Robert Beach
MORGANTOWN -- House Agriculture Chairman Robert Beach, D-Monongalia, died today of a heart attack in his home, friends said. He was 63.
Beach, a teacher and a farmer, was appointed to a seat in the House of Delegates in 1990 when Florence Merrow resigned to become a county commissioner.
He had been re-elected every two years since and received more votes each time he ran, said Sen. Mike Oliverio, D-Monongalia.
Beach, who lived in Core, was "a great guy,'' Oliverio said. "He was a fine man, very well liked.''
A former agricultural sciences teacher at Clay-Battelle High School, Beach was involved in the Future Farmers of America and education issues. He also served on the House Education Committee.
"He had a lot of expertise and a lot to offer. And he did his homework,'' Oliverio said.
House Natural Resources Chairman Bill Proudfoot, D-Randolph, worked closely with Beach, whom he called "a genuine guy.''
"When I heard about it this morning, it was very difficult. And it is difficult to imagine how his constituents will feel. We will definitely miss him in the Legislature,'' Proudfoot said.
"He didn't need to be educated (as a chairman),'' Proudfoot said. "He knew what he was doing, how it should be done, who to listen to and how to respond to individuals who needed help.''
The House of Delegates lost another member in August. Delegate Joe Farris died while attending a legislative conference in Philadelphia.
Farris, D-Kanawha, was first elected to the House of Delegates in 1990 and was re-elected three times to two-year terms, the last in 1996. His service coincided with Beach's.
Losing two friends is not easy, Proudfoot said. "It basically sends a message of how much the added stress is -- not only while you're in the Legislature, but also while serving your constituents,'' he said. "If you're very sincere and you do your best, it can certainly tax you.''
Gov. Cecil Underwood must name a replacement for Beach from a list of nominee provided by the Monongalia County Democratic Committee. The replacement would serve until next January.
Beach is survived by his wife, Nancy Boserman Beach, and six children.
Funeral arrangements were incomplete.
Dolly P. Bailey
HUNTINGTON -- Dolly Pearl Workman Bailey, 75, of Huntington, formerly of Shady Spring, died Saturday, April 4, 1998, at home after a long illness.
She was an 18-year resident of Huntington and a member of White Oak Missionary Baptist Church, Shady Spring.
Surviving: daughter, Judy Knipp of Huntington; sons, Ronnie Lee Bailey of Lancaster, Ohio, Larry David Bailey and Richard Alvin Bailey of Huntington, Terry Ross Bailey of Stoutsville, Ohio, Charles Edwin Bailey of Columbus, Ohio; sister, Georgia Bailey of Amherstdale; brother, Tommy Workman of Mansfield, Ohio; 14 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren.
Service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at Melton Mortuary, Beckley, with Pastor Danny Winders officiating. Entombment will be in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens Mausoleum, Prosperity.
Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. today at the mortuary.
Harry N. Barton
Harry N. Barton, 86, of Charleston died Sunday, April 5, 1998, in CAMC, Memorial Division, after a short illness.
Barlow-Bonsall Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Robert Carwithen
RIPLEY -- Robert "Uncle Bob" Carwithen, 62, of Ripley died Saturday, April 4, 1998, from injuries received in an automobile accident, said a spokeswoman with the Ripley Police Department.
He was an Air Force veteran and a self-employed carpenter.
Surviving: daughter, Sherry Carwithen of Oklahoma City, Okla.; brothers, Donald of Bloomingdale, Ill., Ronald of Ripley, Mac of Little Hocking, Ohio; sisters, Charlene Short of Willoughby, Ohio, Elaine Haddox of Florence, Ky.; one nephew; one niece; two great-nieces.
Service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at Parsons-Waybright Funeral Home, Ripley, with the Rev. Tom Deane officiating. Burial will be in St. Matthews Episcopal Church Cemetery, Charleston.
Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. The family suggests memorial contributions to Make a Wish Foundation, 100 Clendenin St., Charleston, WV 25302.
Starling D. Casto
RIPLEY -- Starling Denny Casto, 89, of Ripley died Saturday, April 4, 1998, in Jackson General Hospital.
He was owner/operator of Casto's Supermarket for more than 30 years, a member of Ripley Baptist Temple, the American Legion and was an Army veteran of World War II.
Surviving: wife, Thelma Casto; daughters, Emma Catherine Hancock and Sue Ann Hartley of Parkersburg, Lenora Sutphin of Huntington; three grandchildren.
Service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at Ripley Baptist Temple with the Rev. Mike Norris officiating. Burial will be in Fairplain Cemetery.
Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. today at Vail Funeral Home, Ripley.
Redith M. Clay
COOPERTOWN -- Redith Mae Weikle Holstein Clay, 81, of Coopertown, Boone County, died Saturday, April 4, 1998, in St. Francis Hospital, Charleston, after a long illness.
She was a member of the Church of God Prophecy, Sylvester.
Surviving: stepdaughter, Arbutus Hall of Charleston; stepsons, Roger Holstein of Thaxton, Va., Jackie Holstein and Arthur Clay of Ohio, David Clay of Arnett, Billy Clay of Tennessee; sisters, Margie DeGrasse of Garrett, Ind., Faye Goff of Indianapolis, Ind., Ester Green of Lodi, Ohio; brother, Harold Cooper of Coopertown; nephew, with whom she made her home, John Cooper of Seth; several stepgrandchildren.
Service will be 1 p.m. Tuesday at Armstrong Funeral Home, Whitesville, with Pastor Sue Cook officiating. Burial will be in Pineview Cemetery, Orgas.
Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home.
Julia O. Clark
CULLODEN -- Julia O. Clark, 86, of Culloden died Saturday, April 4, 1998, at home after a long illness.
She was a member of Milton Church of Christ.
Surviving: husband, Earl Marvin Clark; daughters, Yvonne Villars of Culloden, Reba Brown of Milton; sons, Raymond Clark of Hurricane, Charles Clark of LeGrange, Ky., Dennis Clark of Duluth, Ga.; sisters, Kathleen Pridemore of Teays Valley, Lula Hodge of Milton; 12 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren.
Service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at Heck Funeral Home, Milton, with William Edwards and Bud Lucas officiating. Burial will be in Forest Memorial Park, Milton.
Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home.
Kittybelle Compton
Kittybelle Compton, 64, of Sissonville died Saturday, April 4, 1998, in St. Francis Hospital after a short illness.
She was born in Huntington and was a lifelong resident of Kanawha County, retired from Charleston Department Store and was a Baptist.
Surviving: husband, Kermit Price; daughters, Diane Smith of Statesville, N.C., Annette Compton of Sissonville; sons, Jim, Kenny, Ike and Ricky of Charleston; sister, Shirley Underwood of St. Albans; brother, Richard Worden of Colorado Springs, Colo.; 14 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren.
Service will be 1 p.m. Tuesday at Long-Fisher Funeral Home, Pocatalico, with the Rev. Raymond Cobb officiating. Burial will be in Sissonville Memorial Gardens, Sissonville.
Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home.
Caldonia G. Cottrell
Caldonia Graley Cottrell, 74, of Charleston died Friday, April 3, 1998, in Arthur B. Hodges Center after a long illness.
She was a homemaker and attended Mountain Mission, Charleston.
Surviving: sons, Larry of Elkview, Randy of Plymouth, Mich., Jerry of Sanford, N.C.; sister, Opal Miller of Sumerco; three grandchildren; two great-grandchildren.
Service was to be 1 p.m. today at Curry Funeral Home, Alum Creek, with the Rev. Paula Hill officiating. Burial was to be in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans.
James R. Dorsey
GHENT -- James Ralph Dorsey, 80, of Ghent died Saturday, April 4, 1998, in Beckley Veterans Administration Medical Center after a long illness.
He was a retired employee of C&O Railroad, a Navy veteran of World War II, and a member of Ghent Missionary Baptist Church.
Surviving: wife, Mary Okeys Dorsey; daughters, Donna Sirk of Jacksonville, Ark., Paula Volpe of Columbus, Ohio, Patty Hootman of Delaware, Ohio, Pam Smith of Crab Orchard; son, Charles Dorsey of Daniels; stepdaughters, Willa Ellison of Daniels, Melba Lilly of Flat Top, Judy Moye of Ghent, Nancy Simmons of Cool Ridge; stepson, Russell Moye of Ligonier, Pa.; brothers, Jack Dorsey of Jacksonville, Fred Dorsey of Daniels; 21 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren.
Service will be 1 p.m. Tuesday at Rose-Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley, with the Rev. Jack Barker officiating. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley.
Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home.
Frank Elswick
DIXIE -- Frank Elswick, 72, of Dixie, Nicholas County, died Saturday, April 4, 1998, in Beckley Veterans Administration Medical Center.
Cooke Funeral Home, Cedar Grove, is in charge of arrangements.
Eva K. Fisher
Eva Katherine Fisher, 96, of Nitro died Saturday, April 4, 1998, in Valley Health Care Village, South Charleston, after a short illness.
She was a native of Liberty, a 50-year resident of Nitro and a Protestant.
Surviving: daughter, Nellie D. Jividen of Nitro; grandchildren, Shirley J. Whittington and Sheila Thornton Bias of Winfield; one great-grandchild.
Service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at Cooke Funeral Home, Nitro, with the Rev. Jim Cash officiating. Burial will be in Emma Chapel Cemetery, Liberty.
Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Harold E. Gipson
RAINELLE -- Harold Edward Gipson, 77, of Rainelle died Saturday, April 4, 1998, in CAMC, Memorial Division, after a short illness.
He was a retired miner with 37 years of service, a member of the UMW and Hilton Village Baptist Church.
Surviving: wife, Betty Lou Hedrick Carte Gipson; daughters, Shelby Jean Armstrong of Rainelle, Patty Gay Poor of Owosso, Mich.; sons, Larry Gipson of Lorain, Ohio, Robert E. Gipson of Hilton Village; stepdaughter, Bonnie Lou Carte of Rainelle; stepsons, Otis W. Carte, Bill J. Carte and Bill Hedrick of Rainelle, Kenneth Carte of Bradenton, Fla.; sisters, Virginia of California, Hallie Ward of Hilton Village, Margie; brother, Garland "Bus" Gipson of Rainelle; 22 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild.
Service will be 1 p.m. Tuesday at Wallace-Wallace Funeral Home, Rainelle, with the Rev. Gene Lloyd Bennett officiating. Entombment will be in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Prosperity.
Friends may call one hour prior to service at the funeral home.
Georgia G. Graham
IRON STATION, N.C. -- Georgia Gertrude Graham, 89, of Iron Station, formerly of Wyoming County and Raleigh County, W.Va., died Friday, April 3, 1998, in a Charlotte, N.C., hospital after a long illness.
She attended Lincolnton Church of God, Iron Station.
Surviving: daughters, Gloria Cadle and Betty Shrewsbury of Iron Station; brother, Lucien Herron of Fairdale, W.Va.; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren.
Service will be 1 p.m. Tuesday at Melton Mortuary, Beckley, with the Rev. Virgil Herron officiating. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley.
Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. today at the mortuary.
Rosa G. Hale
LESTER -- Rosa G. Hale, 70, of Lester died Saturday, April 4, 1998, in a Beckley hospital after a long illness.
She was a 44-year resident of Lester, a Christian and a homemaker.
Surviving: daughters, Sandra Trent of Crab Orchard, Bonnie Harless of Charleston; sons, John of Flat Top Lake, Dewey of Fairdale, Roger "Pete" of Lester; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren.
Service will be 3 p.m. Tuesday at Melton Mortuary, Beckley. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley.
Friends may call one hour prior to service Tuesday at the mortuary.
Bennett Halstead
SAN DIEGO, Calif. -- Bennett Halstead, 80, of San Diego, formerly of Charleston, W.Va., died Tuesday, March 24, 1998, at home after a long illness.
He was a surveyor for the Department of Highways in Charleston and in San Diego with 45 years of service, was a member of the American Legion, Moose Lodge and a veteran of the Marine Corps and Army/Air Corps.
Surviving: wife, Lendol "Pat" Halstead; daughter, Ann Marie Barnett of Jackson, Tenn.; sisters, Velma LeRoy of Charleston, Reda Buchanan of Woodstock, Va.; two grandchildren.
Burial was in the Veterans Cemetery, San Diego.
Lyndall C. Hughes
Lyndall C. Hughes, 90, of St. Albans died Friday, April 3, 1998, at home after a long illness.
She was a homemaker and a Baptist. She was a 27-year resident of Miami, Fla.
Surviving: daughter, Glada "Peggy" Edwards of St. Albans; grandson, Thomas Edwards of Chattanooga, Tenn.; granddaughter, Becky Cameron of Miami; three great-grandchildren.
Service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Casdorph-Curry Funeral Home, St. Albans, with the Rev. Gail Medley officiating. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Park, South Charleston.
Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.
Dennis A. Hunter
WEST COLUMBIA, S.C. -- Dennis Alvin Hunter, 58, of West Columbia died Saturday, April 4, 1998, in West Columbia.
He was born at Turtlecreek, W.Va., was a member of Airport Baptist Church and was a retired correctional officer for Lexington County Recreation Association, Lexington, S.C.
Surviving: wife, Charlotte Milam Hunter; daughter, Nikkie Hunter of West Columbia; son, Paul Hunter of Lexington; brothers, James Robert Hunter of Summerville, S.C., Oliver Leon Hunter of Danville, W.Va.; two grandchildren.
Service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Airport Baptist Church, West Columbia. Burial will be in Woodbridge Memorial Park.
Friends may call from 7 to 8:30 p.m. today at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home, Lexington, S.C.
Oma Kirk
Oma Kirk, 62, of St. Albans died Sunday, April 5, 1998, in Thomas Memorial Hospital after a long illness.
He was a retired millwright from the Volkswagen Stamping Plant, South Charleston, a 32nd Degree Mason, member of Masonic Lodge 159 AF&AM, Dunbar, and Maranatha Fellowship, St. Albans.
Surviving: daughters, Sondra Holstein of Dunbar, Pamela Hodges of St. Albans; son, Paul Stonestreet of Hurricane; sisters, Ethel Wyatt of Red House, Va., Thelma Russell of Lexington, Va.; brother, Donnie Kirk of Marlinton.
Service will be 1 p.m. Tuesday at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, with the Rev. James Wright officiating. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Park, South Charleston, with Masonic graveside rites conducted by Masonic Lodge 159, Dunbar.
Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home.
Lucy Lowe
Lucy Lowe, 94, of Charleston died Saturday, April 4, 1998, in a personal care home, Kenna, after a long illness.
She was a member of Charleston Mountain Mission and was self-employed in the restaurant business in Logan and Charleston.
Surviving: stepdaughter, Orpha Browning of Logan; brother, Herby Thomas of Charleston; sisters, Irene Marshall of Tucson, Ariz., Amanda Kee of Harmony; five grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren one great-great-grandchild; several nieces and nephews.
Service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at Cunningham-Parker-Johnson Funeral Home with the Rev. Jack. L. Miller officiating. Burial will be in in Gandee Cemetery, Harmony.
Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Douglas M. Lyons
Douglas Michael Lyons, 49, of Clendenin died Sunday, April 5, 1998, at home after a long illness.
He was a native of Kanawha County, a member of First Baptist Church, Clendenin, the Clendenin Volunteer Fire Department and Masonic Lodge 126 AF&AM and a 10-year employee of Union Carbide.
Surviving: wife, Kathy Ann Lyons; daughter, Amy Kristen Lyons of Clendenin; son, Jared Michael Lyons of Clendenin; mother, Mildred Armstead Lyons of Elkview; brothers, David Bruce Lyons of Sissonville, Roger Milton Lyons of Elkview, Kenneth Wayne Lyons and Richard Dwight Lyons of Charleston.
Service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at First Baptist Church, Clendenin, with the Rev. Archie Snedeger officiating. Burial will be in Clendenin Memorial Gardens, Clendenin, with graveside rites by Clendenin Volunteer Fire Department and Masonic Lodge 126 AF&AM.
Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Matics Funeral Home, Clendenin. Donations can be made to the Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation, P.O. Box 3041, Charleston, WV 25331.
Earl F. Marion Jr.
Earl F. Marion Jr., 74, of Charleston died today, April 6, 1998, in Americare of Putnam Nursing Home after a long illness.
He was former owner of United Dodge, Nitro, United 76, Nitro, and United Exxon, Buffalo, had more than 30 years of service in the automotive industry and retired from Marion Auto Sales, Tyler Mountain. He was a member of American Legion Post 0021, Winchester, Va., Junior Order of Mechanics, attended Charleston Mountain Mission, was an Army veteran of World War II and a lifelong resident of Charleston.
Surviving: wife, Myrtle B. Carpenter Marion; sons, David E. Marion of Charleston, Randy L. Marion of Mooresville, N.C.; daughters, Romona C. Bowe of Shrewsbury, Brenda L. Dove of Fort Mill, S.C.; brothers, Robert H. Marion of Delpona, Fla., Ernest W. Marion of Charleston, Daniel L. Marion of Middleburg, Fla.; sisters, Ann Kathleen of Arizona, Betty Jo Townsend of St. Albans, Eva Mae Nelson of Jacksonville, Fla., Linda Kay Gribbin of Davenport, Fla.; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren.
Friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Charleston Mountain Mission. Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar, is in charge of arrangements.
Rodney D. Milton
CASEVILLE, Mich. -- Rodney D. Milton, 56, of Caseville, formerly of Hurricane, died Thursday, April 2, 1998, at home after a short illness.
He was a truck driver for Buchholz Trucking Co., Caseville, and attended Community Wesleyan Church, Elkton, Mich.
Surviving: sons, Jeffrey Milton of Staunton, Va., Gregory Milton of Caseville; mother, Charlotte L. Milton of Hurricane, W.Va.; sisters, Barbara McGee of Cincinnati, Ohio, Bonnie Martin of Goodwrench, Mich., Loretha Wilcoxen of Hurricane; brothers, Maurice Milton of Hurricane, Raleigh Milton of Welcome, Md.; one granddaughter.
Service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Chapman Funeral Home, Teays Valley, with the Rev. Calvin Akers officiating. Burial will be in Mount Moriah Cemetery, Hurricane. Friends may call one hour prior to service at the funeral home.
