| Obituaries for February 25, 2000
CAIRO -- Arthur Byrd, 72, of Cairo, died Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2000, at his residence.
He was born Mar. 28, 1927 in Clarksburg, a son of the late Glenn and Blanche Louann Hickman.
His wife of 45 years, Delma A. Roberts Byrd, preceded him in death.
Surviving are five sons, Dean, Lane, Rick, and Robert Byrd, all of Cairo and John Carper, Hockingport, Ohio; four daughters, Vickie Baker and Sherry Byrd, both of Cairo, Debra Byrd, Belmont and Christine Goldsbrough, Harrisville; two brothers, Carlos Byrd, Harrisville and Russell Byrd, Washington; 18 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
He also was preceded in death by one son, Eric Byrd and three brothers, Lee, Charles, and Glenn Byrd.
Mr. Byrd had been formerly employed by the West Virginia Department of Highways and then was employed by the Atlantic International Oil Company as a pumper.
He was a veteran of World War II with service in Germany with the U.S. Army and was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star.
CLARKSBURG -- Patrick L. "Rick" Carney, 59, of 168 Grant Street, Clarksburg, died at 2:50 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2000, in United Hospital Center.
He was born April 21, 1940, in Wilmington, Pa., a son of Winifred Arkle Carney, Clarksburg and the late Patrick A. Carney.
His wife, Chloe J. Carney, whom he married Feb. 16, 1989, survives.
Also surviving are one daughter, Lisa Carney Caroli, Clarksburg; one son, David L. Carney, Clarksburg; two stepsons, Paul Sellers, Clarksburg and Don Sellers, Laurel, Md.; four grandchildren, Andrew M. Cunningham, Vanessa, Melinda and Kaitlyn Sellers; one half brother, Charles Arkle; two half sisters, Maurine Fitzpatrick and Kathleen Barnoski; and several aunts, nieces, and nephews.
He was also preceded in death by one infant son, Kevin A. Carney and one daughter, Laurie A. Carney Cunningham.
Mr. Carney was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. He had served in the U.S. Air Force and had been employed by the Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center until retiring in 1997.
Friends will be received at the Davis-Weaver Funeral Home, 329 East Main Street, Clarksburg, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. today. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday with the Rev. Father Cesidio J. Federico as celebrant. A vigil service will be conducted in the funeral home at 7:30 p.m. this evening.
Interment will be in Floral Hills Memorial Gardens, where the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion Honor Guard will conduct military graveside rites.
In lieu of flowers, it is requested that expressions of sympathy be memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society, Harrison County Unit, 300 A Scott Avenue, Morgantown, WV 26508.
CLARKSBURG -- Mrs. Madeline Michael Clifton, 82, of 312 Johnson Ave., Clarksburg, died Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2000, at the Oconee Memorial Hospital in Seneca, S.C.
She was born in Shinnston, a daughter of the late Floyd and Mattie Layman Michael.
Her husband, Delbert Clifton, preceded her in death.
Surviving are two daughters, Gwen R. Clark, Seneca, and Jackie W. Goff, Clarksburg; one sister, Dorothy V. Wilson, Bridgeport; four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Mrs. Clifton was retired from Clarksburg Casket Company.
CLARKSBURG -- John Congi, 80, of Clarksburg, died Wednesday evening, Feb. 23, 2000, at Heartland of Clarksburg in Nutter Fort.
He was born Oct. 12, 1919, in Clarksburg, a son of the late Saverio and Mary T. Mele Congi.
Surviving are three brothers, Joe Congi, Columbus, Ohio, Pete Congi, Bridgeport and Sam Congi Jr., Pleasantville, Ohio.; several nieces and nephews and one niece with whom he made his home, Mary T. Stanley and nephew, Ralph Davis, both of North View.
He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Tony and Dominick Congi and two sisters, Mary and Rose Davis Congi.
Mr. Congi was of the Catholic faith and had worked with the firm, Champale Inc. as a security guard.
He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Disabled American Veterans. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having reached the rank of Staff Sergeant First Class. He had been active in the Second World War, serving in the airborne division of transportation services. He received the Purple Heart and Bronze and Good Conduct medals.
Memorial services will be announced later, with graveside services also with full military rites. There will be no visitation at the funeral home. Bartolo Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
WESTON -- Elmer C. "Jack" Cox, 82, of Route 4, Weston, Dry Fork Road, died at 6:40 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2000, in the United Hospital Center in Clarksburg, following a sudden illness.
He was born Oct. 2, 1917, in Gilmer County, a son of the late Jennings B. and Lear Woodson Cox.
His wife, the former Dorothy I. Moody, whom he married on Oct. 2, 1927, in Freemansburg community, preceded him in death on Jan. 4, 1991.
Surviving are two sons and daughters-in-law, Jennings F. and Ann Cox, Carlisle, Pa. and David B. and Elaine Cox, North Ridgeville, Ohio; six daughters, Judith E. Butcher, Pricetown, Mrs. Emil (Linda L.) Kays, Dry Fork Road, Mrs. Carol L. Posey and companion, James Carder, Camden, Mrs. John "Jack" (Donna B.) Jones, Elyria, Ohio, Mrs. James (Mary E.) Grogg, Parkersburg, and Mrs. Ron (Nancy E.) Smith, Good Hope; one brother and sister-in-law, Wilber and Delores Cox, Alum Bridge; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Mrs. Dawson (Eva) Means, Hurst and Mrs. Earl (Katherine) Fitzhugh, Morgantown; 13 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Madeline Moody, Pricetown; several nieces and nephews; several great-nieces and nephews; and cousins.
He was also preceded in death by one infant son and one infant daughter; one granddaughter, Cynthia Posey; and one son-in-law, Larry B. Butcher.
Mr. Cox was retired from the B&O Railroad with 55 years of service. He was a member of the United Transportation Union and was an avid farmer and cattleman. He was a Methodist by faith.
Friends may call at the Boyle Funeral Home, 322 Main Avenue, Weston, from 2-8 p.m. today. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday from the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Martin Wine officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, Jane Lew.
GRAFTON -- Mary N. E. Sanders Crislip, 76, of Grafton, died Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2000, at Grafton City Hospital.
She was born in Kingwood, a daughter of the late Albert F. and Myrtle M. Goodwin Sanders.
Surviving are two daughters, Wanda Ball, Rivesville and Barbara J. Thomas, Terra Alta; three sisters, Lilly Coburn, and Dorothy and Violet Sanders; and two brothers, Dewey and Lawrence Sanders.
Mrs. Crislip was a homemaker and mother of 18 children. She was a Protestant by faith and enjoyed singing and working outdoors in her garden.
JANE LEW -- Delano Gordon Davisson, 59, of McWhorter, died Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2000, at United Hospital Center, Clarksburg.
He was born in Harrison County, Sept. 17, 1940, a son of the late Ralph Gordon and Flossie Wright Davisson.
Surviving are one son, Michael Davisson, McWhorter; one daughter, Michelle Stutler, Weston; one sister, Mary Richards, McWhorter; and one grandson, Zebulon Davisson, McWhorter.
Mr. Davisson was retired from Lewis County Glass. He was Methodist.
There will be no visitation. A graveside service will be held at the convenience of the family. Morris Funeral Home in Jane Lew is in charge of arrangements.
LAS VEGAS, Nev. -- Jesse H. Ellison, 76, of Las Vegas, Nev., died Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2000, in Las Vegas.
He was born March 11, 1923, in West Virginia.
His wife, Rosemon Ellison, survives in Las Vegas.
Also surviving are two sons, Douglas Ellison, Henderson, and David Ellison, Liberty, Mo.; two brothers, Paul and Lawrence Ellison, both of West Virginia; two sisters, Cleo Morris, Mesquite, Nev. and Loretta Gilbert, Nashville, Tenn.; three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
He was also preceded in death by one son, James P. Ellison.
Mr. Ellison was the senior engineering assistant employed by the City of Las Vegas. He was a veteran of World War II, retiring as an Air Force major.
GRAFTON -- Ocean P. Felton, 95, of Wallace B. Murphy Nursing Care Facility, formerly of Route 2 (Webster community), Grafton, died Thursday, Feb. 24, 2000, at Grafton City Hospital.
She was born Nov. 7, 1904, at Pleasant Creek, Taylor County, a daughter of the late George C. and Margarete E. Leach Felton.
Surviving are two cousins, Ocean "Billie" Cross, Oakland, Md. and Blaine Leach, Philippi; 14 nieces and nephews and many great-nieces and nephews.
She was also preceded in death by four brothers and sisters, Floren, Tracy, and Uriel "Pudge" Felton and Leta Bartlett.
Ms. Felton was a substitute teacher and worked in the tax department in Webster County. She retired as deputy assessor in the 1970s.
She attended the Webster Baptist Church. She was a charter member of the Taylor County Genealogical and Historical Society. She was also a member of many other local groups. She was voted Miss Republican when Arch Moore was governor and won the History Hero award in Charleston in 1998.
She started her day by saying "good morning" to the children at the school in Webster. She was an avid gardener who won many blue ribbons at the Taylor County Fair for her flowers, garden vegetables, and baked goods.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Webster Baptist Church, c/o David McVicker, Deacon, Route 2, Box 248, Grafton, WV 26354 or Hospice Care Corporation, 207 Latrobe Street, Grafton, WV 26354.
BRIDGEPORT -- Ezra R. Gawthrop, 95, of Sun Valley, formerly of Salem, died Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2000, following a brief illness.
He was born Aug. 15, 1904, in Folsom, a son of the late Carr Gawthrop and Della Laugtery Gawthrop.
His wife, Wilma Helmick Gawthrop, whom he married on Dec. 12, 1936, preceded him in death on Jan. 6, 1984.
Surviving are one son and daughter-in-law, Abe C. and Nancy Gawthrop, Dunnellon, Fla.; two daughters and sons-in-law, Patricia G. and Blaine Campell, Phoeniz, Ariz., and Joyce G. and Gene Wright, Sun Valley; nine grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren; and one brother, Robert Gawthrop, Yawkey.
He was also preceded in death by one son, Thomas Carr Gawthrop and two brothers, Wilbur and Wilford Gawthrop.
Mr. Gawthrop owned and operated an oil and gas company for 40 years. He was a member of the Salem Baptist Church.
Friends will be received from 1-8 p.m. today at Burnside Funeral Home, 607 South Virginia Ave., Bridgeport. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with Evangelist John Board officiating. Interment will follow in the Marshville Cemetery.
NUTTER FORT -- Marlene Rae Haught, 52, of Laurel Park, died Wednesday evening, Feb. 23, 2000 in United Hospital Center.
She was born Jul. 14, 1947, in Clarksburg, a daughter of the late Haymond L. and Frances M. Greenburg Travis.
Surviving are one son, Nathan L. Haught, Fairmont; one sister, Jean D. Travis, Laurel Park; her stepmother, Opal Travis, West Milford; one stepsister, Beverly Muscatell, Clarksburg; and three nephews, Aaron and Samuel Jackson, and Andy Travis.
Ms. Haught was a graduate of Bridgeport High School, Class of 1965, and graduated from Shepherd College in 1969 with a bachelor's degree in elementary education. She also received her master's in remedial reading from West Virginia University.
She had taught school in Harrison and Wetzel counties and Berkeley County, S.C. While in college, she was a member of the Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority. She attended the South Chestnut Street United Methodist Church.
Friends may call at the Greathouse-Gemondo Funeral Home, Nutter Fort, from 2-9 p.m. today and from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home at 1 p.m. Saturday with Rev. Violet Reynolds presiding. Interment will follow in Floral Hills Memorial Gardens, Quiet Dell.
BELPRE, Ohio -- Opal P. Edgell Bates Harbert Jackson, 89, of Belpre, Ohio, formerly of Clarksburg, died Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2000, at The Marietta Center for Rehabilitation and Care.
She was born April 30, 1911, in Wetzel County, a daughter of the late Bruce and Effie Swiger Edgell.
Surviving are one son and daughter-in-law, Kenneth Rex and Norma Bates, Belpre; one daughter-in-law, Janet L. Bates, Brown; three stepchildren, Bob, Huey, and Harold Harbert, all of Ohio and Agnes Johnson, High Ridge, Mo.; six grandchildren, two step grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, five step great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren; four brothers, Willis Edgell, Lewisville, Ohio, Jim Edgell, Pittsburgh, Pa., Loman Edgell, Colliers and Archie Edgell, Center Point; three sisters, Zella Yeater, Weirton, Pauline Prunty, Mannington and Freda Cain, Pittsburgh; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was also preceded in death by one son, Harold Bates Jr.; one sister, Olive Yoho; two brothers, Earl and Okey Edgell; and her husbands.
CLARKSBURG -- Gloria L. Mano, 52, of Mount Clare, died Wednesday night, Feb. 23, 2000 in United Hospital Center, Clarksburg following an extended illness.
She was born Sept. 28, 1947, in Wallace, a daughter of the late Page and Geneva Loy Pigott.
Her husband, Jerry Mano, survives.
Also surviving are one daughter, DaLynn Markley, West Milford; one son, Samuel A. Mano, Mount Clare; one brother, John Pigott, Pittsburgh, Pa.; and two grandsons, Zachary and Noah Markley, West Milford.
Mrs. Mano was a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother and a cherished friend. She was a faithful member of the Mount Clare United Methodist Church.
She had formerly been employed as a secretary for Success Sales in Clarksburg.
Friends will be received at the Davis-Weaver Funeral Home, 329 East Main Street, Clarksburg, from 2-9 p.m. today. A funeral service will be conducted in the funeral home at 1 p.m. Saturday with the Rev. Rodney D. Heckert conducting. Interment will be in the Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society, Harrison County Unit, 300 A, Scott Avenue, Morgantown, WV 26508
WESTON -- Rollen M. Martin, 83, of Route 1, Walkersville, died at 2 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 24, 2000, in Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown following a brief illness.
He was born Dec. 14, 1916 in Roanoke, Lewis County, a son of the late Rollen H. and Grace Hyre Martin.
His wife, the former Enola L. See, whom he married Sept. 30, 1941, survives.
Also surviving are two daughters and sons-in-law, Barbara K. and Larry K. Loudin, Buckhannon and Carol L. and Larry P. Haddix, Weston; five grandchildren, Lee K. Loudin Hartley, Lowell K. Loudin, and Brock, Heather and Heath Haddix; two sisters, Alice White, Buckhannon and Mary L. Hall, Weston.
He was also preceded in death by one grandson, Christopher Loudin; two brothers, Ray and Hyre Martin; and one sister, Elizabeth Kitts.
Mr. Martin was retired from the U.S. Postal Service with 30 years of service and was a cattleman and farmer. He was a 4-H leader, Sunday school teacher and past superintendent, and lay leader.
He was a veteran of World War II, serving with the U.S. Army Air Corps. He was a 50-year member and past-master of William G. Bennett Lodge No. 46 in Walkersville. He was also a member of Bigelow Chapter No. 4, Royal Arch Masons, St. Johns Commandery No. 8, Knights Templar, and many others.
He was a member and past board member of the Lewis County Farm Bureau. He was a director of Central West Virginia Livestock Association, and a member and trustee of the Roanoke United Methodist Church and the Bendale United Methodist Church.
Friends may call at the Boyle Funeral Home, 322 Main Avenue, Weston, from 5-8 p.m. Saturday. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home chapel with Rev. Jeff Zickefoose and Rev. William Dawson officiating. Interment will follow in the Weston Masonic Cemetery. Weston Lodge No. 10, A.F. and A.M. and William G. Bennett Lodge No. 46, A.F. and A.M. will hold Masonic graveside rites.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Bendale United Methodist Church, Bendale, WV.
Haskell J. Pears of Enchanted Oaks, Texas, died Thursday, Feb. 17, 2000, at his home.
He was born in Greentown, Ind., Dec. 15, 1915, a son of the late Matthew and Jessie Pears.
His wife of 52 years, Miriam Rees, preceded him in death.
Surviving are his daughter and son-in-law, Anne and Barry Jones, Kemp, Texas; one son and daughter-in-law, Daniel and Laura Cather Pears, Houston, Texas; two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Murval and Coultas Pears.
He was also preceded in death by one daughter, Martha Jean.
Mr. Pears grew up in Clarksburg, graduating from Washington Irving High School in 1933, at which time he began his career with Equitable Gas Co.
He retired from Equitable in October 1980 as general superintendent of the Compressing Station Department. He attended Oklahoma A&M and Glenville State College, studying mechanical engineering.
He was always actively involved in his community. He was a member of the Athens, Texas Rotary Club and was past president of the Clarksburg Rotary Club. He was a member of Masonic Lodge A.F.& A.M. and Clarksburg Commandery No.13, Knights Templar. He was actively involved in the formation of the Tri-County Youth Football League.
As a member of the executive board of the Central West Virginia Council, Boy Scouts of America, he served two terms as president and received the Silver Beaver Award in 1967. He also served one term as city council member in Enchanted Oaks and was election judge for several years.
Mr. Pears served with the U.S. Navy from 1944-1946. He was a member of American Legion Post No. 310 in Gun Barrel City, Texas. He was a member of the Mabank First United Methodist Church, as well as a member at Sunnycroft Country Club and Cedar Creek Country Club.
Interment of his ashes will be at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens at a later date.
Memorials may be sent to Mabank First United Methodist Church, Family Life Center, 501 South Third St., Mabank, TX, 75147, or the American Cancer Society.
WALNUT CREEK, Ohio -- Mae R. Scott, 102, formerly of Clarksburg, died Feb. 13, 2000 at the Walnut Hills Nursing Home in Walnut Creek, Ohio.
She was born Jul. 4, 1897, in West Virginia, a daughter of the late George Riley and Casanda (Skinner) Ross.
Her husband, Clarence Scott, whom she married in 1917, preceded her in death on Dec. 4, 1985.
Surviving are one daughter, Juanita Prindle, Coshocton, Ohio; two grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild; one brother and sister-in-law, Earl and Louise Ross, West Virginia; and several nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Scott was a seamstress for many years. She was a member of the Duff Street Methodist Church in Clarksburg and an avid bridge player.
The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the charity of the donor's choice.
PENNSBORO -- Lester W. Sponaugle, 88, of West Union, died Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2000, in Salem.
He was born May 24, 1911, in Bear Fork, Doddridge County, a son of the late George W. and Vernie Adams Sponaugle.
Surviving are two sisters, Elva Moneypenny, Weirton, and Lucille Simmons, Auburn; one brother, Elden Sponaugle, Flemington; and one brother-in-law and caregiver, Edward Kimball, Parkersburg.
He was also preceded in death by his stepmother, Hazel Kimball Sponaugle, on Jan. 24; three brothers, Arden, Wilmer and George Sponaugle Jr.; six sisters, Lillian Quick, Alma Moneypenny, Peachie Hall, Flossie Adams and Hattie and Martha Sponaugle.
Mr. Sponaugle had been a sawyer in the timber industry and a truck driver. He was a member of the Union Mission Church at Sunnyside near West Union.
DOYLINS, La. -- Harold Toothman Jr., 73, of Doylins, La., died Monday, Feb. 7, 2000, at the Veterans Hospital in Shreveport, La.
He was born Feb. 7, 1927, in Pennsboro, a son of the late Harold and Wanda Toothman.
His wife, Juanita Toothaman, survives.
Also surviving are two sons, Rickey N. Toothman, Baxter, Tenn. and Terry Toothman, Mt. Pleasant, Texas; one daughter, Cissey Taylor, Tulia, Texas; two sisters, Louise Zinn, Fairmont and Eleanor Waybright, Enterprise.
He attended Enterprise Grade School and Shinnston High School. He was a retired truck driver. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
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