Published: November 09, 2009 09:44 pm      

Obituaries - Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009

Anna Lee Barrett

On Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009, our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and school teacher, Anna (Anne) Lee Browning Barrett of Beckley, passed away at the Bowers Hospice House.

Born March 9, 1920, at Meador, Mingo County, she was the eldest of four daughters born to Kenna Z. and Willa Jane Hatfield Browning, who preceded her in death. Her heritage and ancestry were rich with legendary relatives who included her great-great-grandfather, Valentine “Wall” Hatfield, brother of Anderson “Devil Anse” Hatfield, and her great-grandfather, Floyd Hatfield, who owned the infamous pig that started the historic Hatfield/McCoy feud.

Mrs. Barrett’s husband, Quentin Barrett, and daughter, Betty Ann, preceded her in death.

Those left to cherish her memory are son, Robert Kenneth Barrett and his wife, Linda, of Grand Junction, Colo., and daughter, Elizabeth Browning Barrett and her fiancé, James O. Meadows Sr., of Beckley; three beloved grandchildren, Candace Brette Wills of Naperville, Ill., Andrew Quentin Barrett (Dana) of Hong Kong and Colby Emerson Barrett (Leslie) of Grand Junction; she has three sisters, Zelta Conley of Ravenswood, June Davis of St. Albans and Faye B. Ray of Charleston; she was blessed with great-grandchildren, Scarlett, Hunter, and Lachlan; several nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews and great-great-nephews.

Mrs. Barrett grew up in North Matewan, and graduated from Magnolia High School in 1936. She attended Berea College, graduated from Concord College, and earned a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from West Virginia University. She earned another 45 hours beyond her M.A. degree. She taught school for 37 years in Raleigh County at Edwight Grade School and Mount View Elementary and Junior High Schools, retiring in 1981.

She enjoyed being a homemaker, sewing, art, music, interior decorating and was a fan of belly dancing. She loved her grandchildren and, especially, her grandchildren’s summer visits at the family farm in Virginia.

A Service of Remembrance will be 1 p.m. today, Nov. 10, in the Melton Mortuary Chapel with the David Pettry, CLP, of the Dry Creek Presbyterian Church officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:30 p.m. until the hour of the service.

In tribute to Anna Lee Barrett’s life and long work with youth, the Barrett family is assisting Bowers Hospice House in creating the Barrett Children Play Room for children visiting their facility. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Bowers Hospice House, PO Box 1472, Beckley, WV 25802.

The family thanks Dr. Gary Poling and his staff for their exceptional care throughout Mrs. Barrett’s later years, and the excellent Mary’s Garden staff at Hidden Valley Center in Oak Hill.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.meltonmortuary.com or bob@terratask.com.

Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Inc., Beckley.





Sharon Sue Boggs

RICHWOOD — Sharon Sue Boggs, 60, died Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009.

Graveside services will be 11 a.m. today at the Russell Cemetery, Craigsville.

Arrangements by Simons-Coleman Funeral Home, Richwood.





Bennie Richard Carte

Bennie Richard Carte, age 70, of North Sand Branch Road, was carried home by the angels on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009, following a long illness.

Born Dec. 13, 1938, on Flat Mountain in Alderson, to the late Ray and Pearl Carte.

Bennie was a veteran of the Marines, and a retired coal miner. He was a member of the UMWA and a member of the Little Valley Baptist Church where he was a Sunday school teacher.

He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and enjoyed spending time with his family. Bennie was a loving husband, father, and a friend to everyone who knew him.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 25 years, Reba “Dixie” Stanley Carte of Mt. Hope; sons Bennie Carte Jr. of New Jersey, Danny Carte and wife Brittany of Pax, Chad Carte of Tennessee; daughters Paula Carte of Beckley, Melinda Dalton and husband Jimmy of Beckley, Jennette Greene and husband Gary of Oak Hill, Amanda Johnson and husband Timothy of Tennessee; stepsons, Timothy Perry and wife Wanda, and Phillip Perry; stepdaughter, Linda Pack and husband Jim of South Carolina; 16 grandchildren and one great-grandchild; four stepgrandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; brothers, Russell Carte and wife Mildred of Clarksville, Tenn., Edwin Carte and wife Maxine of Morgantown, and sister Joyce Knight and husband Jerry of Tennessee; aunt Mae Ratliff; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who will all cherish his memory.

Services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009, at Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Beckley, with Rev. Jerry Tyree and Rev. Clara Williams officiating. Interment will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens.

Grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

Friends may gather with the family 6 to 9 p.m. today, Tuesday, at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralhome.com.

Arrangements by Blue Ridge Funeral Home, 5251 Robert C. Byrd Drive, Beckley.





Emory Franklin Elswick

Emory Franklin Elswick, 73, of Glen Daniel, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009, at Raleigh General Hospital, Beckley.

He was born on Sept. 30, 1936, a son of the late Edwin Lee and Winnie Chapman Elswick.

He was a 20-year Veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, serving two tours in Vietnam. He was a member of VFW, Post 4326 of Sophia.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister: Margie Chacon and a brother: James “Bimbo” Elswick.

Survivors include his wife of 37 years, Rita Elswick; six children: Timmy Lee Elswick of Beckley, Sandra Kay Young and husband, David, of Beckley, Michael Lee Elswick of Conover, N.C., Joseph D. Elswick and wife, Suzanne, of Nashville, Tenn., Sammuel Regan Elswick and wife, Shelia, of Claremont, N.C., Edwin Roma Elswick and wife, Maggie, of Glen Daniel; two sisters, Shirley Vance of Sylvester, and Margaret White of Whitesville; one brother, Johnny Lee Elswick and wife, Jeannie, of Sylvester; 19 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be 1 p.m. today, Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009, at Pineview Cemetery, Orgas, with Pastor Dewey Lowe officiating. Burial in Pineview Cemetery Orgas, with Military graveside rites by VFW Post # 5578 of Madison.

Arrangements by Armstrong Funeral Home, Whitesville.





Dorothy Monzellia Fitzwater

Dorothy Monzellia Fitzwater, loving wife, mother and grandmother, 83 years old, went to be with her Lord Jesus and her husband Chester Fitzwater on Nov. 9, 2009.

She was a member of Grace Chapel on Dry Hill Road, where she served her Lord faithfully and helped coordinate church functions, and was church custodian. Dorothy was an excellent cook and worked for Woodrow Wilson High School bandwagon for many years. She served as commissioner during election times. She enjoyed RV camping with her husband, and coordinating family reunions.

She was born Dec. 30, 1925, to the parents of Joe Sam and Sally Rebecca Huffman.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Chester Fitzwater; sisters, Mary Sue Shrewsbury, Arettia Lusk and Thelma Gearhart; brothers, Leon Huffman, Joe Huffman and Curtis Huffman; brothers-in-law, Clayton Shrewsbury, Corbit Lusk, Harry Perkins and Clifton Gearhart.

Those left to cherish her memory are a son, Victor Fitzwater and wife Sue of Beckley; a son, Michael Fitzwater of Beckley; a sister, Jean Perkins of Daniels; sisters-in-law, Athaleen Huffman of Mullens and Elaine Huffman of Muncy, Ind.; grandchildren: Shawn Fitzwater and wife Star of Burnt Chimney, Va., Billy Scott and wife April of Denver, N.C., Sybil Franklin and her husband James of Beckley, Zachariah Fitzwater of Honolulu, Hawaii; great-grandchildren: Brittney Fitzwater, Michael Shawn Fitzwater II, Daniel Scott, Zeke Scott, Michael Franklin, Caleb Franklin and Olivia Franklin; special friend, Tina Robinson; many nieces and nephews; loving neighbors and supportive friends and her church family.

Special thanks to the caring and compassionate staff of the Bowers Hospice House of Southern West Virginia.

Friends may gather with the family from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Blue Ridge Funeral Home. Funeral services will be immediately following the visitation at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009, at the funeral home, with Pastor Kenny Woolwine officiating.

She will be laid to rest at Roselawn Cemetery, Princeton, W.Va.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Bowers Hospice House, 454 Cranberry Drive, Beckley, WV 25801.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralhome.com.

Arrangements by Blue Ridge Funeral Home, 5251 Robert C. Byrd Drive, Beckley.





Willis Eugene ‘Geneo’ Franco

RUPERT — Willis Eugene “Geneo” Franco, 64, passed away Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009, in the Beckley Veterans Hospital.

Born on Sept. 16, 1945, at Duo, he was the son of the late George and Colletta Reynolds Franco.

Geneo attended Duo Elementary, Rupert Jr. High and Sr. High Schools. He served in the U.S. Army, stationed in Germany. Upon his departure from the service, he worked for Mohawk Tire in Roanoke, Va., and was later employed as a coal miner near Anjean.

He became the caretaker for both his father and mother. This act of devotion and love for his parents kept him out of the work force for many years. After they passed away, he worked for a short time as a school custodian for Greenbrier County Schools. He loved life and enjoyed cooking as well as tinkering around with his ham radio equipment.

Geneo is survived by three brothers, Curtis and Mitchell, both of Rupert, and Danny of St. Albans; two nieces, Tajia (Franco) Dailey and April Franco; and his nephew, Jody Franco; and many other caring relatives and the best friends on earth.

The family wishes to particularly express their thanks and sincere appreciation to Bill Richmond and Johnny Richmond, two of Geneo’s closest friends, who unselfishly devoted their time and energy in transporting him to various health centers and then visited him often during his many hospital stays.

Services will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at Smathers Funeral Chapel, with Pastor Brent Franco officiating. Burial will follow in the Wallace Memorial Cemetery at Clintonville.

A celebration of his life will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today, Tuesday, at the funeral home.

Arrangements by Smathers Funeral Chapel, Rainelle.





Reba M. Greene

LOGAN — Reba M. Greene, 89, formerly of Logan, passed away Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009.

Services will be 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, at Honaker Funeral Home, Logan, with the Rev. Homer Sipple officiating. Burial will follow in the Forest Lawn Cemetery, Pecks Mill. Friends may call noon to 2 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

For e-mail condolences go to www.honakerfuneralhome.org.

Honaker Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.





Hensley E. Harrah

MEADOW BRIDGE — Hensley E. Harrah, 92, passed away Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009.

Graveside services will be 1 p.m. Thursday at the Patton Memorial Cemetery, Meadow Bridge, with Pastor Clay O’Dell officiating. There will be no visitation.

Arrangements by Smathers Funeral Chapel, Rainelle.





James Harrah

OAK HILL — James Lee Harrah, 85, of Oak Hill, passed away Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009, at Plateau Medical Center, Oak Hill.

Born on Feb. 7, 1924, at Elverton, he was the son of the late Thomas Lee and Jessie Kate Johnson Harrah.

Mr. Harrah was a WWII U.S. Army veteran. He was a UMWA member and he worked 34 years in the coal mines.

Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Emogene Elizabeth Harrah, in 1982; one son, Charles Grady Harrah; one grandson, Russell Moore Jr.; and three brothers. Left to cherish his memory include his daughter, Dorothy Queen of Oak Hill; two sons, Thomas Harrah of Oak Hill and James Edward Harrah of Columbus, Ohio; two granddaughters, Connie Galford and Sherry Harrah; two grandsons, Josh Harrah and Brian Harrah; and three brothers, Kenneth Long of Indiana, Charlie Harrah of North Carolina, and Edward Long of Clearwater, Fla.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009, at the Dodd-Payne-Hess Funeral Home Chapel, Fayetteville. Burial with military honors by American Legion Post 149 will follow at Highlawn Memorial Park, Oak Hill.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. today, Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009, at the funeral home.

Online condolences and other information available at www.doddpaynehessfuneralhome.com.

Dodd-Payne-Hess Funeral Home, 350 W. Maple Ave., Fayetteville, will be assisting the family.





James Oley ‘Simon’ Hatfield

COAL MOUNTAIN — James Oley “Simon” Hatfield, 78, died Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009.

Service will be 1 p.m. Wednesday at the big Cub Missionary Baptist Church, Coal Mountain. Friends may call after 6 p.m. today at the church.

Online at www.mountsfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements by Mounts Funeral Home, Gilbert.





Mary R. Hogge

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Mary R. Hogge, 68, passed away Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009, at Parkview North Hospital in Fort Wayne.

Born at Forest Hill, W.Va., she worked as an LPN. She was a member of Harvest Freewill Baptist Church. First and foremost she loved God and loved her family with every part of her heart and soul. Her family wasn’t just her husband and children. She was so special to so many brothers and sisters on both sides of the family.

Mary will be lovingly remembered for her wisdom, encouragement and kindness to all those she called family. She gave willingly of what she had in time and money. She had a great sense of humor and was a joy to spend time with. She was a fantastic cook, a devoted wife and a spectacular mom. She loved to sing and everyone appreciated this gift in her. Her strength and determination set her apart. She always had hugs and we will miss those most.

She is survived by her husband, Robert Hogge; sons, Robert Hogge II, of New Haven, Ind., James (Jayne) Hogge of London, England, William Hogge of Fort Wayne, Ind.; daughters, Debra (Michael) Bishop of Salisbury, N.C., Jerri (Brian) Gore of New Haven, Ind.; brothers, Frank Pack of Florida, Harold Pack of Arizona, Eric and Henry Pack, both of West Virginia, Thruman Pack of Indiana; sisters, Elocie Rush of Tennessee and Bonnie White of West Virginia; special cousins, Goldie Meadows of Arizona, Fred Meadows of Ohio and Bill Meadows of Indiana; grandchildren, Nikki, Brandi, Jay, Joel, Samuel, Brianna, Michael, Angel, Robert III, David, Marion, Jamey, Ruth, Keegan, Kip and Jake; great-grandchildren, Jordan, Noah, Lillian, Bailey and Austin.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Cletis F. and Eunice Pack; a son, Jack Wayne Dix; and brother, David Meadows.

Service will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Harvest Free Will Baptist Church, 5903 E. Dupont Road, with calling one hour prior to service, Rev. Jeff Sloan officiating. Visitation is from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday at D.O. McComb and Sons Pine Valley Park Funeral Home, 1320 E. Dupont Road, Fort Wayne, Ind. Burial in Harlan Memorial Cemetery.

Memorials to the American Heart Association.

To sign the online guest book, go to www.mccombandsons.com.

Arrangements by D.O. McComb & Sons, Fort Wayne.





W.W. ‘Bill’ Hutchens

W.W. “Bill” Hutchens, age 79, of Coal City, went to be with the Lord on Monday, Nov. 9, 2009, at the Bowers Hospice House in Beckley, following a long illness.

Born on Aug. 12, 1930, at Dunns, W.Va., he was the son of the late Walter Hutchens and Maudie Waddell Hutchens.

Mr. Hutchens was a retired coal miner for Westmoreland Coal Company, at the East Gulf Mines. He was a member of the UMWA, and had made Coal City his home for most of his life.

Mr. Hutchens was of the Baptist faith.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Maxine Fuller Hutchens; two sons, Robert and David Hutchens; a sister, Mary Goodwin; and by a brother, Leslie “Buster” Farley.

Surviving are his wife Evelyn Sayre Hutchens at home; a stepdaughter whom he reared, Jo Anna Fuller Daniel and her husband Freddie of Coal City; three brothers, Earl Hutchens and wife Sue of Tennessee; Ervin Hutchens and wife Charlene of Tennessee; Bennie Hutchens and wife Billie of Coal City; one sister, Ellen Meek of South Carolina; five grandchildren, Eric Hutchens and wife Stacie of Coal City; Alicia Phillips and husband Chris of Blue Ridge, Va.; Keith Hutchens and wife Susan of Lakeland, Fla.; Brian Hill and wife Megan of Colorado; and Michael Hill and wife Mona of Asheville, N.C.; and several great-grandchildren also survive.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009, at the Rose and Quesenberry Peace Chapel in Beckley, with Brother Wayne Bolen officiating. Burial will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley.

Friends may call one hour prior to services on Wednesday.

Pallbearers will be Lacy Bolen, John Fuller, Keith Hutchens, Eric Hutchens, Michael Hill, and Devin Phillips.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bowers Hospice House, 454 Cranberry Drive, Beckley, W.Va., in memory of Mr. Hutchens.

Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, 1901 S. Kanawha St., Beckley.





Joseph John Kish

Joseph John Kish, 96, of Midway, W.Va., died at home in his sleep on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009.

Born Sept. 10, 1913, the son of Hungarian immigrants, Joe Kish grew up and worked in the coalfields of southern West Virginia, where he helped establish the first union in the mines at Raleigh, W.Va. He was a southpaw pitcher for one of the early coalfields baseball teams. He served as a Marine in World War II, was wounded on Okinawa, received the Purple Heart, and later served in China.

During his lifetime he worked as operator of a small grocery store, a shoe repairman, butcher, coal miner, and fruit and vegetable farmer.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Annie Louise Getchen Kish, who died July 28th of this year.

He is survived by his daughter, Joanne Kish of Midway; a brother, Ernest Kish of Delmar, N.Y.; many nieces and nephews, and an adopted family of good friends and neighbors.

According to his wishes, Mr. Kish will be cremated, and there will be no service.

Online condolences may be sent to www.highlawnfuneralhomechapel.com.

Arrangements by High Lawn Funeral Home Chapel, Oak Hill.





Jean Elizabeth Nelson

LOGAN — Jean Elizabeth Nelson, 78, died Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009.

Services will be 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, at Central United Baptist Church with Pastor Glenn White Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in Highland Memory Gardens, Godby. Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Honaker Funeral Home in Logan, and one hour prior to services at the church.

For e-mail condolences go to www.honakerfuneralhome.org.

Honaker Funeral Home in Logan is in charge of arrangements.





Mary A. Oliver

Mary A. Oliver, 47, of Beckley, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009, after a sudden illness at Raleigh General Hospital.

She was born Sept. 9, 1962, the daughter of the late Bruce Wilson Wade and Gloria Mae Fowlkes.

She was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and attended First Baptist Church of North Beckley. She was formerly employed by KFC in Beckley.

Survivors include one son, Talmadge Hairston, Georgia; two daughters, Latasha Rene and Jasmine Chantel Oliver, both of Beckley; three sisters, Marie (Byrd) Hairston, Michelle Fowlkes and Jeannie Scholfield, all of Beckley; five brothers, James Fowlkes of Chester, Pa., Andrew and Jack Fowlkes of Winston-Salem, N.C., Mark Banks of Beckley, and Paul Banks of Glen White; one granddaughter, Ja’Liyah Kincannon of Beckley; special friend, Michael Duncan of Beckley; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and relative of friends.

Special thanks to Mary’s dearest friend, Darlene Grant of Beckley, whom she dearly loved; also special thanks to Russell Oliver of Beckley.

Friends may meet the family from 7 to 8:30 p.m. today, Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009, at Durgan Funeral Chapel, 1501 S. Kanawha St., Beckley. A memorial service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at the First Baptist Church of North Beckley, with the Rev. James Cox officiating.

Online at durganfuneralhome@verizon.net.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Durgan Funeral Home, Beckley.





Inez Marie Rucker Hornsby Orler

SCARBRO — Inez Marie Rucker Hornsby Orler, 78, died Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009, at Bowers Hospice House in Beckley.

Services will be 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, at Tyree Funeral Home, Oak Hill, with the Rev. Ron Sanger officiating. Burial will follow in High Lawn Memorial Park, Oak Hill. Friends may call one hour prior to the service Friday at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be sent at www.tyreefuneralhome.com.

Arrangements by Tyree Funeral Home, Oak Hill.





Geneva Blankenship Pennington

LYNCO — Geneva Blankenship Pennington, 35, passed away Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009.

There will be a private family visitation. She will be cremated in accordance with her wishes.

E-mail letters of sympathy may be sent at www.staffordfamilyfuneralhome.com.

The family is being served by the Stafford Family Funeral Home, Lynco.





Anna Marie Shanklin

FAIRLEA — Anna Marie Shanklin, 86, formerly of Marie, died Monday, Nov. 9, 2009, following a long illness.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.ronaldmeadowsfp.com.

The family is being served by the Ronald Meadows Funeral Parlors in Hinton.





Richard ‘Jack’ Skaggs

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Richard “Jack” Skaggs of Greensboro, formerly of Ansted, born Feb. 3, 1930, passed away Nov. 3, 2009.

Arrangements are in the care of Wallace and Wallace Funeral Home in Ansted and are incomplete at this time.





Chester Weston Walker

SPRING DALE — Chester Weston Walker, 87, passed away Friday, Nov. 6, 2009, at the VA Medical Center, Beckley.

Born in Spring Dale, Feb. 15, 1922, he was the son of the late Elsie Mae White and William C. Walker.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one daughter, Deanna Harvey; six sisters, Grace Campbell, Glenna Jett, Pansie Twohig, Thelma Peters, Evelyn Rose and Jewell Miller; one brother, Lawrence, and twin brothers, Eugene and Jennings, who died during infancy.

Survivors include his loving wife of 66 years, Mildred (“Biddie”); two sons, Gary and his wife Kami of Spring Dale; Marty and his wife Beverly of Meadow Bridge; one daughter, Rhonda Grant and her husband “Musky” of Petersburg, Va.; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; one sister, Wanda Gregory of Kingsville, Maryland; and one brother, Earl of Spring Dale.

Chester was a Veteran of World War II and was wounded twice during his combat duties in the Invasion of Normandy, Battle of the Bulge and the final invasion of Berlin. He was awarded the Bronze Star, two Purple Hearts and many other military honors. He served with the 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division as an Airborne medic.

How well he served his country is recounted here by Documentary Producer Steve Droter of The National WWII Museum in New Orleans, La. “Several years ago, I had the privilege and honor of meeting Chester Walker when I visited him in Springdale to interview him about his experiences in World War II. In particular, I was interested in his story of landing by glider in Normandy, France, on June 7th, 1944. The gliders — wood and canvas structures without power, weapons or armor — crash-landed in small fields surrounded by thick hedgerows, tall trees and German soldiers. I spoke to several men in Private Walker’s outfit who specifically recalled seeing him dash from glider to glider, tending to the many soldiers who were badly wounded in the crashes, but this was just the beginning.

“Private Walker’s company was issued one of the most important combat orders in the entire Normandy Invasion. For three days, paratroopers had fought for control of La Fiere Bridge, which was one of the most critical arteries inland for the American forces landing on Utah Beach. Private Walker’s company, which had never seen combat before, was told that they had to dash across the small stone bridge and down a 700-yard causeway, over a flooded marsh to the other side, where they would take on the Germans face-to-face until every last one was either killed or captured.

“When they finally got the order to go, Walker and company received the worst volley of lead and shrapnel that anyone in the outfit would ever see again. I’ve interviewed at least six veterans in Chester’s company who specifically recalled seeing Private Walker run repeatedly to the bridge without regard for his own personal safety, administer first aid and carry wounded soldiers to a nearby stone wall, then run back to do it all over again. Several men in his company have told me that seeing the fearlessness and bravery of Private Walker was what made them get up and charge the causeway. It’s hard to say how many lives Chester Walker saved that day, but it is absolutely certain that his actions at La Fiere Bridge inspired his comrades to make that charge. By the end of the day, the battle was won, but more than half the men in the company were killed or wounded. And Private Chester Walker was there to inspire them and comfort them every step of the way. To me, that is the true essence of a hero. May he rest in honor and glory, and may we thank him eternally for his courage and sacrifice.”

Chester returned home after the many hardships of war and worked for a few years in coal mining, both deep and surface mines. He was self-employed over 40 years, owned and operated Walker’s Sawmills in Spring Dale. He was of the Baptist faith and enjoyed his work, hunting with his sons, flea markets and gardening, but most of all he enjoyed his family and friends who will miss him and his wonderful “witty” sense of humor.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009, at Wallace and Wallace Funeral Home in Rainelle. A funeral service will be held on Friday, Nov. 13, 2009, at 1 p.m. at the Wallace and Wallace Chapel, Rainelle. Burial with military honors will be in Wallace Memorial Cemetery in Clintonville.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in memory of Chester W. Walker to The Alzheimer’s Association, 1111 E. Lee St., Charleston, WV 25301.

Arrangements by Wallace and Wallace Inc., Rainelle.





Frank E. Zamiela

CHARLESTON — Frank E. Zamiela, 75, of Charleston, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2009, after a long illness.

Frank was the son of the late Walter and Rose Zamiela of Oak Hill.

Frank attended the Durham Barber College in North Carolina. He worked as a Barber in the Charleston area for over 50 years, where he was a resident.

He attended Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Charleston, and ushered at the Charleston Symphony for many years.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Helen Zamiela Young; brother, Johnny Ray Zamiela; and brother-in-law, Louis Reinacher.

Frank is survived by his wife of 49 years, Marian E. Zamiela; sons, Kevin Zamiela and his wife Ellen of Dunbar and Keith Zamiela, his wife Jill and their children, Christian, Tallee and Chloe, all of Stuart, Fla.; brother, Stanley Zamiela and his wife Betty; sisters-in-law, Gaye Reinacher and Janet Zamiela; also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be 1 p.m. today, Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009, at Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home, Charleston, with the Rev. Ron Schlak officiating. Burial will follow at Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans. Friends may call two hours prior to the service at the funeral home.

The family would like to express their appreciation and gratitude for the care provided at the Hubbard Hospice House.

Flowers are welcome. The family also suggests donations be made to: Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1600 Kanawha Blvd. E., Charleston, WV 25311-2115, and/or Hubbard Hospice House, Hospice Care, 1606 Kanawha Blvd. W., Charleston, WV 25312.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.barlowbonsall.com.

Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home, Charleston, has been entrusted with the arrangements.