John L. Frail
John L. Frail, who spent 35 years as chief deputy in the Kanawha County Clerk's office, died early Sunday. He was 71. Friends and co-workers remembered Frail as a gentleman and a public servant who transcended politics. He served under five county clerks -- Paul Wehrle, Jack Pauley, Kelly Castleberry, Peggy Miller and Alma King -- before retiring. "I can't think of anyone who was more a public servant than John," Miller said today. "He treated everyone equally and fairly and probably had more knowledge of the office workings in the courthouse than anyone I ever met." Though he once ran and lost for county clerk, Frail agreed to continue as deputy under his opponent, Pauley. "He didn't like the taste of politics," said his son, John. "He truly enjoyed helping the public." Born in Kentucky, Frail lived most of his life in Charleston except for a five-year stint in Spencer. He worked for Casto and Harris, a printing company. He was an Army veteran of World War II, studied at Morris Harvey College and attended Asbury United Methodist Church. But his life centered on his close-knit family and the courthouse. Miller remembered that Frail served as an encyclopedia of knowledge to local lawyers, the assessor's office, the sheriff's office and to clerks from other counties. He prepared land redemptions and affidavits and had a quick and thorough grasp of legal matters and state code, Miller said. "Everybody relied on John for research and information," she said. "He was just invaluable to me." Phyllis Rutledge was circuit clerk during Frail's tenure. "He was a fine man, very easy to work with," Rutledge said. "He knew everything about the office. He had a computer mind." Frail often walked to and from work and spent hours tending his flowers in the East End. "He was a devoted family man," Miller said. "His death is a loss." Frail and his wife, Sarah Bishop Frail, would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this year, his son said. He suffered a massive heart attack Sunday morning, just after midnight. In addition to his wife and son, also surviving are daughters Stephanie "Penny" Batty and Pamela Anne Perry, of Charleston; sister, Frances Mace of Beaver Creek, Ohio; brother, James "Mac" Frail of Charleston; five grandchildren. Service will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Bartlett-Burdette-Cox Funeral Home with the Rev. John McDonnell officiating. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Park, South Charleston. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Coralia Argyrakis
WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS -- Coralia Argyrakis, 94, of White Sulphur Springs died Sunday, June 1, 1997, in Roman Eagle Memorial Home, Danville, Va., after a long illness. She was a member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Roanoke, Va., and a homemaker. Surviving: son, Theodore Argyrakis of Dry Fork, Va.; sister, Evridiki Vayanos of Athens, Greece; three grandchildren; three great-grandchildren. Service will be 1 p.m. Tuesday at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, White Sulphur Springs, with the Rev. Leda Hardwick and the Rev. Gary Waple officiating. Burial will be in Hillcrest Cemetery, White Sulphur Springs. Friends may call one hour prior to service at the church. The family suggests memorial contributions to St. Thomas Episcopal Church, White Sulphur Springs. Shanklin Funeral Home, White Sulphur Springs, is in charge of arrangements.

Tracy Bailey
MABSCOTT -- Tracy Bailey, 74, of Mabscott died Sunday, June 1, 1997, in a Beckley care center after a long illness. Rose-Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley, is in charge of arrangements.

Charles J. Belton
Charles John Belton, 77, of South Charleston died Sunday, June 1, 1997, in Thomas Memorial Hospital after a short illness. He retired from Ray Roofing and J.L. Bowling Roofing, was an Army veteran of World War II, a 60-year resident of South Charleston and formerly lived in Clifton Forge, Va. Surviving: sons, Charles L. of St. Albans, Kerry P. of Cedar Grove; daughters, Becky Johnson and Susie Belton, of South Charleston, Bonnie Armes of Bomont; brothers, Joe of Belmont, N.C., Burley of Beckley; sister, Joyce Dodson of North Carolina; 11 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren. Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.

David S. Casto
David Scott Casto, 28, of Charleston died Sunday, June 1, 1997, in Mason County from injuries received in an automobile accident, said a spokeswoman in the state traffic records department. He was an employee of Service FIRST of Charleston, a lifelong resident of the area and a graduate of Sissonville High School. Surviving: father and stepmother, Mr. and Mrs. Clovis D. Casto Jr. of Milton; mother, Elaine Casto of Charleston; grandparents, Nellie and Manning Frazier of Charleston, Clovis Casto Sr. and Doris Casto of Titusville, Fla., Rosa Jane and Bernard Pauley of Charleston; stepsister, Shelly Highlander of Charleston. Service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Long-Fisher Funeral Home, Pocatalico, with Brother Gary Johnson officiating. Entombment will be in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens. Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. The family suggests memorial contributions to Kanawha Charleston Humane Society.

Golden Collins
VERDUNVILLE -- Golden Collins, 39, of Verdunville, Logan County, died Saturday, May 31, 1997, from injuries received after a deer jumped onto his car from a bridge construction site on Interstate 77 near Rockport, said a spokesman with the state police detachment at Parkersburg. Honaker Funeral Home, Logan, is in charge of arrangements.

Elmer A. Cyrus
HURRICANE -- Elmer A. Cyrus, 87, of Hurricane died Saturday, May 31, 1997, at home after a short illness. He retired from Owens-Illinois and was formerly employed by Henson Brothers Construction and T.A. Chapman. He was a farmer and a member of Young's Chapel. Surviving: daughters, Lula Maxey of Leon, Mary Lou Wysong of St. Albans, Carol Ann Hayes of Hurricane; sons, Arnold and Russell M., of Hurricane; sister, Norma Clark of Richardson, Texas; stepbrother, Cecil Meadows of Scott Depot; 11 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren. Service will be 1 p.m. Tuesday at Bartlett-Chapman Funeral Home, St. Albans, with the Rev. Daymond Estep officiating. Burial will be in Griffin Cemetery, Hurricane. Friends may call one hour prior to service at the funeral home.

Lillian B. Eskridge
Lillian Burdette Eskridge, 76, of Charleston died Saturday, May 31, 1997, at home after a long illness. She was a homemaker and a member of New Prospect Baptist Church, Charleston. Surviving: son, Kyle "Brooks" Burdette of Charleston; daughters, Karen Sue Burdette and Reba Jane Humphreys of Sissonville,Ora Mae Moles of Elkview; stepsons, Roger, Larry, Matthew and Allen Eskridge of Virginia; stepdaughter, Lennie Eskridge of Virginia; brothers, Russell Young and Glennis Young of Charleston, Herschel Young of South Charleston; sisters, Vernie Sigmon, Wilma Baldwin and Eileen Moles of Charleston; 12 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren. Service will be 1 p.m. Tuesday at Cunningham-Parker-Johnson Funeral Home with the Rev. Jerry Naylor officiating. Burial will be in John Beane Cemetery, Sissonville. Friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Goldie P. Griffith
Goldie Pearl Griffith, 82, of South Charleston died Sunday, June 1, 1997, in Moss Golden Years Care Home, Cross Lanes, after a long illness. Curry Funeral Home, Alum Creek, is in charge of arrangements.

Lula Belle Harvey
AUSTINTOWN, Ohio -- Lula Belle Harvey, 72, of Austintown died Friday, May 30, 1997, in Northside Hospital. She was a homemaker and member of Apostolic Bible Church. Surviving: sons, Freddie Harvey of McDonald, Ohio, Larry Harvey and Robert Harvey, of Austintown; daughter, Leora Kay Thomas of Campbell, Ohio; sisters, Jean Waugh of Dixie, W.Va., Helen Jarrell of Austintown; 13 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren. Service was to be 11 a.m. today at Lane Funeral Home, Austintown Chapel, with Pastor David Murphy officiating. Burial was to be in Brunstetter Cemetery.

Mintie K. Hedger
HOMINY FALLS -- Minite K. Hedger, 80, of Hominy Falls, Nicholas County, died Saturday, May 31, 1997, in CAMC, General Division, after a short illness. She was a lifelong resident of Hominy Falls, a homemaker and a member of Penile United Methodist Church, Hominy Falls. Surviving: husband, Ben A. Hedger; daughter, Kathy Bennett of Mount Nebo; son, Glen L. Hedger of Charmco; sisters, Retha O'Dell of Nettie, Carmie O'Dell of Quinwood; one grandchild; one great-grandchild. Service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Wallace-Wallace Funeral Home, Rainelle, with the Rev. Larry Gawthrop and the Rev. Vondie L. Cook officiating. Entombment will be in Wallace Memorial Mausoleum, Clintonville. Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Paul J. Jakubec
WESTON -- Paul John Jakubec, 88, of Weston died Sunday, June 1, 1997, in Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital, Weston, after a long illness. He retired form J.C. Penney with several years of service, was co-owner/operator of Weston Auto Sales and was an independent insurance broker. He was a member and past president of Weston Lions Club, member and past governor of Loyal Order of Moose 1376, Weston, was a lifetime member and secretary of Knights of Columbus Council 1415 and was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, Weston. Surviving: wife, Catherine Gissy Jakubec; son, Dr. Paul John Jakubec of Morgantown; brother, Clement of Yukon, Pa.; sisters, Margaret Kios of Buffalo, N.Y., Elizabeth Rankin of Carlisle, Pa.; four grandchildren. Mass of Christian burial will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Weston, with the Rev. Donal O'Donovan and the Rev. Eugene O'Laughlin officiating. Burial will be in Machpelah Cemetery, Weston. Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Boyle Funeral Home, Weston, where a rosary service will be conducted at 8 p.m.

Richard Lee Jarrell
Richard Lee Jarrell, 60, of Chelyan died Saturday, May 31, 1997, at home after a short illness. Surviving: father and stepmother, Irvin and Reccie Jarrell; sisters, Norma Lovett of Dayton, Ohio, Brenda Bacho of Lakewood, Ohio; brother, Joe Eddie Jarrell of Winifrede; four nieces; two nephews. Graveside service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at Kanawha Valley Memorial Gardens, Glasgow, with the Rev. Tim Deal officiating. There will be no visitation. The family suggests memorial contributions to Kanawha Hospice, 1143 Dunbar Ave., Dunbar, W.Va. 25064.

Eleanor G. Nelson
MADISON -- Eleanor G. "June" Nelson, 77, of Madison died Saturday, May 31, 1997, in Boone Memorial Hospital. She was a retired deputy clerk for theBoone County circuit clerk's office and a member of Madison United Methodist Church. Surviving: husband, Marvin E. Nelson; daughter, Marvagene Dickson of Madison, Judith Ann Tawney of Toano, Va.; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren. Service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Handley Funeral Home, Danville, with the Rev. Edward Hardman officiating. Burial will be in Copley Cemetery, Madison. Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Nora B. Ooten
Nora B. Ooten, 84, of Red House, Putnam County, died Saturday, May 31, 1997, in Teays Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Hurricane, after a long illness. She was a homemaker, attended Cross Creek Community Church, Buffalo, formerly lived in Delbarton and was a 24-year resident of Red House. Surviving: husband, Willie Ooten of Delbarton; daughter, Joyce Duncan of Delbarton, Flora Conley of Red House; sons, Harry Ooten of Clyde, Ohio, Truman Ooten of Cincinnati, Ohio; sister, Tina Parsley of Miami, Fla.; 11 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren. Service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Raynes Funeral Home, Buffalo, with the Rev. Arles Covert officiating. Burial will be in Buffalo Memorial Park, Buffalo. Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Cora Mae Phelps
ALDERSON -- Cora Mae Perry Phelps, 80, of Alderson died Sunday, June 1, 1997, at the home of her daughter after a long illness. Lobban Funeral Home, Alderson, is in charge of arrangements.

Lora Queen
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- Lora Queen, 78, of Indianapolis, formerly of Logan, W.Va., died Saturday, May 31, 1997, in University Heights Convalescent Center, Indianapolis. She was a homemaker, a cook at Morrison's Drive-In, Logan, and a member of the Church of God Faith. Surviving: daughter, Thelma Stewart of Indianapolis; sister, Virginia Beavers of Dunkirk, Ind.; brother, Richard Linville of Cleveland, Ohio; three grandchildren; three great-grandchildren. Graveside service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at Highland Memory Gardens, Godby, W.Va. Honaker Funeral Home, Logan, is in charge of arrangements.

Clarence E. Stratton
FERRELLSBURG -- The Rev. Clarence E. Stratton, 71, of Ferrelsburg, Lincoln County, died Saturday, May 31, 1997, at home. He was a Navy veteran of World War II, former pastor of several area churches and was a member of Olive Branch Missionary Baptist Church, Turtle Creek. Surviving: wife, Freda Stratton; daughter, Glenda Conn of Ashland, Ky.; sons, Larry of Leet, David of Scott Depot, Gregory of Hurricane; brothers, Arthur of Hereford, Ariz., Curtis of Ferrellsburg; six grandchildren; three stepgrandchildren. Service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at Evans Funeral Home, Chapmanville, with the Rev. Richard Armstrong, the Rev. James Sheets, and the Rev. Jack Casey officiating. Burial will be in Highland Memory Gardens, Godby. Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Minnie L. Wade
Minnie Lawson Wade, 91,of Charleston died Saturday, May 31, 1997, in Americare Nursing Home, Dunbar after a long illness. She was a lifelong resident of Charleston, a Baptist and a homemaker. Surviving: foster son, John "Little Johnny" Davis Lawson of Columbus, Ohio; 10 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren. Service will be noon Tuesday at Scott Funeral Home with the Rev. Roy Terry officiating. Burial will be in Spring Hill Cemetery, Charleston. Friends may call one hour prior to service at the funeral home.