C. Dale Boyce
SALEM -- C. Dale Boyce, 78, of Center Point, died Thursday morning, June 14, 2001, following a brief illness.
He was born July 8, 1922, in Doddridge County, a son of the late Robert H. and Edna F. Benedum Boyce.
His wife, Carmen Coffman Boyce, whom he married Aug. 22, 1946, died Dec. 25, 2000.
Surviving are one brother, Jennings Boyce, Houston, Texas; two sisters, Roberta Yerkey, Warren, Mich., and Joann White, Weston; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Lester "Bill" Joyce and Walton Joyce, and one sister, Lenore McDaniel.
He was a member of the Christian Church at Center Point and was a retired auto body man and farmer. He was a devoted follower of gospel and country music.
Friends may call at the Greathouse Funeral Home, Salem, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. today, where funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, with the Rev. Carroll Gainer, presiding. Interment will be in the Center Point Christian Cemetery.
Elmer Post Eckes
WESTON -- Elmer Post Eckes, 88, of Route 1, Crawford, died at 11:18 p.m. Friday, June 8, 2001, at the Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center in Clarksburg, following an extended illness.
He was born Nov. 21, 1912, in Roanoke, a son of the late Ralph Jackson Eckes and Zedah Belle Hornor Eckes.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ruth Lantz Eckes.
Surviving are one daughter, Elaine Grace Eckes, of Crawford; one sister, Sarah Ellen Hardman, of Vandalia; several nieces and nephews; great-nieces and nephews; and great-great-nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by four brothers, Herb, John, Arthur and Ralph Eckes.
Mr. Eckes was a retired farmer and stockman. He was Methodist by faith and a combat-wounded veteran of World War II, serving with the U.S. Army, 28th Division 110th Infantry Co. A.
He was a member of Post No. 1976 Veterans of Foreign Wars and Central West Virginia Military Order of the Purple Heart No. 697.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 17, 2001, from the Post Chapel Cemetery, with the Rev. Dennis Estes officiating.
Boyle Funeral Home, Weston, is in charge of arrangements.
Howard Gale Haller
PHILIPPI -- Howard Gale Haller, 66, of Valley Furnace community, Route 2, Philippi, died at approximately midnight Thursday, June 14, 2001, at his home, following an extended illness.
He was born April 18, 1935, at Valley Furnace community, a son of the late Howard C. and Dessie Gay Marsh Haller.
On Aug. 26, 1961, he married the former Gertrude Arlene Haller, who survives at Valley Furnace community.
Also surviving are one daughter and son-in-law, Barbara E. and James Parker Connor, Frederick, Md.; two sons and daughters-in-law, Jerry D. and Tonda Lynette Haller, Roger W. and Julie Dawn Haller, all of Philippi; one sister, Dorothy E. Forman, Grafton; seven grandchildren, Andrew Jacob Nicholson, Aaron Matthew Nicholson, David Grant Haller, Isaac Coleman Haller, Sierra Marie Haller, Cassie Dawn Haller and Jeremy Caleb Haller.
He was also preceded in death by his one sister, Marilyn Mae Haller and by one grandson, Gregory Michael Nicholson.
Mr. Haller was retired from Harman Construction at Grafton. He was Methodist and an avid hunter and fisherman.
The family will receive friends at Stemple & Forman Funeral Home in Philippi, from 7-9 p.m. today, 1-9 p.m. on Sunday and from 9-10 a.m. on Monday, June 18, when funeral services will be conducted from the funeral home chapel. Interment will follow in the Mt. Zion Cemetery.
Stemple & Forman Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.
Robert 'Bob' Henisse
NAPLES, Fla. -- Robert "Bob" Henisse, 81, of Naples, passed away Friday, June 15, 2001. Born in Baltimore, Md., he moved to Naples in 1986 from Detroit. He was a captain of security with Parke-Davis for over 26 years. Bob was a member of the Palm River Golf and Country Club, Quail Village Golf and Country Club and The Knights of Columbus. Bob has two-holes-in one to his credit.
He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Vickie Henisse, of Naples; two daughters, Patty Henisse, of Longmont, Colo., and Mary and her husband, Ken Fox, of Orland Park, Ill.; his nephew, Jay and his wife, Michelle Sharp, of Naples; nine precious grandchildren, Shawna Leigh, Sean, Jamie, Jason, Rachel, Becky, Steffani, J.R. and Krystal; his great-grandson, Christian and his brother, Joseph Henisse, of Sun City, Ariz.
Bob was predeceased by his wife, Hilda in 1990 and his son, James in 1996.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 18, 2001, at Naples Memorial Gardens-Chapel of Peace with entombment to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Human Society of Collier County, 370 Airport-Pulling Rd., P.O. Box 8725, Naples, FL 34104.
The family has entrusted care and services to Hodges Funeral Chapel, Naples, Fla.
Okey W. Jenkins
VIENNA, Ohio -- Okey W. Jenkins, 80, a 30-year resident of 596 Champion St., died at 3 a.m. Friday, June 15, 2001, at Trumbull Memorial Hospital.
He was born Oct. 3, 1920, in Girta, W.Va., a son of the late William Jenkins and Eva Stull.
He was employed until 1985 as a carpenter in the maintenance department for 20 years at Ohio Corrugating Co., Warren, Ohio. He enjoyed golfing and served in World War II, 28th Infantry from November 1940-January 1945.
His wife, Geraldine Lough, whom he married Dec. 23, 1944, preceded him in death on Sept. 13, 1993.
Surviving are one son, Daniel Lee Jenkins, Warren; two brothers, Roy, of Arizona and Bill, of West Virginia; one sister, Ruby Hobbs, of San Diego, Calif.; one grandchild and one great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by four brothers, Orval, Paul, Robert and Harvey.
A private entombment will be held Monday, June 18 at Crown Hill Burial Park and Mausoleum.
Material contributions may be made to Clearview Lantern Assisted Living Center.
Selby-Cole Funeral Home, Crown Hill Chapel, Vienna, Ohio, is in charge of arrangements.
Daniel Roscoe McCord
PHILIPPI -- Daniel Roscoe McCord, infant son of Mary Mae Grim, of Route 2, Philippi, and Daniel Paul McCord, of Galloway, was dead at birth on Tuesday, June 12, 2001, at the St. Joseph's Hospital, Buckhannon.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by one sister, Lucy Ann Grim, at home; maternal grandparents, Charles and Farren Faye Knotts Grim, Philippi; paternal grandmother, Frances Marie Cain McCord, Galloway.
He was also preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Walter Roscoe McCord and one sister, Lilly Renae Jane Sprouse.
Friends may call at the Stemple & Forman Funeral Home in Philippi, from noon-2 p.m., the funeral hour on Monday, June 18. Interment will follow in the Jerusalem Cemetery.
Stemple & Forman Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.
Alex Michael Melkus
CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Alex Michael Melkus, infant son of Michael A. and Terry W. Melkus, died Tuesday, June 12, 2001, in a Charleston hospital.
He was born on May 21, 2001, in Charleston.
Surviving are his maternal grandparents, Willard and Ruth West of Enterprise, W.Va.; paternal grandparents, James and Becky Melkus of Mannington; two uncles, David Wray, Lumberport, W.Va., and Bill Melkus, of Mannington; and one aunt, Melissa West, of Goose Creek.
Funeral services will be held at noon today, June 16, 2001, in James A. Dyal Funeral Home Chapel, Summerville. Burial will be in Boone Hill United Methodist Church Cemetery, Summerville.
James A. Dyal Funeral Home, 303 South Main St., Summerville, S.C., is in charge of arrangements.
Mildred Irene Mitchell
JANE LEW -- Mildred Irene Mitchell, 76, of Route 1, Lost Creek, died at midnight Friday, June 15, 2001, at United Hospital Center, Clarksburg.
She was born June 14, 1925, in Harrison County, the daughter of the late Marcellus and Edna Reed Greaver.
She was married to Roy Morgan Mitchell in 1943, who died June 7, 1999.
She is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Bobby Joe and Donna Mitchell, one daughter and son-in-law, Shirley and George W. Bennett, both of Route 5, Clarksburg; four grandsons, George W. Bennett Jr. and Ray Bennett, both of Route 1, Lost Creek, David Bennett and Danny Mitchell, both of Route 5, Clarksburg; one great-grandson, George Bennett III, of Route 1, Lost Creek.
Three brothers are deceased.
Mrs. Mitchell was a member of the Lucinda Rose Ladies Auxiliary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 573 of Clarksburg. She was Methodist by faith.
Friends will be received at the Morris Funeral Home, Jane Lew, from 7-9 p.m. Sunday. Cremation will follow at her request.
Morris Funeral Home, Jane Lew, is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. James Muscar
CLARKSBURG -- Mr. James Muscar, age 73, of Route 1, Box 130, Lumberport, died at 12:58 a.m. Thursday, June 14, 2001, in United Hospital Center, following a brief illness. He was born Nov. 1, 1927, in Lumberport, a son of the late Sam and Mary Costontino Muscar.
Surviving are his wife, Nancy Davis Muscar, whom he married Feb. 19, 1988; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Richard G. "Greg" and Nancy Dale, Clarksburg, and Robin "Rob" Woodrum, Charlotte, N.C.; two brothers, Jakie and Frank Muscar, both of Lumberport; four sisters, Mrs. Thelma Guzzi and Mrs. Mary Loretta, both of Clarksburg, Mrs. Bill (Theresa) Scott, Quiet Dell community, and Mrs. Rose McCormick, Edgewater, Md.; several nieces and nephews, and three very loving pets, Trixie Lee, Sassy and Tiffy.
Mr. Muscar was also preceded in death by a daughter and two brothers.
Mr. Muscar was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 9151 in Salem, and was a volunteer at the Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in the Korean Conflict.
He retired from the J.F. Allen Co. and for the past three years had been working as a laborer at Judel Glass Products Co. in Salem.
He attended the Horizon Church.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. today at the Davis-Weaver Funeral Home, 329 East Main St., Clarksburg, with Pastor Quint Pitts conducting the service. Interment will follow in the Lumberport Lions Cemetery. The Honor Guard from American Legion Post No. 13 and VFW Post No. 573 will accord Mr. Muscar's military graveside rites.
David Blair Plate
CLARKSBURG -- David Blair Plate, 51, of Kidd Avenue, Stonewood, died Thursday, June 14, 2001, at his residence, following an extended illness.
Mr. Plate was the manager of Crown Airlines.
He was born Sept. 15, 1949, in Wood County, a son of the late Blair Plate Jr., and Mariame McCoy Ball, who survives in Orlando, Fla.
In addition to his mother, he is also survived by his wife, Saundra L. Ross Plate, whom he married Dec. 6, 1980; two sons, Zachary David Plate and his wife, Amanda, Salem, and Ian Austin Plate, at home; one grandson, Ethan Patrick Plate; three brothers, Michael Plate, Georgia, Rick Plate, Orlando, and Jimmy Plate, Nevada; one sister, Marie Plate Ball, Orlando; his mother-in-law, Mary J. Ross; one stepdaughter, Tammy Sue Groves, Parkersburg; and one stepson, Gregory Ross Groves, Florida.
A service of remembrance will be conducted at the convenience of the family.
Davis Funeral Home, www.davisfunerals.com, Clarksburg, is in charge of arrangements.
Frank Andrew Shearer
CLARKSBURG -- Frank Andrew Shearer, age 70, of 329 Magnolia Ave., Clarksburg, died at 11:45 p.m. Thursday, June 14, 2001, in United Hospital Center, Clarksburg.
He was born March 1, 1931, in Clarksburg, a son of the late Charles Hazel Shearer and the late Emma Louise Campbell Shearer.
Surviving are his wife, Delores June Devericks Shearer, whom he married in 1947; one daughter, Brenda Dianne Palmer, 329 Magnolia Ave.; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Edward L. and Dora Mae Shearer, Ashland, Ky., and Paul E. and Eva Shearer, Bridgeport; one sister and brother-in-law, Velma Louise and Rudy Larry, Mount Clare; four grandchildren, Melissa June Satterfield, Tammy Dianne Purnell and Thomas Andrew Purnell and Gynger Lee Palmer; six great-grandchildren, James Dillion, Richard Andrew and Robert "Frankie' Satterfield, Ezra Avery Palmer and twins, Evan Larz and Hannah Belle Dolan; one sister-in-law, Jean Shearer, Deltona, Fla.; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by one brother, Robert Shearer.
Mr. Shearer was a Methodist. He was a member of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Railroad Workers.
He was retired from CSX Railroad, where he had worked as a track inspector and heavy equipment operator.
Friends will be received at the Davis-Weaver Funeral Home, 329 East Main St., Clarksburg, from 7-9 p.m. today, and from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Sunday. A funeral service will be conducted in the funeral home at 3 p.m. Monday, June 18, 2001, with the Rev. Rodney Heckert presiding. Interment will be in the Lost Creek Seventh Day Baptist Church Cemetery (Brick Church).
Davis-Weaver Funeral Home, Clarksburg, is in charge of arrangements.
Joseph Robert Spray
WESTON -- Joseph Robert Spray, 55, of Route 2, Roanoke, died at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, June 14, 2001, on his farm as a result of a farm tractor accident.
He was born Dec. 17, 1935, in Hurst, a son of Mary Elizabeth Allman Spray, who survives at Hurst, and the late Robert Clarence Spray.
On Aug. 24, 1957, he married the former Clara Mae Hull, who survives.
Also surviving are one son and daughter-in-law, Joseph R. Spray II and wife, Debbie Bailey Spray, of Roanoke; two daughters and son-in-law, Robin Poling, of Roanoke, and Carla Spray Harper and husband, Michael A. Harper, of Reedsville; two grandchildren, Mary Mae Harper and Louryn Jeanne Harper, both of Reedsville; one sister and brother-in-law, Jane and Luke White, of Route 4, Weston; one sister-in-law, Becky Sewell Spray, of Clemson, S.C.; five nieces and nephews, Beth White Nichols, Cathy White Snuffer, John Patrick White, Roxanne Spray collins and Bill Spray.
He was preceded in death by one brother, Richard Allman Spray and one nephew, Robert Joseph White.
Mr. Spray was retired from the U.S. Postal Service as a mail carrier with 38 years of service. He was the assistant fire chief and charter member of the Walkerville Volunteer Fire Department.
He was a member of the COC Lewis County Farm Service Agency, 4-H Leader, Modern Woodman of America, West Virginia Rural Letter Carriers Association and National Rural Letters Carriers Association, Knights of Phythias Camp No. 189, council member and member of the St. Johannes Lutheran Church at St. Clara, Lewis County Livestock Association, Lewis County Fair Board and current vice president.
He was a life long farmer and stockman.
Friends may call at the Boyle Funeral Home, 322 Main Ave., Weston, from 2-8 p.m. today. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday from the St. Johannes Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Fr. Linda Muhly officiating. The body will lie in state from 1-2 p.m. Sunday. Interment will follow in the Morrison-Hull Cemetery, Roanoke, at 4:15 p.m. Following interment fellowship and dinner will be at the Walkersville Volunteer Fire Department.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Walkersville Volunteer Fire Department or the St. Johannes Lutheran Church.
Boyle Funeral Home, Weston, is in charge of arrangements.
Reta Pearl Ware Swecker
ELKINS -- Reta Pearl Ware Swecker, age 89 years, a resident of Valley Head, departed this life at 2:52 p.m. Thursday, June 14, 2001, at her home. She had been in declining health since Memorial Day and death was attributed to heart failure.
She was born April 4, 1912, in Mingo, a daughter of the late Dixie Harlan Ware and Alice Mary Channell Ware.
On June 20, 1934, at Mingo, she was married to Arden Ross Swecker, who preceded her in death on Sept. 29, 1998.
Surviving are four sons, Bryan Ross Swecker and wife, Carolyn, Kent, Ohio, Philip Dwayne Swecker, Valley Head, David Swecker and wife, Margie, Junior, and Julian Swecker and wife, Kathy, Valley Head; three daughters, Audrey Ware, Atglen, Pa., Kathy Tacy and husband, Bud, Huttonsville, Janice Ball and husband, Louis, Richmond Hill, Ga.; three brothers, Glen Ware and Darley Ware, both of Valley Head, Dixie Ware, Tallmadge, Ohio; several grandchildren, several great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by one son, Edgar Swecker; five daughters, Edith, Mary, Rachel and Laverne Swecker and Erma Ball; three brothers, Jerry, Paul and Delbert Ware, and two sisters, Elva McAtee and Nellie Ware; one great-grandson, Daniel Ware; and one great-granddaughter, Portia Ball.
She attended the one room school at Logan Run and the Spangler School, below Valley Head. She was a quilt maker, homemaker and Methodist.
Friends will be received at the Lohr-Barb-Vance Funeral Home from 6-9 p.m. today. Final rites will be conducted at the funeral home chapel, at 2 p.m. Sunday. The Rev. Richard Crickard and the Rev. Glen Rader will officiate and interment will follow at the Swecker Cemetery at Brady Gate. The family suggests that expressions of sympathy be in the form of contributions to the Hospice Care Corp., 629 North Ave., Elkins, WV 26241.
The Lohr-Barb-Vance Funeral Home, Elkins, is in charge of the arrangements.
Martha E. Vance
SHINNSTON -- Martha E. Vance, 84, of Hutchinson, died at 12:15 a.m. Friday, June 15, 2001, at Fairmont General Hospital due to a sudden illness.
She was born Dec. 10, 1916, at Job, Randolph County, a daughter of the late William E. and Bertha Bland Phares.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard T. Vance, who died May 22, 1979.
She is survived by one daughter, Thelma Jones and her husband, Bill, Coon's Run, Enterprise; one son, Stan Vance and his wife, Fran, Corbin Branch, Bridgeport; one sister, Freda Davis, Durbin; five grandchildren, Billy Jones Jr. and Sharon Regina Ann Clark and Roger, Brian Harki and Jennifer, Shelly Belt and Jeff, Vanessa Watson and Dwayne; 11 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and a special friend, Emmett Miller.
Also preceded her in death were two great-grandchildren, Shawn Michael and Roger Michael Clark; four brothers, Thurman, Marshall, Hansel and Robert Phares; and one sister, Velma Phares.
Mrs. Vance was a charter member of Swisher Hill Union Mission Church, where she served in the choir and the ladies circle.
Friends will be received at the Harmer Funeral Home, Shinnston, from 5-9 p.m. today and 2-9 p.m. Sunday. The body will lie in state from noon-1 p.m. Monday at the Swisher Hill Union Mission Church with funeral services at 1 p.m. The Rev. Roy Clark will officiate. Interment will follow at the Shinnston Masonic Cemetery.
Harmer Funeral Home, Shinnston, is in charge of arrangements.
