William R. Chapman
William Russell Chapman, 88, of Hurricane died May 8, 2003, at home after an extended illness.
Bill was retired from the Putnam County Board of Education. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II and was a member of Teays Valley VFW Post No. 9097. He was a lifelong resident of Putnam County.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clayton and Mattie Wright Chapman, brothers, Lawrence, Lee, Clayton and Raymond Chapman, and sister, Garnet Dudley.
Surviving: wife, Opal Louise Bird Chapman; sons, William “Rick” Chapman of Hurricane and James R. “Jimmy” Hunt of Charleston; daughters, Patricia “Patty” Bednarczuk, Wanda Smith and Mary Lou Smith, all of Cincinnati; grandson, Tommy Lee Chapman of Hurricane; sisters, Bernice MacCleary of Hurricane, Opal Fought of Barboursville and Eleanor Richie of Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Service was held Sunday, May 11, 2003, at Chapman Funeral Home, Teays Valley, with the Rev. Mark Hesson and the Rev. Phillip Bower officiating. Burial was in Mount Vernon Cemetery, Hurricane.
The family suggests memorial donations be made to Kanawha Hospice Care Inc., 1143 Dunbar Avenue, Dunbar WV 25064.
Morton Griffith Jr.
Morton “Pal” A. Griffith Jr., 75, of Scott Depot, formerly of Sod, died May 8, 2003, at Hubbard Hospice House, Charleston, after an extended illness.
He was preceded in death by his son, Dana Griffith.
Surviving: daughter, Jo Ellen of Boback, Pennsylvania; grandson, Tyson Paugh of Barboursville; several nieces and nephews; and many good friends.
There was no service. Cremation is planned and burial will follow in Lively Cemetery, Sod, as requested by Morton. Curry Funeral Home, Alum Creek, was in charge of arrangements.
Memorial donations may be made to Hubbard Hospice House, 1001 Kennawa Drive, Charleston WV 25311.
Beatrice Ann Allen
Beatrice Ann Allen, 60, of Barboursville passed away Thursday, May 8, 2003. Funeral services were conducted Saturday, May 10, 2003 at the Wallace Funeral Home and Chapel by the Rev. Fred Anderson. Burial in the Woods Family Cemetery. She was born January 10, 1943, in Cabell County, a daughter of the late William and Bessie Porter Woods. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Druary “Dee” Allen. She is survived by one daughter, Cheryl Ashworth and one son, Roy Bills, both of Barboursville; one sister, Freda Short of Milton; and five grandchildren, Roy Lee Bills Jr., Robert L. Floyd II, Jenna Rose Floyd, Jared Michael Bills and Marina Renee Bills. Wallace Funeral Home, Barboursville, was in charge of arrangements.
Ivan Harding
Ivan Harding of Milton died Saturday, May 9, 2003. Funeral services were conducted Wednesday, May 14, 2003 at Wallace Funeral Home, Milton; burial in Forest Memorial Park, Milton. Wallace Funeral Home, Milton, was in charge of arrangements.
Elsie Mae Collins
Elsie Mae Collins, 80, of Huntington, passed away Thursday, May 8, 2003, at her residence. Funeral services were conducted Sunday, May 11, 2003 at Henson Mortuary, with the Rev. Jamie Jobe officiating. Burial in White Chapel Memorial Gardens, Barboursville. She was born November 26, 1922, in Williamson, WV, daughter of the late Abel Reed and Norma Harris Reed. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Harold Collins in 2002, and two daughters, Sarah Emma Hicks and Julia Mae Collins. She was a homemaker and member of Lewis Memorial Baptist Church. She is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Brenda and Wondel Vance of Huntington; a son and daughter-in-law, the Rev. David and Roberta Collins of Huntington; a son-in-law, Paul Hicks of Barboursville; 15 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren and 17 great-great-grandchildren; six sisters, Emma Crum, Eloise Perry, Esta Reed and Jean Blevins, all of Huntington, Marcella Mays of Canton, Ohio and Joan McCoy of Florida; three brothers, Wayne, Jay and Bill Reed, all of Huntington; and a brother-in-law, Carroll Collins of Huntington. The family wishes to express their appreciation to Dr. Timothy Saxe and staff, and much thanks to Hospice of Huntington. Very special thanks to granddaughter Luella LeMaster for her loving care and devotion.
David Allen Johnson
David Allen Johnson, 41, of Barboursville died Thursday, May 8, 2003 in Cabell Huntington Hospital. Funeral services were conducted Saturday, May 10, 2003 at Chapman’s Mortuary, Huntington; burial in Dock’s Creek Cemetery, Kenova. He was a self employed mechanic. Survivors include a daughter, Heather Mills of Huntington; two sons, David Mills of Huntington and Jamie Smith of York, S.C.; four sisters, Nancy Johnson, Margaret Holland and Sarah Zirkle, all of Huntington and Barbara Blankenship of Barboursville; and two brothers, Gene Johnson and Benny Johnson, both of Huntington.
Carl R. “Paddle” McCallister
Carl R. “Paddle” McCallister, 69, of Milton” passed away Wednesday, May 7, 2003, at St. Mary’s Medical Center. Funeral services were conducted Saturday, May 10, 2003, at the Wallace Funeral Home and Chapel by Pastor Kevin Shull. Burial in Barker Ridge Cemetery. He was born November 30, 1933, in Cabell County, a son of the late Roland and Mamie Bledsoe McCallister. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Janet Clagg McCallister; two brothers and one sister. He was a retired employee of the city of Barboursville. He is survived by one son, Eddie McCallister of Milton; three sisters and one brother. Wallace Funeral Home, Barboursville, was in charge of arrangements.
William H. “Bill” Muth Jr.
William H. “Bill” Muth Jr., 85, of Huntington, W.Va., husband of Jane Klein Muth his loving wife of 65 years, died Sunday, April 27, 2003, in St. Mary’s Medical Center. Bill will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband and father of 12 children, who will miss him greatly. He was born on October 19, 1917, in Pikeville, Ky, a son of the late Garnet and William H. Muth Sr. Bill was preceded in death by one brother, Jack Muth, and two sisters, Joan Karle and Jean Muth. He is survived by his wife and their children and spouses including, Bill and Judy Muth, Mike and Cokey Muth, Tim and Susan Muth and Dick and Kit Muth, all of Huntington, Fred and Cathy Muth of Bluefield, W.Va., Steve and Chris Muth of Henderson, Nev., Jerry and Lisa Muth of Cincinnati, Ohio, Tom and Sally Muth of Atlanta, Ga., Mary Jane Muth of Milwaukee, Wis., Pete and Margaret Muth, Jeff and Susie Smith and John and Jeannie Bauer, all of Huntington; 30 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mary Muth and Kathryn Krupp; and three brothers, Jimmy Muth, Dan Muth and David Muth; along with a host of other relatives and friends. Bill was a master Lumber Inspector and was the founder and president of Muth Lumber Company until his retirement in 1984, after which he continued as a mentor and consultant until his death. Bill is remembered as a man of integrity and humor who was always straightforward. He was most proud of his family and he especially enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was actively involved at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and in the St. Joseph High School Athletic Program during his children’s youth. At that time he was also instrumental in the development of the Huntington Little League program. He was a long-standing member of The Sierra Club, The Appalachian Hardwood Association and the Guyan Golf and Country Club. Funeral services were held Wednesday, April 30, 2003, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Huntington; burial in Forest Lawn Memorial Park. Pallbearers were grandchildren, Joe Muth, Jeff Muth, Matt and Mark Muth, Nathan and Adam Muth, Jeff and Alex Smith, Janie Powell, Pete Muth and Robbie Muth. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church or the St. Joseph Catholic schools. Beard Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.
Mary Hazel Davis
Mary Hazel Davis, 92, of Culloden, widow of Pete Davis, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, April 28, 2003, at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Bertha and Jack Sowards. Funeral services were conducted Wednesday, April 30, 2003, at Sousanah Freewill Baptist Church, with the Rev. Junior Smith and the Rev Caudle Adkins officiating. She was born October 29, 1910, a daughter of the late L.A. and Sally McCallister. She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Ruby Porter; a grandson, Larry Porter; two sisters, Sena Berry and Mamye Sargent; two brothers, Ronnie and Hershey McCallister. Hazel was a member of the Sousanah Freewill Baptist Church and the Order of the Eastern Star, Hurricane. She is survived by a brother, Hobert McCallister of Texas; 10 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Heck Funeral Home, Milton, was in charge of arrangements.
Reba E. Sergent
Reba E. Thompson Sergent, 82, of Hurricane died April 27, 2003, at home after a long illness.
Preceding her in death were her husband, Noral D. Thompson, parents, Olva and Bessie Young, and children, John Douglas and Glenda Lynn.
Surviving: husband, Charles Sergent; children, Helen, Katherine, Doris, Russell, Sue, Wilina, Lester, Thomas, Lyndia and Noreen; 24 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; five sisters.
Service was held Wednesday, April 30, 2003, at Allen Funeral Home, Hurricane, with the Rev. Gerry White officiating. Burial was in Culloden Cemetery.
Michael D. Barnett
Michael David Barnett, 48, of Hurricane, formerly of Jackson County, died April 26, 2003, of injuries received in an auto accident.
He was born July 18, 1954 in Charleston, the son of Freda Mae Southall Barnett and the late Parvin B. Barnett. He was also preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Arch and Marvella Barnett, and his maternal grandparents, Clarence and Chloie Southall.
He was a self-employed electrician, owner and operator of Hot Wire Construction Company, a Marine Corps veteran and a Protestant.
Surviving in addition to his mother: wife, Malinda Kay Crow Barnett; stepdaughter, Sara Nichole Barnett Aguero of Ripley; brother, Eugene Barnett of Evans; two stepgrandchildren.
Service was held Wednesday, April 30, 2003, at Casto Funeral Home, Evans, with the Rev. Sidney Warner officiating. Burial was in Given Cemetery.
Corinne Hill
Corinne Allen Hill, 81, died April 27, 2003 in Broadmore Assisted Living, Scott Depot.
She was born July 15, 1921 in Columbus, Ohio, the daughter of the late John Alban and Ruth Clark Allen. She was married in September 1938 in Louisa, Kentucky to Lon Clay Hill, who preceded her in death on October 5, 2000.
She was a 1938 graduate of Westtown Friends School in Pennsylvania and from Marshall University at the age of 58.
Surviving: children, Lon Clay Hill Jr. of Miramar, Florida, John Alban Hill of Lake City, Florida, Joseph Davidson Hill of Batavia, Ohio, Thomas Clark Hill of Cincinnati, Ohio, Florence Allen Hill McNeely of Scott Depot, and James Edward Hill of Huntington; grandchildren, Jeremiah Suti Hill, John Carter Jarrell, Jason Louchery Hill, Duncan Lambert Hill, Larry Clay McNeely II, Corinne Elizabeth McNeely, Mary Katherine McNeely, Aaron Lon Hill and Ethan James Hill.
Graveside service was held Thursday, May 1, 2003, in Richmond Memorial Cemetery, Prestonsburg, Kentucky. Carter Funeral Home, Prestonsburg, was in charge of arrangements.
Basil Allen
Basil Allen, 65, of Poca died April 29, 2003 in Putnam General Hospital.
He worked construction and attended Lett Creek Community Church.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Donald Allen.
Surviving: his children whom he loved dearly, Basil Allen Jr., Matt Allen, Mary Allen, Jessica Allen and Lucas Allen; stepchildren, Mark Meadows, Julie Johnson and Jerry Meadows; sister, Eve Kimley of Philadelphia; brother, Luther Allen of Cottageville; five step-grandchildren.
Service was held Friday, May 2, 2003, at Gatens Funeral Home, Poca, with Pastors John Taylor and John McCoy officiating. Burial was in Old Muck Cemetery, Heizer Creek, Poca.
Memorial donations may be made to the family of Basil Allen, c/o Gatens Funeral Home, P.O. Box 2, Poca WV 25159.
Frankie E. Holestine
Frankie E. “Buddie” Holestine, 69, of Scott Depot died April 29, 2003, at Holzer Medical Center, Gallipolis, Ohio, after a long illness.
He was a grounds maintenance worker at Sunset Memorial Park, South Charleston, attended Touching Jesus Ministries, Alum Creek, and was an Army veteran of the Korean War.
Surviving: wife, Charlotte; sons, Frankie Jr., David Wayne and Bronson, all of Alum Creek, and Ralph of Scott Depot; daughters, Pamela Pratt and Tamela Means, both of Alum Creek; brother, Donald Bronson Holestine of Ohio; sisters, Elenore Jean Midkiff of North Carolina and Nancy Sue Turley of Pennsylvania; half sister, Zela Danewood of North Carolina; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren.
Service was held Saturday, May 3, 2003, at Curry Funeral Home, Alum Creek, with Pastor Frank Chapman officiating. Entombment will be in Graceland Memorial Park Mausoleum, South Charleston, with military graveside rites conducted by Benny Padilla VFW Post 4768.
Janice Lou Hudson
Janice Lou Hudson, 61, of Hurricane died April 30, 2003.
Service was held Saturday, May 3, 2003, at Koontz Funeral Home, Hamlin.
John J. Mattea
John Joseph Mattea, 82, of Cross Lanes died after a long battle with cancer.
He was born June 2, 1920 in Smithers to the late Carlo and Antonia Mattea. He was also preceded in death by sisters, Kathleen Mattea, Julia Giannini and Pauline Lowe.
He was a former supervisor at Monsanto Co. of Nitro and a longtime member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church. He was a charter member of the Monsanto Sportsman’s Club, the Elk River Basin Improvement League, a licensed pilot and an avid golfer. He graduated from Montgomery High School and earned a bachelor of science degree in Industrial Arts from West Virginia Institute of Technology.
Surviving: wife, Ruth Lee Mattea; sons, Joe Mattea of Poca and Mike Mattea of Cheshire, Ohio; daughter, Kathy Mattea Vezner of Nashville, Tennessee; grandson, Jon Michael Mattea of Cheshire, Ohio; daughter-in-law, Lynn Mattea; son-in-law, Jon Vezner; sisters, Josephine Ferrari of Smithers and Mary Wilcox of Maryland; dear friends and caregivers, Mary Dustin, Peggy Davis, Nancy Kelly and Donna Kinser.
Service was held Monday, May 5, 2003, at Gatens Funeral Home, Poca, with Father Joseph Hacala officiating. Burial was in Haven of Rest Memorial Gardens, Red House.
The family asks that donations be made to Kanawha Hospice Care, 1143 Dunbar Avenue, Dunbar WV 25064.
Teddie A. Gandee
Teddie A. Gandee, 74, of Buffalo died May 2, 2003, at Putnam General Hospital following a short illness.
He was retired from West Virginia Steel with 39 years of service and was a member of Buffalo Baptist Church.
Surviving: wife, Thelma Higginbotham Gandee; son, David C. Boggess and his wife, Shelah, of Hurricane; daughters, Cathy R. Garrison and her husband, Mike, of Buffalo, and Tedra L. Stuck and her husband, Kenny, of Charleston; sisters, Doris Welling of Dunbar and June Ward of St. Albans; brother, Tony Burgess of Sissonville; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren.
Service was held Monday, May 5, 2003, at Raynes Funeral Home, Buffalo, with Pastor Tim Day officiating. Burial was in Tyler Mountain Memorial Gardens, Cross Lanes.
Jessie Grace Hager
Jessie Grace Hager, 75, of Poca died April 30, 2003, in Hubbard Hospice House.
She was retired from Thomas Memorial Hospital with 25 years of service. She was a Christian.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William A. Hager, son, William R. Hager, brother, Darrell Kapp, and sisters, Irene Birchfield and Delores Massey.
Surviving: sisters, Betty Zitzelsberger and Hazel “Micky” Pottorff; nieces, Vicky Tolan and Sharon Wise; nephews, Gordon and John Pottorff, Frank and Kenny Kapp, David Butch Birchfield, Tom Massey and Rick Zitzelsberger; grandson, Scott Hager; granddaughter, Patricia Hager; great-granddaughter, Madison Hager; daughter-in-law, Carolyn Hager.
A memorial service was held Tuesday, May 6, 2003, at Rock Branch Independent Church with Pastor Delber Hawley officiating. The body was donated to West Virginia University. Gatens Funeral Home, Poca, was in charge of arrangements.
Memorial donations may be made to Hubbard Hospice House, 1001 Kennawa Drive, Charleston 25311.
Minnie M. Boggess
Minnie M. Boggess, 95, of Scott Depot died May 3, 2003.
Private burial was held in Barnett Chapel Cemetery, Liberty. Chapman Funeral Home, Winfield, was in charge of arrangements.
