Lorene Trump Arnold, 81, of Charleston, formerly of Beckley and McLean, Va., made her transition from this life on November 20, 2009, at Hubbard Hospice House in Charleston, surrounded by her loving family.A native of Raleigh County, Lorene was born on June 2, 1928, along with her twin brother, Eugene "Bud" Trump, to Minnie and Kenzie Trump, joining an older sister and three older brothers.
Guided by a strong work ethic, uncompromising principles and a signature sense of humor, Lorene put 100 percent into everything she did - whether it was her experience in the fashion industry or the pride she took in making sure her home was sparkling.
But her greatest joy in life revolved around her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friends. She would go to the wall for those she cared about - and held a special place in her heart for her neighbors on Berkley Street in Beckley, Franklin Park in McLean, Va., and Imperial Tower in Charleston.
Growing up with four brothers, Lorene developed a love of sports that resulted in a lifelong passion for basketball and an honored spot in the Tuesday Morning Ladies League at Bowl Wick in Beckley. Before book clubs became popular, Lorene and her female friends would get together regularly for their canasta card games. You could also find her every spring cheering on her favorite NCAA basketball team during "March Madness." And she was ambidextrous - batting and playing golf with her left arm, while bowling and playing badminton with her right.
Lorene married Fred Arnold in 1948 and celebrated 45 wonderful years of marriage before he made his transition. They enjoyed music from the Big Band era, movies from the heyday of Hollywood and the advent of television.
Lorene took tremendous pride in raising two daughters, Paula and Linda, and one son, Fred. She was active in her children's schools and fostered an environment that encouraged imagination and creativity. Following Fred's retirement, they relocated to McLean, Va., a suburb of Washington, D.C., to be closer to Paula and her family. And Lorene began her magic all over again when she helped to raise her beloved grandchildren, Christopher and Caitlin.
Lorene believed in accomplishing something every day, even during her last year in Charleston. She worked hard to instill in her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren those same values that drove her to achieve every day of her life - and she lived by example.
Following more than 30 years in the northern Virginia area, Lorene relocated to West Virginia after Fred's death. She greatly enjoyed her reconnection with the Mountain State and often commented on how much she loved it. She was even overheard on the phone numerous times saying, "Everyone is so friendly here. They take their time, and they really care."
Anyone who knew Lorene well knew of her strong interest in health. She was keenly interested in nutrition and was even walking 30 minutes on the treadmill the week before her transition. No doubt this contributed to her long, healthy life. In the end, however, she suffered a sudden heart attack, which ultimately resulted in kidney failure.
Lorene was preceded in death by her loving husband, Fred Arnold; her parents, Minnie and Kenzie Trump; and brothers, Boyd, Roscoe, Robert and Eugene Trump.
Lorene is survived by her daughter, Linda Arnold, and son-in-law, John Catselis, of Charleston; daughter, Paula Arnold Craver and son-in-law, Colin Mathews, of Virginia City, Mont.; son, Fred Denver Arnold and daughter-in-law, Barbara "Bobbi" Arnold, of Shady Spring; former son-in-law, Roger Craver of Chilmark, Mass.; sister, Evelyn Trump Sebring and brother-in-law, Bob Sebring, of Willoughby, Ohio; and sister-in-law, Fran Trump of Cleveland, Ohio. Lorene is also survived by her loving grandchildren, whom she adored, Christopher Craver and Caitlin Craver Roy and her husband, Jason Roy; along with great-grandchildren, Jalen and Zachary Roy, who affectionately called her "G.G." for great-grandma.
Also surviving Lorene are her aunt, Clarice Bailey of Prosperity; and sisters-in-law, Ruby Arnold Wolfe of Plantation, Fla., and Doris Arnold Carlile of Huntsville, Ala. Lorene is also blessed with a large family of loving nieces; nephews; grandnieces; grandnephews; cousins; and a wide circle of friends to cherish her memory.
The family would like to thank the exceptional staff at Hubbard Hospice House for their loving care, as well as all of Lorene's other doctors, nurses and health care professionals who helped to provide a good quality of life for her.
In honor of Lorene, the family suggests contributions to Hubbard Hospice House or a Hospice organization of choice if anyone is so inclined.
Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, November 24, at Melton Mortuary, 1200 Harper Road in Beckley. Visitation with the family will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with the funeral service following at 1 p.m.
Lorene's final resting place will be at the Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens Mausoleum in Beckley.
Lorene's legacy can be summed up by a sentence she often repeated:
"Leave every place better than you found it."
And she did.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.meltonmortuary.com.
Arrangements are by Melton Mortuary, Inc, Beckley.
Randall L. Bowles, 59, of Charleston passed away on November 16, 2009, while on vacation in Kissimmee, Fla.Randy graduated from Charleston High School in 1969. He served in the United States Army and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. Randy was decorated for his service to his country with awards, including the Vietnam Service Medal with One Bronze Star. Randy was a member of the VFW and enjoyed sharing with and selflessly assisting his fellow veterans in whatever manner. Randy was loved by his family and friends and will be greatly missed.
Randy is survived by his parents, Harold and Helen Bowles of Charleston; sisters, Valerie Ann Cobb of Kenna, and Lori Lee and her husband Rick Meadows of Charleston; brother, Rick Bowles and wife Susan of Winfield; as well as a number of nieces and nephews; cousins; and a host of friends.
Funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, November 23, 2009, at Long and Fisher Funeral Home with the Rev. Kay Lowther officiating. Burial will follow at the Floral Hills Gardens of Memories with full military graveside rites by VFW Post 61.
Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Long and Fisher Funeral Home, Sissonville.
Online condolences may be sent to the Bowles family at longfisherfuneralhome.com.
Betty L. Wilson Clay, 81, passed away November 19, 2009, after a long illness.She was an active member of Davis Creek Church of the Nazarene.
She was preceded in death by husband, Roland W. Clay; father, Russell Wilson; mother, Wilma Wright Wilson Rowe; stepfather, Cecil Rowe.
She is survived by sisters and brothers-in-law, Helen V. Damron and Charles of Tornado, Bessie June “Bockie” McCoy and Bob of Weston; special niece, Sandra Higginbotham and husband Steve of Prosper, Texas; nephews, Charles R. “Snubby” Damron Jr. and wife Janie of Tornado, David A. Damron and wife Cheri of Tornado, Lee Runyon and wife Martha of Richmond, Va.; six grandnieces; four grandnephews; granddaughters, Martha Easter and husband Jeff of Parkersburg, Sharon Botkins and husband Glenn of Vero Beach, Fla.; great-grandson, A.J. Easter of Parkersburg; stepdaughters, Laura Legg of Parkersburg and Helen Lewis of Vero Beach, Fla.; stepson, Roland W. Clay Jr. of Vero Beach, Fla.
A service to honor the life of Betty L. Wilson Clay will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, November 24, 2009, at Davis Creek Church of the Nazarene, South Charleston, with Pastor John Anderson officiating. Burial will be at Docks Creek Cemetery in Kenova.
Family and friends may visit from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, November 23, 2009, at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston.
Online condolences may be sent through the Honoring Life Condolence Center at snodgrassfuneral.com.
Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Peggy Jean Hill Cooper of Loudendale passed into Heaven peacefully Friday, November 20, 2009.She was 75.
She was preceded by a son, Nicholas, this past spring.
She is survived by daughters, Nanette and Sheri; sons, Tom Mooney, Bill Charlton, Greg Charlton, and Mike Cooper; and 27 grandchildren.
Peggy was a beautiful, giving person whose house was always open and inviting. She gave her heart to Christ at age 45 and her love for God and His Word continued throughout her life. She looked forward to the promise of being in His presence.
Her earthly body will be placed to rest at Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens in Cross Lanes Monday, after a brief graveside service.
Marshall retired from Toyota Tsusho/Green Metals, Eleanor, in February, 2009. He was formerly employed by Princess Susan Coal Company and was a member of the United Mine Workers of America. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force and the U. S. Navy Reserve, retiring as Chief Petty Officer.
Marshall was preceded in death by his mother and father, Marilyn Stephens Dotson and Marshall Lloyd Dotson, as well as his grandparents.
He is survived by his daughter, Samantha (Chuck) Clark of Raleigh, N.C.; his sons, Marshall (Jennifer) of Danville, Kris (Ashley) of Deltona, Fla.; three grandchildren; his stepmother, Kay Tenney, of Charleston; his brother, Greg (Beth) of Winfield; his sister, Cathy (Jeff) Higginbotham of Charleston; four nieces; and a host of family and friends.
A private family service was held at the West Volusia Hospice Care Center in Orange City, Fla. The family suggests that donations be made to Hospice Volusia/Flagler, 1625 Veterans Memorial Parkway, Orange City, FL 32763.
Tri-County Cremation and Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
She was born May 2, 1920, and was a daughter of the late Mason L. Wolfe and Amelia Scott Wolfe. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph August Frederick, on August 24, 2001; three sisters, Zelda Dean, Ernestine Miller and Elizabeth Hines; and an infant brother.
She is survived by one daughter, Barbara Gandee and husband, Henry, of Clendenin; three grandsons, Stephen Gandee and wife, Tamra, of Jane Lew, Thomas Gandee of Anchorage, Alaska, and Joseph Gandee and fiancée, Tamberly Dennison, of Fairmont; three great-grandchildren, Stephenee Gandee, Andrew Gandee and Nathan Gandee; one brother-in-law, Carrel Miller; and several nieces and nephews.
Vera worked at West Virginia Specialty Glass during WWII as a decorator, was a homemaker and a member of the Mount Hermon United Methodist Church, Buckhannon.
Funeral services was held at 1 p.m. Monday, October 19, at Boyle Funeral Home, 322 Main Ave., Weston, with the Rev. Robert Poling officiating. Interment followed in Mount Hermon Cemetery, Buckhannon.
Boyle Funeral Home, Weston, was in charge of arrangements.
Gerald A. Gump, 91, of South Charleston passed away Friday, November 20, 2009, at Hubbard Hospice House.Gerald was one of 14 siblings born to Richard and Alda Gump in Coburn.
He was an Army veteran of World War II, stationed in the South Pacific, decorated with both the Silver and Bronze Stars.
He was a weigh master for Union Carbide with 40-years of service, a member of the Machinists and Aerospace Workers.
Gerald was preceded in death by his wife, Wilma; and his son, David Gump.
He is survived by his grandson, D.L. Gump of South Charleston; great-grandchildren, Tyler Newman of Poca and Savannah Gump of St. Albans.
A memorial service to honor the life of Gerald Gump will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, November 23, 2009, at Snodgrass Funeral Home in South Charleston with the Rev. Dwight McClure officiating.
Online condolences may be sent through the Honoring Life Condolence Center at snodgrassfuneral.com.
He was born January 6, 1924, in Charleston to the late Harold Vance and Dora Fern Johnson Henson. A sister, Christine Morgan, also preceded him in death.
His father was a founder of the Charleston Mountain Mission and Brother worked for many years in the Thrift Store.
Brother is survived by a sister, Sissy Hissom of Charleston; niece, Carolyn Johnson of Ocala, Fla.; nephews, Larry Morgan of Daytona, Fla., and Gary Hissom of Charleston.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, November 23, 2009, at Elk Funeral Home, 2001 Pennsylvania Ave., Charleston, with Pastor Fairley McCormick officiating. Private burial will be later in Mount Vernon Cemetery, Hurricane, Putnam County.
The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until service time Monday at the funeral home.
Arrangements are in the care of Elk Funeral Home, Charleston.
Misty Jones, 28, of Beechy Ridge, Bickmore, entered into rest Thursday, November 19, 2009, at CAMC-Memorial Hospital after battling with leukemia.Born on March 25, 1981, in Montgomery, she was the daughter of Jerry and Jewel Tanner of Beechy Ridge.
She was a deputy assessor for Clay County.
In addition to her parents, she is also survived by her husband, Darrell Keith Jones Jr. of Beechy Ridge; daughters, Alayna Paige and Kaylee Autumn Jones, at home: sister, Tisha Tanner of Beechy Ridge; niece and nephew, Sierra and Ethan Marlin of Beechy Ridge; grandmother, Kathleen Tanner of Beechy Ridge; and several aunts; uncles; and friends.
Funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, November 23, 2009, at Wilson-Shamblin-Smith Funeral Home, Clay, with Minister Michael Holcomb officiating. Burial will follow in the Tanner family Cemetery, Beechy Ridge.
Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
Arrangements are in care of Wilson-Shamblin-Smith Funeral Home, Clay.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.carlwilsonfuneralhome.com.
The family would like to thank all the many people who have supported us during this time with the fundraisers, dinners, food, the nurses on the 5th floor cancer unit at CAMC, the nurses at the Infusion Center at CAMC, all the staff of the Assessor's office and the Court House, Greg Fitzwater for always making sure that she had water, the churches in the surrounding communities for all their support, and especially those who have held us up before the Lord with your prayers.
Kenneth graduated from Davis and Elkins College, attended St. Andrews University in Scotland, as well as Princeton University. He served numerous Presbyterian churches in Virginia and West Virginia.
Preceding Ken in death are parents, Lillian and Milan B. King; brother-in-law, William Linville; and niece, Beth Linville Powell.
Ken is survived by his sister, Jean Linville; nephew and niece, Jeff and Beth Linville; three grandnephews; and devoted friend, Rebecca (Pete) Hamilton.
The family will receive friends from 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, November 24, 2009, at Kanawha Presbyterian Church, immediately followed by a memorial service to honor the life of Kenneth R. King.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established at Kanawha Presbyterian Church youth group.
Online condolences may be sent through the Honoring Life Condolence Center at snodgrassfuneral.com.
Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
She was the daughter of the late Harry Lindsey and Minnie Quesenberry Lindsey. Magdalene spent all but the last few years of her life in Kimball, where she worked for JC Penney in Welch, and Jones and Spry in Kimball. She was a member of the Houston United Methodist Church, Kimball, and a member of United Methodist Women. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was a homemaker and a resident of McDowell County most of her life.
Other than her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, William Ferris; second husband, Roy Hutcherson; and her third husband, Woodrow Mallory; three brothers, Lucas, Richard, and Daries Lindsey; and two stepsons, Roy Hutcherson Jr. and Ronald Mallory.
She is survived by one daughter, Billie Jean DeLung and husband Maurice of Hurricane; one son, Bobby “Radar” Ferris of Belfry, Ky.; one sister, Sylvia Williams of Johnson City, Tenn.; two brothers, Glenn Lindsey and wife Blanche of Martinsville, Va., and James Lindsey and wife Phyllis of Knoxville, Tenn.; six stepchildren, Nancy Lanzier of Alexandria, Va., Jimmy Hutcherson and wife Barbara of Florida, Jimmy Mallory and wife Betty of Bluefield, Connie Sigmon and husband Everett “Junior” of Kimball, Lynn Hardee and husband Fred of Vivian, and Sharon Jones and husband Richard of Welch; three grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; seven step-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral service will be conducted at noon on Tuesday, November 24, 2009, at Widener Funeral Home Chapel, Kimball, with the Rev. Michael Brown officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Princeton, where committal service will be at Roselawn Memorial Gardens Mausoleum.
Friends may call from 11 a.m. Tuesday until the hour of the service Tuesday at Widener Funeral Home.
Serving as pallbearers will be family and friends.
If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Emogene Dolin Jones Hospice House, P.O. Box 464, Huntington, WV 25709 or the Houston United Methodist Church, Kimball, WV 24853.
Arrangements are by Widener Funeral Home, Kimball.
Charles Clinton McCollam, Jr., 72, of North Hutchinson Island, Fla., passed away on November 16, 2009.He was born on January 1, 1937, in Williamson to his late parents, Charles Clinton McCollam Sr. and M. Irene Sydenstricker McCollam.
Charlie retired from Union Carbide following 30 years of service.
Charlie is survived by his life partner and best friend of 37 years, Charles A. “Chuck” Holloway of North Hutchinson Island, Fla.; son, Charles Gregory McCollam and wife, Jan, of Ohio; daughter, Peggy Ann Garred and husband, Frank of Georgia; grandchildren, Amy and Maggie daughters of Peggy and Frank, and Erin, Kelly and Charles Jordan, children of Greg and Jan; sister Georgianna Oja-McCollam of Tampere, Finland; most loving Aunt Margaret, Aunt Laura May and husband Bob, Aunt Ginny; multiple family generations that include nephew Rami, niece Kati, with grandnieces and a grandnephew and cousins; most loving of best friends, Debbie and Billy Henderson, Sina and Michael Azzaro, Karen and Norman Hinkes.
A Service to Honor the Life of Charles Clinton McCollam Jr. will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, November 23, 2009, at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston. Burial will be at Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens, Cross Lanes.
Family and friends may visit from 7 to 9 p.m., Sunday, November 22, 2009, at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be sent through the Honoring Life Condolence Center at snodgrassfuneral.com
Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
She was a homemaker and a member of Elk River Ministries and Outreach. Linda is preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Dolores England.
She is survived by her loving husband, Robert Melton; sons, Robert Melton II and wife Kay of Elkview and Jerry Melton and wife Missy of Elkview; and grandson, Nathan Melton of Elkview.
Service will be 2 p.m. Sunday, November 22, 2009, at the Hafer Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Scott Means officiating. Burial will be at Elk Hills Memorial Park, Big Chimney.
Friends may call from 6 to 8 pm Saturday, November 21, 2009, at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be sent to www.haferfuneralhome.net.
Hafer Funeral Home, Elkview, is in charge of the arrangements.
Marie was born and raised in Nicholas County. After marriage, they moved to Charleston, where she spent the rest of her life. She retired from the Kanawha County Board of Education, Charleston High School. She will be remembered as always kind and giving to everyone.
Marie was preceded in death by her husband, Rando "Pood" Orndorff; parents, Herbert and Mamie George; daughter, Betty Jo Richards; and brothers, Jurl and Denzel George.
She is survived by her son, Larry Orndorff; daughter, Sharon Orndorff; sisters, Maraine Jones and Zela McClung; brothers, Henry, Bill, Boyd, Ronald, Don and Troy George; grandchildren, Cheryl Cottrell, Lisa Jackson, Matthew Orndorff, Albert Flick, Travis Orndorff and Cathy Jo Boyce; and many great-grandchildren.
A gathering of family and friends will begin at 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15, at Mountain Baptist Church, Carl.
A memorial service will follow at 2:30 p.m. with the Rev. Troy George officiating.
Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home, Rainelle, is in charge of arrangements.
She was disabled by a stroke at the age of 7, but always had a kind word and smile for everyone she met. She was the daughter of Ree and Nellie Patrick of Elkview, now deceased.
She is survived by a sister, Wanda Patrick Siders and her husband, Bruce, of Grimesland, N.C.; brothers, Kenneth Patrick and his wife, Vickie of Elkview, and David Patrick and his wife, Judy, of Poca. She also leaves three aunts; one uncle; one niece; and four nephews.
The family also wants to thank the staff of Cedar Ridge Center for many years of personal care.
As a request, she will be cremated with no service.
Loretta touched many people and will be greatly missed and remembered with love.
Myers Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Janice Ethel Cole Patterson, a blessed peacemaker, of Grassy Meadows, died peacefully at her home on Friday, November 20, 2009, surrounded by her loving family at the age of 82.Born November 11, 1927, in Summers County, she was one of eight children in the family of the late Lawrence C. and Hattie Pearl Lilly Cole of Asbury.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Akie "Abe" Patterson; a son, Calvin Wayne Patterson; and a brother, John Cole.
Janice married her sweetheart of over 50 years, Akie Patterson, upon his return from World War II in Europe. Janice and Akie lived much of their lives in Charleston. They moved to his family's homeplace in Grassy Meadows in 1967. They were faithful members of the Alderson Church of the Nazarene, where over the years she was a Sunday school teacher, a church board member, and the church treasurer. Janice enjoyed farming with her husband, gardening, and loved to work with flowers.
Janice is survived by four children, Roger Patterson and his wife, Becky, of Lewisburg, Linda Wilcox and her husband, Jim, of Oklahoma City, Okla., Brenda Godbey and her husband, Gary, of Mount Hope, and Hershel Whitt and his wife, Vicky, of North Bloomfield, Ohio; two sisters, Shirley Taylor of Alta, and Arlis Jones of Lewisburg; four brothers, Jim Cole of Blue Sulphur Springs, Bert Cole of Alta, Harry Cole of Asbury, and Tony Cole of Asbury; eight grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be Monday, November 23, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. at the Alderson Church of the Nazarene, Muddy Creek Mountain, Alderson, W.Va., with the Rev. Edward Midcap officiating. Burial will follow at the McElhenney Church Cemetery, Grassy Meadows. Friends may call Sunday, November 22, 2009 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Alderson Church of the Nazarene, Muddy Creek Mountain, Alderson and one hour prior to services at the Church on Monday.
Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, contributions of sympathy may be made to the Alderson Church of the Nazarene, Rt. 1 Box 207, Alderson, WV 24910.
Arrangements by Lobban Funeral Home, Alderson, W.Va.
Genevieve Melton Repass, 88, of Cincinnati, formerly of Charleston, died on Wednesday, November 18, 2009.She was born January 25, 1921, in Charleston and was the daughter of the late Silas and Regina Melton. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Rex L. Repass; sisters, Martha Goff, Olive McClanahan, and Thelma Camper; and brother, Ernest Melton.
Genevieve was a former teacher in Kanawha County and a graduate of Morris Harvey College and West Virginia University. After retirement, she moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, to be near her son and his family.
Survivors include Genevieve's son and daughter-in-law, Rex and Theresa Repass of Cincinnati, Ohio; and a daughter and son-in-law, Sarah and Mike Martin of Pinehurst, N.C. She is also survived by four granddaughters, Megan Popp of Johnson City, Tenn.; Jenny Krieger, Sarah Robben, and Lindsey Repass of Cincinnati, Ohio; two grandsons, Brian Martin, of Columbus, Ohio, and Michael Martin of Chicago, Ill.; and two great-grandchildren, Max Martin of Chicago, Ill., and Madeline Martin of Columbus, Ohio.
Genevieve was a Christian and a member of Hopewell Primitive Baptist Church in Cross Lanes. A special thank you from the family to Glendale Place Care Center and Hospice of Cincinnati for their care.
Funeral service will be held at noon, Tuesday, November 24, at Bartlett-Burdette-Cox Funeral Home in Charleston with Elder Lewis Johnson officiating. Burial will follow at Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens, Cross Lanes.
Visitation will be two hours prior to the service.
You may express your condolences to the family at www.bartlettburdettecox.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association of Greater Cincinnati, 644 Linn Street, Cincinnati, OH 45203.
"Some people make the world special just by being in it."Jim Schmidt could bring out the sun on the cloudiest of days. His loving smile, endless generosity, infectious humor, gentle spirit, optimistic outlook, “never give-up” attitude, and uncommon humility were apparent to all who had the pleasure of meeting and knowing him.
Jim Schmidt was born in the small coalmining town of Eskdale, West Virginia on March 29, 1933, to Nora and Henry Schmidt. He grew up entertaining the audience of 11 brothers and sisters with his creative high jinks and comedic personality. Despite his pranks and tomfoolery throughout his childhood, his parents Nora and Henry Schmidt always referred to him as a good little mamma's boy. His strong work ethic was apparent from a young age when he got his first job running the movie projectors at the local theater, where he worked from junior high till graduating from East Bank High School in 1951. This sparked his love of movies that continued throughout his life, especially mystery and western genres, with a special fondness to those starring John Wayne.
At the indestructible age of 19, Jim went to the recruitment office in Charleston, W.Va., to enlist in the Navy with the idea that he would be returning home later that evening. To his surprise he was put immediately on a bus bound for Ashland, Ky. This excellent student kept up his reputation by scoring an A+ on his health exam, and was then loaded on a train headed to Bainbridge, Md., for basic training. Upon completion, Jim was stationed at San Diego Navel Station for communication technician training. That winter, Jim was assigned for duty aboard the USS Wisconsin.
Four years later, while stationed in Washington D.C., Jim met the love of his life, Shirley Sullivan, daughter of Cecil and Esther Sullivan of Hurricane, W.Va. On August the 11th, after only three short months of courtship, they were wed in a quaint traditional Baptist ceremony at First Baptist Church of Hurricane. In November, the newlyweds set up home on the island of Okinawa, Japan. The following July, Jim and Shirley were blessed with the arrival of their first child, their daughter Melodie. From birth, Melodie was an instant daddy's girl and was spoiled rotten. Sixteen months later, they welcomed their rowdy baby boy, Jay, into the world. Jim was elated to have a son and baseball companion.
In 1966, while working for the Department of Defense, Jim and his family relocated to Fort Mead in Maryland, where he continued his career until his retirement in 1991.
Jim graduated from The University of Maryland in 1970, with a BBA in accounting and business administration.
Throughout his life, Jim enjoyed taking family vacations, coaching numerous baseball and softball teams, gardening, and woodworking. Jim was also 32° member of the brotherhood of the Masons. Jim was actively involved in many activities in his church, and served as an usher for many years at Montrose Baptist Church, where he was saved and later baptized.
Jim retired to Plano, Texas, with his wife Shirley, where they joined Hunter's Glen Baptist Church. Jim spent most of his time umpiring softball games, and spoiling his four grandchildren, J.D., Marissa, Jase and Devyn. Jim felt very blessed to have the chance to be actively involved in raising his grandchildren. Some of the fondest memories they have of him are being awoken every morning for school with his off-key rendition of “oh what a beautiful morning”, and stories about being fed mashed potatoes and ice cream as babies.
Surrounded by loving family, Jim peacefully went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, November 18, 2009
We will all hold dear in our hearts the love, joy, compassion, loyalty, and devotion he not only taught, but also gave to us. Our prayer is that we will take his great qualities and pass them on to others.
We love you so much, and miss you greatly!
James is survived by his wife, Shirley; daughter, Melodie Holloway and her husband, Clark; son, James William Schmidt II and his wife, Vicki; grandchildren, James David Hunt, Marissa Gayle Hunt, James William Schmidt III, and Devyn Marie Schmidt; James and Devyn's mother, Shannon Schmidt; sister, Irene Smith; and brothers, Henry Samuel Schmidt Jr. and Bennie Ray Schmidt. The family will receive friends for visitation on Sunday, November 22, 2009, at Allen Family Funeral Options from 3 to 5 p.m.
A funeral service to honor James's life will be held on Monday, November 23, 2009, at 9 a.m. at Hunter's Glen Baptist Church, 4001 Custer Road, Plano 75023. James will be laid to rest at 3 p.m. Monday at Central Texas Veterans State Cemetery in Killeen, Texas.
Memorials may be made in Jim's name to Gideon's International, P.O. Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214 or Hunter's Glen Baptist Church.
Margaret Katherine Sharp, 84, of Charleston passed away Saturday, November 21, 2009, at Hubbard Hospice House.She was a retired audit clerk for the State of West Virginia with 16 years of service, served as a bookkeeper for Tiskelwah School for many years and worked for several years at the Diamond Department Store. Mrs. Sharp was a longtime member of the Emmanuel Baptist Church, where she served as a Deaconess.
Surviving are her loving husband of 64 years, William Robert “Bob” Sharp; son, Robert Glen Sharp and his wife Robin of Charleston; daughter, Katherine Lynn Stout and her husband Lennie of Charleston; grandchildren, Jeremie Franklin “Jeremy” Stout, James Robert “J. R.” Sharp and Whitney Nicole Sharp.
Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Emmanuel Baptist Church with the Rev. Ronald Stoner officiating. Entombment will follow in Floral Hills Gardens of Memories, Pocatalico.
Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Emmanuel Baptist Church.
Arrangements are in the care of Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.
He was born July 2, 1922, in Salem, Va., to Luther and Nellie Showalter.
Mr. Showalter served in the U.S. Army during WWII and worked for Simplex Time Clock Company for many years.
Surviving are his siblings, Jay Showalter of Winfield, Paty Showalter of Dunbar, Naomi Shouldis of Charleston and Mary Smithson of Florida.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Catherine.
Private inurnment services will be held at Sunset Memorial Cemetery in South Charleston.
You may email condolences to www.kinsey-garrett.com.
She was born September 8, 1923, to the late Dicy B. Kraft and Harry Fletcher Haught. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, Friendship Group, and Circle 1; Order of Eastern Star Wetzel Chapter; Ladies Auxiliary to the VFW, Post 6669. She was a former member and president of the Jackson County Committee on Aging Board and former president Old Timers, Local 5668.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Franklin Lee (Pete) Waldeck; sisters, Madeline DePue, Mary Morrison, Bess Carpenter and Wilma Marshall; and brothers, Oscar, Lora and Clyde (Tubby) Haught.
Peg is survived by her sons, Peter S. (Theresa) of Jefferson, Pa., Patrick S. (Doris) of Whitesville, Ky. and Timothy L. (Connie) of Houston, Texas; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and one step-great grandchild.
Memorial services will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Ravenswood on Monday, November 23, 2009, at 11 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church Agape Fund or your local animal shelter.
Cecil Funeral Home of Whitesville, Ky., is in charge of arrangements.
Gary Uston Wood, 63, of Chesapeake died November 20, 2009, in CAMC Memorial Hospital, Charleston.He retired from Owens Corning Fiberglass in Newark, Ohio, after 20 years of service and was former owner and operator of Furniture Mart in Prescott, Ariz. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War and was a member of the Chelyan Masonic Lodge.
He was preceded in death by parents, Laird and Letha Bennett Wood; sister, Lillian Olive Hudson; and brothers, Bill and Roger Wood.
Surviving are son, Shannon Branch and wife Kelly of Palmyra, Va.; daughters, Jennifer Hardin of Wichita, Kan.; sister, Ruth Walker and husband Paul of Hico; and brother, Richard Wood and wife Sue of Jasper, Ala.; brother-in-law, Jimmy Hudson; and grandchildren, Natalie, Noah and Belle Branch and Jake Hardin
Funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, November 24, 2009, at Leonard Johnson Funeral Home, Marmet. Burial will follow at Bennett Cemetery, Saturday Road, Victor.
Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
Condolences may be sent to the family at leonardjohnsonfuneralhome.com.
ATOM