Benjamin David Bowen, age 2, son of Tom and Jennifer Wyant Bowen of Huntington, died Friday, February 25, in his home. His parents and older brother, Eli,. enjoyed a wonderful life, experiencing more together than many families do in a lifetime. “Big Ben” is known throughout the world for his incredible spirit and endearing smile. For nearly one year, Ben battled a rare brain cancer, enduring many challenging surgeries, procedures, chemotherapy and radiation. Throughout his journey, he always smiled and lifted the spirits of all he encountered. Ben's legacy will be handed down through the thousands of people he touched in his community, country and world. A special time to remember Ben's life was held Monday, February 28, from 5 to 8 p.m., and Tuesday, March 1, from noon to 2 pm at River Cities Community Church in Huntington. Ben's funeral service was held 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 1, at the church. Burial in Ridgelawn Memorial Park. Wallace Funeral Home, Barboursville, was in charge of arrangements. Ben was preceded in death by his grandfather, David Bowen. Other survivors include his grandparents, Harry and Janet Arden Mayenchein of Chesapeake, Ohio, and Bob and Susan Garten Wyant of Huntington, W.Va., and a host of loving family members. Financial gifts may be given to St Jude Children's Hospital. Please note your gift in memory of Ben Bowen. For more information, please visit www.bens-story.com or contact the church at 304-736-8197. Thank you, Ben, for reminding everyone that our story is much bigger than this.
Elizabeth Ann Crowell Boyer, 49, of Barboursville, WVa, passed away Feb. 26, 2005, in Community Hospice Care Center, Ashland, Ky. Ann was born Dec. 30, 1955, in Clarksburg, W.Va., a daughter of Clarence “Shine” Crowell and Emma Lou Crowell who now reside in Danville, Ky. She was a teacher in South Carolina, Kentucky and West Virginia school systems; a tireless volunteer for the Rowdies Soccer Club and various other youth, high school and state soccer organizations; and started library resources for several area nursing homes. Ann's immediate family includes her surviving husband, Chris Boyer, and two sons, Alex and Adam Boyer, who reside in Barboursville, W.Va. Additional survivors include a brother, David Crowell and family of Versailles, Ky, and sister, Cheryl Crowell Seneff and family of Nashville, Tenn., She was preceded in death by her brother, Clarence “Pete” Crowell of Portland, Ore., in May 2002. A memorial service celebrating her life was held at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 28, at Pea Ridge United Methodist Church, 5747 Pea Ridge Road, Huntington, W.Va. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Huntington, 1101 6th Ave., Huntington, WV, 25704.
Glen C. Hicks
Glen C. Hicks, 70, of Milton went home to be with the Lord Friday, Feb. 25, 2005. Funeral service were conducted 11 a.m.. Monday, Feb. 28, 2005, at the Wallace Funeral Home and Chapel, Barboursville, by Pastor Gordon Rutherford. Burial in White Chapel Memorial Gardens. He was born Jan. 10, 1935, in Barboursville, a son of the late William A. Hicks and Anna Virginia Spencer Hicks. He was preceded in death by one sister, Jean E. Meyers, and two brothers, William E. “Buddy” Hicks and infant brother, John Robert Hicks. He was a member of Olive Missionary Baptist Church. He was a veteran who served in the U.S. Navy. He was a retired area service restorer for American Electric Power. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Amelia Loretta Ross Hicks of Milton; one son, Charles B. Mullins of Salisbury, N.C.; two daughters, Amy M. Morris of Murfreesboro, Tenn, and Vanessa Allison of Winfield, W.Va.; four sisters, Mrs. Bess Ray of Barboursville, Mrs. Celina Cook of Huntington, Mrs. Mary Day of Severna Park, Md., and Mrs. Suzanna Miller of Craigsville, W.Va., two brothers, Mr. Benny Hicks of Hawaii and Mr. Charles Hicks of Hinesville, Ga.; and four grandchildren, Ian and Andrea Morris of Murfreesboro and Claire and Chad Allison of Winfield. Wallace Funeral Home, Barboursville, was in charge of arrangements.
Violet Wisteria Black
Mrs. Violet Wisteria Black, 89, of Union Ridge, went peacefully to be with the Lord after a courageous battle with a long illness, Wednesday, February 23, 2005. Funeral services were conducted Saturday, February 26, 2005, at Chapman's Mortuary, Huntington, by the Rev. Ed Hood, Rev. Samuel W. Chambers, and Pastor Jerry E. Ryder. Burial in Union Ridge Cemetery. Violet was born February 11, 1916, in Cabell County, West Virginia, a daughter of the late Lester and Gusta Mount Cooper. Violet was a loving devoted mate to her late husband of 56-1/2 years, Wesley Black. Active in her community through different churches, Farm Women's Club of Union Ridge, Sunrise Women's Society, West Virginia Extension Homemakers Council, Inc. and school and band functions while her children attended. She was an enthusiast of arts and crafts of all cultures. Painting, quilting, sewing, wood crafts and paintings. She loved gardening and adored raising flowers of all varieties. Violet also very much enjoyed horseback riding. She was preceded in death by an infant daughter Jade Scarlet Black, one sister, Jewell A. Cooper Bowman; one brother, Jack Cooper. Survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law, Billie Joe and Vicky Black of Burlington, N.C., Rex D. Black Sr. and Vicky Black of Union Ridge where Violet and her loving husband were residing; seven grandchildren, Tammy and Trent Lewis of Letart, Connie and Mike Rivers of Burlington, N.C., Kelly Black of Letart, Rex D. Black Jr. of Huntington, David A. Black of Union Ridge, Weslee N. Black of Milton and Brandi Jade Black of Burlington, N.C.; two step granddaughters, Melissa Light of Burlington, N.C., and Renee Norvell of Liberty, N.C.; three great-grandchildren, Justin Trent and Jerrod Lee Lewis both of Letart and Logan Briana Rivers of Burlington N.C.; one sister, Helen V. Cooper Lute of Lincolnton, N.C.; a special niece Linnie Leah Lute Smith, and a special former daughter-in-law, Brenda Black of Letart. Pallbearers were Weslee N. Black, David A. Black, Frank Cooper, Trent Lewis, Byron Conrad and Noah E. Romine.
George Surgeon
George Surgeon, 78, of away Friday, February 18, 2005. Funeral services were conducted Saturday, February 26, 2005, at the Wallace Funeral Home & Chapel, Barboursville, by Rev. Leo Skaggs and Rev. George Surgeon. Burial in White Chapel Memorial Gardens. He was born May 27, 1926, in Cabell County, a son of the late George Barrett and Pauline Bradshaw Surgeon. He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Bayes Surgeon. He is survived by three daughters and sons-in-law, Paula and Herbert Seay of Barboursville, Pat and George Poole of Williamson, and Pam and Roger Peterson of Barboursville; two stepdaughters and their spouses, Camilla Bailey, Alice and Archie Perry, both of Huntington; one step son and his wife, Joe and Kathy Collins of Huntington; two sisters and brother-in-iaw, Judy and Bob Walters of North Carolina and Nellie Legg of Barboursville; seven grandchildren, Charles, Jayson and Jennifer Seay, Scott and Christina Poole, and Donald and Michael Pennisten; and six step grandchildren, Joe, Lisa and Lori Collins, Brian, Billy and Mary Perry; and a host of nieces and nephews. Dad joined the Marines when he was 17 years old. While serving his country during World War II, he earned the rank of Sergeant and became a military Police Officer. He worked for the City of Barboursville. He owned his own business, Surgeon's Garage. he worked for Polan Industries, ACF Industries, and Houdaille and was President of Armstrong Union, ACF Union and Houdaille Union. In his later years, he worked at RDI Construction as a foreman. He was the International IAM Union Secretary for many years.
He was the president of the Pat Casey Bowling League for 15 years at Colonial Lanes. Dad was a jack of all trades, he was a mechanic, carpenter, plumber, electrician. He could do about anything he set his mind to. Dad was a wonderful father, grandfather, husband and a great friend to many. Dad has been reunited with Mom and is watching over us. Until we meet again, love you dad.
Connel Ivan “C.I.” Burks
Connel Ivan “C.I.” Burks, 75, of Barboursville, W.Va, passed away Monday, Feb. 21, 2005, at St. Mary's Medical Center, Huntington, W.Va. Funeral services were conducted Friday, February 25, 2005 at the Reger Funeral Chapel by Brother Rodney Hale. Burial in DavisCemetery, Prichard, W.Va. He was born July 27, 1929, in Milton, W.Va., a son of the late Ivan and Fannie Hayes Burks. He was a retired C&O Railway engineer and a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. He was a U.S. Army veteran. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Lenora Burks and two sisters Delores Sheppard and Linda Adkins. Survivors include his only daughter, Debra Burks Mosser, and his son-in-law, Sid Mosser of Kenova, W.Va.; his only grandson Sid R. “Rusty” Mosser II of Kenova, W.Va.; a great-granddaughter, Alexis Serria Mosser of Ashland, Ky.; a brother and sister-in-law, Leonard and Bonnie Burks of Milton, W.Va.; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Joyce Burns of Tennessee, Bonnie and Buford Goode of Florida, and several nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank his nephew, Mark Allen Ray for all of his love and care during this time. American Legion Post 93 of Kenova conducted military graveside rites.
Carmen Jarrell Brown
Carmen Jarrell Brown, 74, of Huntington, W.Va., went to join her family and friends in Heaven, Monday, February 21, 2005. Funeral services were conducted Friday, February 25, 2005, at the Wallace Funeral Home & Chapel by Rev. Steve Judson. Burial in Spring Valley Memory Gardens. She was born March 2, 1930, in Hode, Ky., a daughter of the late Rev. Tivis C. and Nevada Simpkins Jarrell. She was also preceded in death by three sisters, Anna Marie Jarrell, Doris Lucille McCoy and Carol Kirkpatrick; two brothers, Robert Jarrell and William F. Jarrell, and a grandson, Jason Vance. She is survived by her husband, Herbert M. Brown; three daughters, Lynda Vance and her husband Mike of Barboursville, Debbie Edison and her husband Tom of Huntington and Anita Jordan of Hurricane; three sons, Don Brown and his wife Elaine of Duluth, Ga., John Brown and his wife Beth of Coal Grove, Ohio and David Brown of Germany; two sisters, Romayne Maynard of Huntington and Barbara Henderson of Evington, Va.; four brothers, George Daniel Jarrell of Old Town, Fla., Lowell Glen Jarrell of St. Clouds, Fla., Albert E. Jarrell of Hope Sound, Fla., and Warren Lester Jarrell of Cannonsburg, Ky.; a brother-in-law, Kenneth Kirkpatrick of Scott Depot; sister-in-law, Glada Jarrell of Hode, Ky.; two special friends, Virginia Graham and Biddie Copley; 14 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of Huntington, P.O. Box 464, Huntington, WV 25709.
Everett Lloyd Clark
Everett Lloyd Clark, 74, of Barboursville, WV, passed away Monday, February 21, 2005 at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Huntington. Funeral services were conducted Thursday, February 24, 2005, at the Wallace Funeral Home & Chapel, Barboursville, by the Rev. Richard Black. Burial in Blue Sulphur Cemetery. He was born June 12, 1930, in Cabell County, West Virginia, a son of the late Thomas Jefferson and Zella Swann Clark. He was preceded in death by a brother, Thomas J. Clark, Jr. He is survived by three sons, Donnie, Randy and Roger Clark; a brother, Raymond Clark of Barboursville; five sisters Dorothy Gibson of Barboursville, Christine Caldwell of Milton, Lillian Hibner of Chesapeake, Ohio, Opal Clark of Salt Rock and Mary Lunsford of Ona. Everett was a veteran and served in the U.S. Air Force four years. Wallace Funeral Home and Chapel was in charge of arrangements.
Charles Wright Patterson, 51, of Barboursville, died Sunday, February 20, 2005 at home. He was an inspector for the Department of Defense and worked at Special Metals. Surviving are his wife, Sandra Farrar Patterson; a son, Evan Patterson; brother, Randall Patterson of Barboursville; sister, Susan Mills of Barboursville; and an aunt, Sue Ray of Barboursville. Memorial service was held Wednesday, February 23, 2005 at Henson Mortuary, Pea Ridge Road, Huntington.
Neva Iris Sowards “Granny” Gibson
Neva Iris Sowards “Granny” Gibson, 84, widow of Lewis Clark Gibson, passed away Monday, February 21, 2005 to be with her Lord and Savior. Iris was born April 29, 1920 the daughter of the late David Wilson and Lula Virginia Colegrove Sowards. In addition, she was preceded in death by her husband, Lewis Clark Gibson; one sister, Mary Icantha Waugh; and one brother, David Wilson Sowards. Iris graduated from Alderson High School in Alderson, WV, in 1939. She was a homemaker and a member of the Mud River Baptist Church. She is survived by four sons, the Rev. Lewis Brent Gibson and his wife, Ellen, of Continental, Ohio, Jeffrey Brian Gibson of Pine, Colo., Robert Stewart and his wife, Stephanie, Ronald Laine and his wife, Kimberly, all of Ona; and two daughters, Kathryn Elaine and her husband, Jonathan Beckett, and Rebecca Gail and her husband, Denise Childers, of Ona; 15 grandchildren and two great grandchildren; a sister, Myra Gluff of Williamstown, W.Va.; a brother and sister-in-law, Thomas and Betty Sowards of Proctorville, Ohio; numerous nieces and nephews. The Rev. Don Wheeler, pastor of the Mud River Baptist Church conducted funeral services Thursday, February 24, 2005 at Mud River Baptist Church; burial in the Blue Sulphur Cemetery, Ona. The pallbearers were grandsons, Brent David, Richard, Gregory, Ben Gibson and Jared and Mark Childrers. Thank you to the very special team from Hospice of Huntington for the loving care and concern that was extended to him and the family during the last year of her life.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice of Huntington or the Mud River Baptist church. Henson Mortuary, Barboursville, WV, was in charge of arrangements.
Wesley Black
Mr. Wesley Black, 86, of Union Ridge, went peacefully to with the Lord after a courageous battle with a long illness Saturday February 19, 2005. Funeral services were conducted Wednesday, February 23, 2005, at Chapman's Mortuary, Huntington, by the Rev. Ed Hood, the Rev. Samuel W. Chambers, and Pastor Jerry E. Ryder. Burial in Union Ridge Cemetery. Wesley was born May 10, 1918, in Huntington W.Va., a son of the late Elisha Wesley and Ethel Jenkins Black. He retired from the former Conners Steel and was a member of the Local #37 United Steelworkers of America, a veteran of World War II and spent two years and 21 days in the Asian Pacific Air Offensive Japan. He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Scarlet Jade Black; two sisters, Lela and Mamie; four brothers, Frank Henry, Roy and Gordon. Survivors include his loving wife of 56-1/2 years, Violet W. Cooper Black; two sons and daughters-in-law, Billie Joe and Vickie Black of Burlington, N.C., Rex D. Black Sr. and Vicky Black of Union Ridge, where Wesley his loving wife were residing; seven grandchildren, Tammy and Trent Lewis of Letart, Connie and Mike Rivers of Burlington, N.C., Kelly Black of Letart, Rex D. Black Jr., Huntington, David A. Black of Union Ridge, Weslee N. Black of Milton and Brandi Jade Black of Burlington, N.C.; two step-granddaughters, Melissa Light of Burlington and Renee Norvell of Liberty N.C.; three grandchildren, Justin Trent and Jerrod Lee Lewis, both of Letart Logan Briana Rivers of Burlington, N.C.; one sister, Laura Mount;
one brother and sister-in-law, Charles Edward and Phyllis Black and special former daughter-in-law Brenda Black of Letart. Pallbearers were Weslee N. Black, David A. Black, Frank Cooper, Trent Lewis, Byron Conrad and Mike Rivers, two honorary pallbearers, Roger A. McComas and Thomas Ryder Jr. VFW Post 9738 conducted military graveside rites.
Blanche G. Chapman
Blanche G. Chapman, 86, of Salt Rock, W.Va., died Sunday February 20, 2005, at home. She born November 24, 1918, at Hubell, W.Va., a daughter of the late Craten and Della Sanders Cox. She is s survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Shelby and Doris Chapman of Jacksonville, Fla., and Robert Velma Chapman of Salt Rock, W.Va.; a daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Willie Martin of Barboursville, W.Va.; brother and sister-in-law, Hubert and Dovie Cox of Nashville, Tenn.; sisters and brother-in-law, Bessie Winters of Richmond, Va. and Grethel and Bill Craig of Salt Rock; grandchildren, Kimberly and Tim Collins, Dwayne and Vickie Chapman, Lisa Powers; great-grandchildren, Kourtni Collins, Micalah Powers and Kylie Powers; step-grandchildren, Daniel Foster, Bev Foster, Steven Foster, Josh Collins, Kathy, Jenny and Robert Alex Foster. Funeral services were conducted Wednesday, February 23, 2005 at McGhee-Handley Funeral Home, West Hamlin, WV, with the Rev. Bobby Burns officiating. Burial in Sanders Cemetery, Camp Branch Road, Branchland, WV.
Charles Wright Patterson, 51 of Barboursville died Sunday, February 20, 2005 at home. He was a retired inspector for the Department of Defense and worked at Special Metals. Surviving are his wife, Sandra Farrar Patterson a so” Evan Patterson; brother, Randall Patterson of Barboursville; sister, Susan Mills of Barboursville; and an aunt, Sue Ray of Barboursville. Memorial services were held Wednesday, February 23, 2005 at Henson Mortuary, Pea Ridge Road, Huntington.
Erika Kindlein White
Erika Kindlein White , of Hardy, Va., formerly of Barboursville, passed away Saturday, February 19, 2005. Funeral services were conducted Wednesday, February 23, 2005, at the Wallace Funeral Home & Chapel. Burial in White Chapel Memorial Gardens, Barboursville. She was born August 16, 1935, in Plumkenau, Germany, a daughter of the late Emil Otto and Martha Kuhn Kindlein. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Tex White . She was a member of the American Legion Post #177 Ladies Auxiliary, Barboursville. She is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Monika and Scott Gapinske of Hardy, Va.; one sister, Dora Brunelle of Colorado; one brother, Guenter Kindlein of Germany; and two grandsons, Matthew and Brandon Cobbs.
Robert Ernest Coyner
Robert Ernest Coyner, 91, of Hurricane died Monday, February 14, 2005, at his residence after a short illness.
He was born January 13, 1914 in Hurricane, the son of the late Robert Moses and Minerva Isabella Coyner. He was also preceded in death by his daughters, Phyllis Lorraine Dunaway and Julia Ann Miller, several brothers and sisters.
He was retired from Union Carbide Corporation with 32 years of service. He was an avid hunter and outdoorsman. He was a lifelong resident of Hurricane and was of the Baptist faith.
Surviving: his wife of 71 years, Grace Marie Stricklin Coyner; daughters and their husband, Frances Marie and Kenneth Edwards of Culloden and Brenda Kay and Jerry Miller of St. Albans; sons. Rick and his wife, Jean, Coyner of Milton and Danny Lee Coyner; sister, Frances Ruth Rooper of Culpepper, Virginia; 21 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren.
Service was held Wednesday, February 16, 2005, at Chapman Funeral Home, Teays Valley, with the Rev. Dave McCormick officiating. Burial was in Hodges Cemetery, Hurricane.
Memorial donations may be made to Kanawha Hospice Care Inc., 1143 Dunbar Avenue, Dunbar WV 25064.
Ruby Wooten Croson
Ruby Wooten Croson, 91, a lifelong resident of Hurricane died Monday, February 14, 2005, at SunBridge Care of Putnam following a long illness.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Roland Croson, and son, Wayne Croson.
Surviving: brother, Carl Wooten of Hurricane; several nieces and nephews.
Service was held Thursday, February 17, 2005, at Allen Funeral Home, Hurricane, with the Rev. Art Hage officiating. Burial was in Valley View Memorial Park.
Gladys Manz
Gladys Manz, 97, of Buffalo died February 13, 2005.
Surviving: daughter, Wilma J. Wyant of Buffalo; son, Charles Manz of Caruthersville, Mississippi; 11 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; several great-great-grandchildren.
Service was held Wednesday, February 16, 2005, at Allen Funeral Home, Hurricane, with the Rev. Tim Day and the Rev. Mike Rader officiating. Burial was in Culloden Cemetery.
Lewis T. Hanson
Lewis T. “Louie” Hanson of Poca died February 14, 2005, after a short illness.
Louis, also affectionately known as “Pop,” was born March 27, 1912, in Odessa. Preceding him in death was his wife of 61 years, Violet O'Dell Hanson, three sisters and three brothers.
He was the owner/operator of Hanson Machine & Fabricating Company. He retired in 1977 but continued to work during the winter months for several years at T&E Machine Shop in Hurricane. He was a Navy veteran, spending his tour of duty traveling around the world on aircraft carriers, most of the time aboard the USS Hornet. He was instrumental in organizing Poca Post 10842 of the VFW, where he served as quartermaster. He was a licensed pilot, assistant leader of Boy Scout Troop 162, taught vocational school, and was a member of Poca United Methodist Church since 1958, holding many positions in the church over the years.
In January 2000 he was interviewed by Charleston Gazette Sportswriter Andy Hansroth about his lifelong interest and love for turkey hunting. In 1997 he was inducted into the Turkey Hunters Hall of Fame.
Surviving: son Duane Hanson and wife, Carol, of Winfield; daughter, Pam Childers and husband, Roger, of Poca; grandchildren, Wendy Monk, Sarah Massey, Josh Childers, Patrick Hanson, Kerry Snyder and Deanna Gaddy; great-grandchildren, Katelyn and Logan Gaddy.
Service was held Thursday, February 17, 2005, at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home, Poca, with Pastor Jonathan Nettles officiating. Burial was in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens.
Memorial donations may be made to Kanawha Hospice Care, 1143 Dunbar Avenue, Dunbar WV 25064.
