ Bevins of Louisa, Ky.; eight nieces and nephews, Charles Ashworth, Timmy Ashworth, Kelly Linville, Kathy Martin, Donna Clagg, Billie Jean Fisher, Jamie Bevins and Cindy Bowen; and two very special friends, Denzil Owens and Sam Markins. Heck Funeral Home, Milton, was in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.heckfuneralhome.net.
Leslie Allen Jordan
Leslie Allen Jordan, 44, of Barboursville, W.Va., went to be with our Lord and his brother, on Monday, January 6, 2003, at residence. Funeral services were conducted 2 pm Friday, January 10 2003, at Chapman’s Mortuary Huntington, with Pastor Jerry Warren officiating. Burial in Ridgelawn Memorial Park, Huntington. He was born November 11, 1958, in Huntington, a son of Billy Mack and Carol Betts Jordan of Huntington. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps where he was taught his vocation as a machinist and was honorably discharged as a sergeant. He was preceded in death by his brother, Gregory Lee Jordan and maternal grandfather, Emery Snider. In addition to his parents, survivors include his wife, Cheryl Lusher Jordan; four sons and a daughter-in-law, Jonathan and Meagan Strong of Barboursville, Alan Strong, Adam Strong, and Steven Strong, all at home; a daughter, Sabrina Strong of Barboursville; a grandson, Caleb Bryant; his paternal grandparents, Mack and Lucille Jordan of Huntington; his maternal grandmother, Evelyn Snider of Barboursville; a sister and brother-in-law, Kimberly and John Hathaway of Willow Wood, Ohio; a brother and sister-in-law, Bobby Mack and Mona Jordan of Huntington; a niece and nephew that he was a father to, Ashley Marker and Todd Jordan Ward; and a special aunt, Melissa Ross of Ceredo, W.Va. Chapman’s Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.
Allen Deron Harper
Allen Deron Harper, 54, of Culloden died Jan. 7, 2003, at home after a sudden illness. Allen was a Putnam County bus driver with six years service and was a former employee of Mine Safety Appliances, Dunbar, for 17 years. He was a 40-year member of the American Bowling Congress (ABC) and bowled with the Dunbar Business League at Dunbar Lanes and the Mountaineer League at Venture Lanes, St. Albans. He was an Air Force veteran, serving in Vietnam. Allen was formerly associated with Hurricane Little League and the Hurricane Band Boosters. He was an avid golfer and Mountaineer fan. He was a 1966 graduate of Stonewall Jackson High School, where he was a member of the marching band. He had received an associates degree from NIT and was a Baptist. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Nellie Pickering Harper; brother, Robert K. Harper. He is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Marsha Lynn Davis Harper; son, Allen Deron Harper II of Culloden; daughter, Crystal Dawn Harper, a student at WVU; sisters, Alice Faye Bibbee of St. Albans, Anita Kay Stover of Lillington N.C.; mother-in-law, Mert Davis of Hurricane; loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and a host of friends and family. Services were held 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 10, at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane, with James McGehee and Tony Stowers officiating. Burial will be in Forest Memorial Park, Milton, with military graveside rites conducted by VFW Bennie Padil Post 4768, Alum Creek. Condolences may be sent to chapmanfuneral home@charter.net.
Lura H. Parsons Cook
Lura H. Parsons Cook, 85, of Eleanor passes away Jan. 10, 2003, in Putnam General Hospital following a short illness.
She was a homemaker and a member of First Baptist Church of Eleanor.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John D. Cook; a great-granddaughter, Katie Crawford; four sisters and two brothers.
Survivors include a daughter and her husband, Jo Ann and Jim Hudson of Parkersburg; sons and their wives, Daniel L. and Clara Cook and Keith A. and Mary Cook, all of Eleanor; seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Services were conducted Tuesday, Jan. 14, at Raynes Funeral Home, Buffalo, with the Rev. David Panaro Sr. officiating. Burial in Beech Grove Cemetery, Eleanor.
Roy L. “Smitty” Smith
Roy L. “Smitty” Smith, 68, of Proctorville, Ohio, passed away Wednesday, January 8, 2003, in St. Mary’s Medical Center. He was born August 31, 1934, in Cabell County, W.Va., a son of the late Carter Joseph and Rosamond Edmonds Smith. He was also preceded in his death by his sister Vivian Peyton and four brothers, Mark, Henry, Wilson and Ellis Smith. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 25 years Helen Smith; one son, Michael and Autumn Smith of Proctorville; three daughters, Janet and Darrell Turley of Proctorville, Angela Smith at home, and Rita and Anthony Berman of Florida; three brothers, Carter Smith, Jr. of Milton, Gary Smith of Lucoma, N.C., and Don Smith of Milton; three sisters, Alma Chapman of Milton, Velma Auffant of Sarasota, Fla., and Mary Hurt of Punta Gorda, Fla.; seven grandchildren, Daryl Turley, Bethanie, Ashton, Chance, Katilym and Makenzie Smith, all of Proctorville and Antonia Berman of Florida; a host of nieces and nephews. He was retired from the maintenance department of Techneglas, a former employee of Kerr Glass and was employed with Pinkerton Security. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran of the Korean Conflict, where he was a gunner. He was a member of the Ralph R. Rickly Masonic Lodge 670 F&AM, Columbus, Ohio. He was a member of the Scottish Rite Lodge Council Chapter Consistory Valley of Columbus. Funeral service were conducted Friday, January 10, 2003, at Heck Funeral Home, Milton, with the Rev. Forrest Cummings officiating. Burial in Templeton Cemetery, Milton. He was a loving husband and father who will be greatly missed by all that knew him. Condolences may be sent online at www.heckfuneralhome.net.
Donald Lee Wilson
Donald Lee Wilson, 65, of Barboursville, passed away Wednesday, January 8, 2003. Funeral services were conducted Saturday, January 8, 2003, at the Wallace Funeral Home and Chapel, Barboursville, by the Rev. Richard Black. Burial in Green Valley. He was born October 4, 1937, in Ona, a son of the late Rev. Hallie “Shorty” and Rosie Booth Wilson. He is survived by two sisters and brothers-in-law, Melinda and Tracey Sowards of Barboursville and Thelma Louise and Oscar Demspey of Ona; one brother and sister-in-law, Marvin and Carol Wilson of Seattle, Wash.; and a host of friends at Green Acres Regional Center. Wallace Funeral Home and Chapel, Barboursville, was in charge of arrangements.
Gordon L. Black
Gordon Lee Black, 76, of Milton, passed away Tuesday, January 7, 2003 in Putnam General Hospital. Graveside service were conducted Friday, January 10, 2003 at White Chapel Memorial Gardens, Barboursville, with Rev. George Surgeon officiating. He was born March 13, 1926 in Milton, WV a son of the late Elisha W. and Ethel Jenkins Black. He was also preceded in his death by two brothers, Henry Black and Roy Black. He was retired from the general maintenance department of Marshall University. He is survived by his wife, Ircyl Meadows Black; one sister, Laura Mount of Glenwood; two brothers, Charles Black of Ona and Wesley Black of Lesage; special nieces and nephews, Dylan Black, Fallon Black, and Charles Ashworth. Heck Funeral Home, Milton was in charge of the arrangements.
Howard Daniel Peyton
Howard Daniel Peyton, 81, of Ormond Beach, Fla., formerly of Milton, went home to be with the Lord Wednesday, Jan 8, 2003, in Florida Hospital, Ormond Beach, Fla. Graveside service was conducted Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2003, in Toney Hill Cemetery, Milton with the Rev. Chelcie Gilson officiating. He was born Dec. 15, 1921, in Milton, a son of the late Charles R. and Mary Conrad Peyton. He also was preceded in death by his wife, Geraldine. He was a construction field supervisor. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force during World War II, where he served with the 4117 8th Army. He was a member of Chestnut Grove Baptist Church, Milton and a member of the Ohio Carpenters Union. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Howard M. and Sandra Peyton of Ormond Beach, Fla.; two brothers, Dallas E. Peyton of Orlando, Fla. and Charles Peyton Jr. of Milton; a sister, Jean Bays of Wildwood, Fla.; and one granddaughter, Tammy Michelle Fitzgerald. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent to the American Cancer Society. Heck Funeral Home, Milton was in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.heckfuneralhome.net
Ronald Martin Skaggs Sr
Ronald Martin Skagg Sr., 67, of passed away Saturday, Jan. 11, 2003. Mausoleum chapel service was conducted Sunday, Jan 12, 2003, in Ridgelawn Abbey of Devotion by Elder Andrew Hunt. He was born Aug. 6, 1935, in Huntington, a son of the late Carl Martin Skaggs and Christina Stevens Skaggs. He was retired from the Cabell County Board of Education and was a member of the congregation of Jehovah Witnesses. He also was preceded in death by a sister, Rose Fudge. He is survived by his wife, Julia Bowden Skaggs; one daughter Pamela Ruth Rogers of Wellston Ohio; five sons, Ronald Martin Skaggs Jr. and his wife, Carol, Edward Skaggs and Mark Skaggs and his wife, Lisa, all of Barboursville; four sisters, Rhonda Waggoner, Roberta Thompson, Rebecca Bowden and her husband, Lonnie, and Ruth Rivers and her husband, John; four brothers, Roger Skaggs and his wife Nancy, Robert Skaggs and his wife, Kathy, Rodney Skaggs and Ramon Skaggs; nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, contributions many be made to Hospice of Huntington. Wallace Funeral Home, Barboursville, was in charge of arrangements.
Norman “Cookie” “The Bug Man” Howell
Mr. Norman Howell, 79, of Huntington left to be with the Lord and his beloved wife, Marshlene Howell, Friday, January 10, 2003, in St. Mary’s Medical Center. Funeral services were conducted Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2003, at Chapman’s Mortuary, with Pastor Don Napier officiating. Burial with military graveside rites conducted by VFW Post #1064 were conducted in White Chapel Memorial Gardens. He was born March 27, 1923, in Cabell County, a son of the late Clifton and Clara May Howell. He was a member of Hand of God United Baptist Church. He was a U.S. Navy veteran, who served in World War II aboard the USS Sumter, where he participated in five separate invasions. He was a retired machinist with the former ACME Company. He also worked on the Red Cross Disaster Team. He is survived by a daughter, Wanda Perkins of Huntington; a special grandson, Daniel G. Johnson of Huntington; a granddaughter, Drema Smith of Huntington; a brother, Clyde Howell of Florida; a niece, Patty Mott of Florida; two additional granddaughters; six grandsons; and several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Bonnie Guinn
Bonnie Guinn, 86, of Salt Rock, W.Va., passed away Sunday, January 5, 2003, at St. Mary’s Medical Center. Graveside services were conducted Tuesday, January 7, 2003, at White Chapel Memorial Gardens by Pastor Bill Cassady. She was born July 26, 1916, in Chickasha, Okla., a daughter of the late Joe D. and Sallie Scurlock Smith. She was a member of Chesapeake Christian Church and was preceded in death by her husband, Fletcher Guinn. She is survived by one daughter, Linda Bledsoe of Salt Rock; two sons, Wayne Guinn of California and Richard Guinn of Gray, Tenn.; five grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. Wallace Funeral Home, Barboursville, was in charge of arrangements.
Wanda Rogers
Wanda Rogers, 63, of Scott Depot died December 27, 2002, in CAMC General Hospital.
She was co-owner of Rogers Auto Options and was a former secretary for the West Virginia Building & Trades Association. She was a member of First Church United Methodist, Dunbar.
Surviving: husband, Forest “Pete” Rogers; sons, Forest Rogers Jr. of Hurricane and Charles Rogers of Scott Depot; daughter, Carol Nutter of Hurricane; mother, Ethel Avalee Riffee of Scott Depot; sister, Nancy Murphy of Mesa, Arizona; two grandchildren.
Service was held Tuesday, December 31, 2002, at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar, with Pastor John A. Mason officiating. Burial was in Valley View Cemetery, Hurricane.
Danny Carl Chaney
Danny Carl Chaney, 44, of St. Albans died December 26, 2002, in the M.D. Anderson Center, Houston, Texas.
He was a member of Bancroft Church of God Mission and a former construction worker.
Surviving: wife, Debbie Wilkinson Chaney; parents, Ralph and Rose Chaney of Proadus, Montana; paternal grandmother, Emily Chaney of St. Albans; sister, Joyce Haverty of Nitro; brother, Dave Chaney of Miles City, Montana; father-in-law, Bob Wilkinson and wife, Carol, of Cross Lanes; mother-in-law, Carolyn Hedrick and husband, John, of Napier; six nieces and nephews.
A memorial service was held Monday, December 30, 2002, at Bancroft Church of God Mission, with Pastor John Taylor officiating. Gatens Funeral Home, Poca, was in charge of arrangements.
Memorial donations may be sent to the United Way, One United Way Square, Charleston WV 25301.
William Acel Warner
William Acel “Red” Warner, 85, of Poca died December 27, 2002, in Thomas Memorial Hospital following a long illness.
He was a member of Dunbar Mountain Mission and was retired from the city of Dunbar.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Brenda Joyce Morris, and grandson, Brian Ray Lindsey.
Surviving: wife, Frances Elizabeth Warner; sons, Jerry Warner of Lewisburg and Tyke Warner of Poca; daughters, Barbara Lynn Pauley of Charleston and Jeannie Lindsey of Poca; sisters, Letha Harris of Baltimore, Maryland and Geneva Fagan of Goshen, Ohio; 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Service was held Monday, December 30, 2002, at Dunbar Mountain Mission with the Rev. Billy Lucas and the Rev. Mike Harper officiating. Burial was in Grandview Memorial Park, Dunbar. Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar, was in charge of arrangements.
Kathryn R. Hodges
Kathryn “Kitty” Raines Hodges died December 30, 2002, in Hubbard Hospice House, Charleston, after a battle with cancer.
She was born August 22, 1932 at harmony, Roane County, the eldest of five children born to Cecil and Opal Hunt Raines.
She was a graduate of Walton High School and Glenville State College, earned a master’s degree from West Virginia University and did further post-graduate work at the College of Graduate Studies.
She taught high school English, history and social studies in Roane, Kanawha and Putnam counties for 42 years, 37 years were spent at Poca High School. She also taught classed at the West Virginia State Police Academy and at West Virginia State College.
She strived to be a positive influence on the young people of Putnam County. Her greatest pleasures were in watching her former students develop successful careers and become productive citizens.
She was an active member of the American Federation of Teaches and a member and past regent of the Vandalia Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was also a member of the American Association of University Women and a former member of the Cross Lanes Women’s Club.
She was a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Nitro.
Surviving: husband, Robert Allen Hodges; son, Robert Lewis Hodges of Riverside, New Jersey; daughters, Allyson Owens of Nitro and Linda Paren of Baltimore, Maryland; brothers and sisters, Rodney K. Raines of Eaglewood, Ohio, Karen Waldo of Martinsburg, Rebecca Kniceley of Alexandra, Virginia, and Leslie Barbrow of Centreville, Virginia; five grandchildren, Alexandra Criner of Nitro, Rebecca Hodges of Los Angeles, California, Kathryn E. Lilly of Cross Lanes, Joseph and Mary Kate Paren of Baltimore.
Service was held Thursday, January 2, 2003, at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church with Dr. Okey B. Harless officiating. Burial was in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens, Cross Lanes. Cooke Funeral Home, Nitro, was in charge of arrangements
Edith Upton Bailey
Edith Upton Bailey, 94, of Hurricane died December 31, 2002, in Morris Memorial Nursing Home, Milton.
She was a retired supervisor for New Jersey State Hospital and owner/operator of Bailey’s Truck Stop and Restaurant.
Surviving: daughter and son-in-law, Sadie and Samuel E. Ashworth of Hurricane; grandsons, Bill and Katherine Ashworth of Scott Depot, Steven and Donna Ashworth of Nashville, Tennessee; five great-grandchildren.
Service was held Friday, January 3, 2003, at Cunningham Memorial Park Upper Mausoleum Chapel, St. Albans, with Pastor Paul Romine officiating. Burial was in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans. Casdorph & Curry Funeral Home, St. Albans, was in charge of arrangements.
Joseph Lee Nelon Jr.
Baby boy, Joseph Lee Nelon Jr., died at Women and Children’s Hospital on December 30, 2002.
He is survived by his parents, Joseph and Kimberly Dawn Nelon of Winfield; sisters, Amanda Dawn and Allison Nichole; maternal grandparents, Paul and Judy Stewart of Dunbar; paternal grandparents, Claude and Lillian Nelon of Hurricane, James and Linda Smith of South Charleston.
A private graveside service was held Thursday, January 2, 2003, at Spring Hill Cemetery, Huntington. Barlow-Bonsall Funeral Home, Charleston, was in charge of arrangements.
Robert I. Thomas
Robert Irvin “Shorty Bob” Thomas, 76, of Scott Depot died January 1, 2003 at home after a long illness.
He was a member of the Good Shepherd Southern Baptist Church, Scott Depot, where was a choir member. He had attended Apollo Beach Baptist Church in Florida while living in Ruskin, Florida for 12 years.
He retired from FMC Corp., South Charleston Plant, with 23 years of service. Before beginning employment at FMC, he worked at Owens-Illinois for 18 years.
Bob and his family and friends enjoyed many years of camping at Westvaco Sportsman’s Club. As a youth, he attained the rank of Eagle Scout. Bob and his sons were active scout members in St. Albans, where he served as scoutmaster for several years. He was an active member of the Ownizd Club.
He was born August 25, 1926 in Thacker, son of the late Robert Floyd and Dora Lee Harris Thomas. He was also preceded in death by his sisters, Ruth McClain, Dreama Hartwell and Rosa Lee Edwards, and brother, Kenneth Thomas.
Surviving: wife of 57 years, Margaret Edwards Thomas; daughters, Karen Hodges of Scott Depot and Donetta Thomas of Charleston; sons, Robert Randall Thomas of Logan and Roger Allan Thomas of Huntington; 12 grandchildren, including his beloved buddy, Jacob Mason Thomas, and eight great-grandchildren.
Service was held Friday, January 3, 2003, at Good Shepherd Southern Baptist Church with Pastor Ken Stidham officiating. Burial was in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans. Chapman Funeral Home, Teays Valley, was in charge of arrangements.
The family suggests memorial donations to Kanawha Hospice Care, 1143 Dunbar Avenue, Dunbar WV 25064, and they would like to extend a special thank you to Kanawha Hospice Care for all their help and support.
Owen Michael Grady
Owen Michael Grady died Tuesday, December 31, 2002, at Cabell Huntington Hospital.
Surviving; parents, Michael and Deanna Bailes Grady of Leon; sisters, Conner and Hannah Grady, both at home; paternal grandparents, Beldon and Cecelia Grady of Leon; maternal grandparents, Carl and Sharon Bailes of Leon; paternal great-grandmother, Theda Self of Houston, Texas; maternal great-grandmother, Agnes Jackson of Lewiston, Michigan; aunts, Teresa Bonecutter of Leon, Angie Hill of Leon, Teresa Withrow of Winfield, DeeDee Smith of Leon, Heather Bailes of Eleanor, Chrissy Grady of Leon, Shannon Grady of Leon, and LeeAnn Grady of Pt. Pleasant; uncles, David Bailes of Eleanor, Johnny Bonecutter of Leon, Jeff Withrow of Winfield, Brian Smith of Leon, Jack Grady of Leon, Kenny Grady of Teays Valley, and Rick Grady of Leon.
Service was held Saturday, January 4, 2003, at Raynes Funeral Home, Buffalo, with Pastor Adam Null and Pastor Randy Parsons officiating. Burial was in the Craig Cemetery, Grimms Landing.
