Grover �Russell� Adkins

BALLARD � Grover �Russell� Adkins, age 93, went to Heaven to be with the Lord on Wednesday, September 09, 2009, at the Greenbrier Valley Medical Center.

Born February 21, 1916, to Wilbur and Mae Adkins, he lived most of his life in Ballard, W.Va., but for the past eight years has resided in Organ Cave, W.Va.

He was a long time member of the Dry Pond Baptist Church and had been the oldest living member.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by three brothers, Weldon Adkins of Warm Springs, Va., Harvey Adkins of Hans Creek, W.Va. and Herman Adkins of Ballard.

He will be sadly missed by his wife of 67 years, Helen Cecil Adkins; and two daughters, Nesta Cline of Fairlea and Dreama Holliday and husband, Don, of Organ Cave. Also missing �papaw� will be his six grandchildren, nineteen great grandchildren and six great-great grandchildren. Other survivors include two brothers, Bill Adkins of Gap Mills, W.Va. and James Adkins of Front Royal, Va.; and many nieces and nephews.

At the request of Russell, there will only be graveside services 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, 2009, at the Orchard Cemetery, Ballard, with Pastor Andy Howdock officiating.

Online guestbook can be signed or condolences may be sent to the Adkins Family at www.broyles-shrewsbury.com

Arrangements by Broyles-Shrewsbury Funeral Home, Peterstown.





Steven Wayne �Turkey� Adkins

HINTON � Steven Wayne �Turkey� Adkins, 47, of Hinton, went home to be with the Lord Wednesday, September 9, 2009, at Summers County ARH following a long illness.

Born December 26, 1961, at Detroit, Mich., he was a son of the late Russell Dillon and Sylvia Margaret Graham Adkins.

A past employee of Gore�s Autobody with 18 years of service and K&S; Wrecker, Turkey was an avid race fan but his real passion was building and maintaining race cars for Team Scooby which featured his son as the driver. He loved watching his son race in the Food Stamp 500, spending time with his grandchildren and family. Anyone that he ever met was his friend.

Preceded in death by three brothers: Russell Dillon Jr., Glen Lee Adkins and Charles Dorn Adkins; and one sister, Shirley Darlene Adkins.

Survived by one son, Steven Wayne �Scooby� Adkins Jr. and fianc�, Melissa, of Big Creek; one daughter, Jennifer Leigh �Sissy� Adkins and fianc�, Jared Meadows, of Creamery Rd.; four grandchildren, Cameron Miller, Brandon Adkins, Tyson Adkins and Mackenzie Meadows; three brothers, Roger Eugene Adkins of Hinton, Phillip Earl Adkins and wife, Brenda, of Hinton and Timothy Scott Adkins and wife, Cindy, of Hinton; three sisters, Nancy Carol Chewning of Tug Creek, Barbara M. Smith of Shady Spring and Wilma Faye Byrd of Bellepoint; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, September 11, 2009, at the Ronald Meadows Funeral Parlors Chapel. There will be no services and at his request his body will be cremated following the visitation.

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

Arrangements are by the Ronald Meadows Funeral Parlors of Hinton.





Travis C. Bailey

Travis C. Bailey, age 75, of Mabscott, W.Va., died Monday, Sept. 7, 2009 at the Beckley Appalachian Regional Hospital following a long illness.

Born on May 26, 1934 at Royal, W.Va., he was the son of the late Russell James Bailey and Dainty Reba Shafer Bailey.

Mr. Bailey was a retired coal miner, and a member of the Bible Baptist Church at MacArthur, W.Va. He had made his home at Mabscott, W.Va., for most of his adult life.

Mr. Bailey had served in the U.S. Army National Guard.

Mr. Bailey was preceded in death by his first wife, Shirley Lowe Bailey; by his second wife, Merelene Bailey; and a brother, James R. �Buddy� Bailey

Surviving are a son, Travis Patrick Bailey of Charlotte, N.C.; two daughters, Donna Atkins and her husband Steve of Beckley, and Sherry Godbey and her husband Bob of North Richland Hills, Texas; one brother, John Bailey and his wife Brenda of Beckley; four sisters, Barbara Bailey of Beckley, Melba Reid of Beckley, Jean Shepherd and her husband Ted of N. Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Maxine McMillan and her husband Bob of South Lyons, Mich.; and one granddaughter, Courtney Godbey.

Funeral services will be conducted 1 p.m. on Friday September 11, 2009, at the Rose and Quesenberry Peace Chapel in Beckley with Minister Adam Davis, Rev. Greg Steinke, and Rev. Wayne Holder officiating. Entombment will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens Mausoleum, Beckley.

Friends may call Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be Larry Farley, Dustin Shepherd, Grant Shepherd, Todd Bailey, Thomas Bailey, Timothy Wimmer, and Matthew Bailey.

Online condolences may be sent to our guestbook at www.roseandquesenberry.net

Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home in Beckley.





General Lee Blankenship

CYCLONE � General Lee Blankenship, 66, departed this life Monday, September, 7, 2009, at Raleigh General Hospital following a long illness.

Born July 26, 1943, in Cyclone he was the son of the late Sherman and Louvenia Donzil Paynter Blankenship.

Mr. Blankenship was a retired coal miner, a member of Toler Missionary Baptist Church, enjoyed deer hunting and ginsinging.

Those left to cherish his memory are this wife of 40 years, Ethel Blanenship of Cyclone; two sons, Ira Lee Blankenship, and Curtis Blankenship and wife, Tammy, all of Cyclone; three daughters, Rose Ann Brown and husband Carmel, Rebecca Harrison and husband Michael and Tina Paynter and husband James, all of Cyclone; five brothers, James Donal Blankenship and wife Annie of Asheboro, N.C., Teddy Junior Blankenship and wife Sheila of Oceana, William Boyd �Bill� Blankenship and wife Rita of Matheny, Clettie Dean Blankenship and wife, Denise of Oceana, and Densil Blankenship of Oceana; five sisters, Mary Edith Stepp and husband, Berman of Denton, N.C., Myrtle �Jean� Lambert of Denton, N.C., Joyce Elaine Johnson and husband, Paul of Sophia, N.C., Hazel Marie Cook and husband Larry of Brenton and Linda Lou Arrowood of Glenwood; six grandchildren, Melanie and Gracie Harrison, Ronnie Ray and Marina Lusk, Kodey Blankenshp and James Paynter; a great-granddaughter, Anna Lusk; several nieces and nephews and a host of family and friends.

A celebration of Mr. Blankenship's life will be 1 p.m. Friday, September 11, 2009, at Toler Missionary Baptist Church at Cyclone with Rev. Clarence Gibson officiating. Mr. Blankenship will be laid to rest in Brown Cemetery, Cyclone.

Casketbearers will be family and friends.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 9 p.m. today, Thursday, September 10, 2009, at the church.

A video tribute, condolences and guestbook at www.adamtolermemorialfuneralhome.com

Services entrusted to Adam Toler Memorial Funeral Home, Oceana.





Tracy V. Bowden

JESSE � Tracy was born August 20, 1917, in Jesse, son of Letha and Delbert. He was the youngest brother of Ama Combs, Creel, Virgil, Ocel and Basil.

He proudly served in the United States Army during World War II serving in both the Pacific and Europe.

He married Emma Louise (Hurst) (deceased) and they had two daughters, Dreama Kay Lafferty (deceased), and Eleanor �Cookie� Lafferty. They lived in Kopperston and Oceana and were members of the Toneda Baptist Church. He worked as a coal miner for over 20 years, before moving to Cleveland, Ohio.

He was the adoring grandfather of Tammy (Jimmy) Rodriguez, Gregory (Debbie) Lafferty, Donna (Alan) Herbst, Tracie (James) Nedoma, and Denise (Kevin) Mazur, all reside in Cleveland. Also the beloved great-grandpa of Bobby (Aubrey) Herbst, Shannen Lafferty, Andrea Mazur, Jordan Mazur, Kristin Herbst, Matthew Mazur, Mickayla Mazur, Emily Herbst, and Caleb Nedoma, all reside in Cleveland. He was also a loving uncle and great-uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Tracy loved spending time with his family, and his beloved best buddy �Jake�. He loved baseball, and anything the great-grandchildren might be doing at any time. He was completely devoted to his wife and family. A kind, generous, loving man that taught by example. He enjoyed telling stories about his life�s adventures, and was extremely proud of his service to his country, and his family.

Although in recent years his body became weaker, his sense of humor, and enthusiasm for life never failed to inspire any and all who met him. His blue eyes and smile always lit up the room. He was called �Grandpa� by everyone he came in contact with; his gentle spirit never met a stranger.

He went to his home on high on September 8, 2009, at age 92, surrounded by the loved ones he adored. His love and life�s lessons will live in their hearts forever. There was no greater love on this earth than the love of our grandfather.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Friday, September 11th in the Melton Mortuary Chapel with the Rev. David Trump officiating. Burial will follow in the Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery, Beckley with military graveside rites conducted by the Oak Hill VFW.

Friends may call Friday from 11 a.m. until the service time.

Condolences may be mailed to the family at melton@wvdsl.net

Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Inc, Beckley.





Kenneth Van Brown

CYCLONE � Kenneth Van Brown, 48, departed this life Sunday, September 6, 2009.

A celebration of Kenny's life will be 1 p.m. Saturday, September 12, 2009, at Adam Toler Memorial Chapel.

Friends may call from 11 a.m. until time of service.

Services entrusted to Adam Toler Memorial Funeral Home, Oceana.





Joan Burns

CLINTONVILLE � Joan Burns, 80, of Clintonville, passed away Tue., Sept. 8, 2009, at Greenbrier Manor, Fairlea.

Born June 12, 1929, at Mount Lookout, she was a daughter of the late Elbert M. and Polly Deitz Jeffries.

Mrs. Burns was a homemaker and a member of the Sunrise United Methodist Church of Clintonville. She was preceded in death by her husband, Rodney R. Burns, on Sept. 23, 2001.

Survivors include: one daughter, Joyce Fitzwater of Grassy Meadows; one son, John W. "Jay" Burns of Clintonville; three brothers, John D. Jeffries of Granbury, Tex., Charles N. Jeffries of St. Clair, Mich., and Ross E. Jeffries of Roanoke, Va.; two grandchildren, Christy Estep and Melody Loudermilk; and three great grandchildren, Megan Estep, Justin Estep, and Jordan Loudermilk.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m., Friday, Sept. 11, at the Sunrise Chapel United Methodist Church with Pastor Larry Walker and Pastor Verlin Butcher officiating. Burial will follow in the Sunrise Chapel Cemetery at Clintonville.

Friends may call 6 to 8 p.m. today, Thursday, Sept. 10, at the church.

Arrangements through Wallace & Wallace of Rainelle.





Connie Sue Lester Cash

LEON � Connie Sue Lester Cash, 56, of Leon, died Sunday, September 6, 2009, in St. Mary's Medical Center in Huntington.

She was born January 14, 1953, in Ft. Jackson, S.C., she was the daughter to the late Shufford Lester and her mother Irene Lester Mills of Beckley.

She was a homemaker and a graduate of the West Virginia School of the Blind and Deaf, and was a member of the Teays Missionary Baptist Church.

Preceded in death besides her father was one son, James Shepherd; one grandson, Connor Lyons, and a brother, Carlos Lester.

Connie will be sadly missed by her family and friends.

Survived by her husband, William (Bill) Carlos Cash of Leon; daughters, Cheryl and (Chris) Lyons of Point Pleasant, Amanda (Bryan) Bailes of Leon, and Bobbi Cash of Leon; grandchildren, Shannon and Kasey Lyons, and William and Constance Bailes; and mother, Irene Lester Mills of Beckley; brothers and sisters, Mickey and (Mickey) Lester of Lizton, Ind., Carol and (Jim) Stone of Hickory, N.C. and Phillip and (Dee) Lester of Beckley.

The family would like to thank the staff and everyone who helped in Connie�s care at the St. Mary�s Hospital in Huntington, and also the Pleasant Valley Hospital in Pt. Pleasant, and their staff.

Service will be 1 p.m. Saturday, September 12, 2009 in the Leon Baptist Church, Leon, with Rev. Basil Hudson and Johnny Haymen officiating. Burial will be in the Leon Cemetery.

Friends may call from 11 a.m. until time of the service at the church on Saturday.

Please visit dealfuneral@suddenlinkmail.com to send condolences to the family.

Arrangements by Deal Funeral Home, Point Pleasant, is serving the family.



Robert �Bob� Coleman

PATTERSON, N.J. � Mr. Robert �Bob� Coleman, 63, formerly of Lochgelly, died Tuesday, September 8, 2009.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.





Roy Donald Cruikshank

Roy Donald Cruikshank, 97, finally got his wish to join his wife Mary, on Sunday September 6, 2009, and crossed over into a heavenly celebration. He was surrounded by family and his great-grand dog Izzy.

He was born September 6, 1912 at Page, W.Va., and was the son of the late Edward Franklin Cruikshank and Nanette Bailes Cruikshank. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Cook Cruikshank, his daughter Sharon Cruikshank Ellison, brothers Homer, Harry and Lowell and sisters Mayme Hippert, Mayble McLaughlin, Myrtle Edens, Maysel Ward and Lola Smith.

Survivors include his son Stephen Michael and wife Sharon Phillips Cruikshank, his granddaughter Morgan Ryan Cruikshank of Fayetteville, W.Va. and grandson Michael Roy Cruikshank of Lexington, Ky. Also surviving Roy are: his niece Norma Jordan who was very close to his heart, other nieces and nephews Mary Sue and Noel Revels, Paul and Patty Cook Jr., Wanda Divita, Jacque Keep, Charlene Sproles, Bob Ward and Gary Ward. Heartfelt thanks go out to his wonderful caregivers Nola Treadway and John Hannigan � their devotion was unparalleled.

Roy graduated from Gauley Bridge High School in 1933 and proudly received his degree from the College of Hard Knocks, founded by Jim Comstock.

After time as a coal miner earning fifty cents a ton, he was employed at the Alloy plant where he was a foreman when he enlisted in USMC on December 8th, 1941. He served in the pacific theater with the First Marine Division on Guadalcanal, where he was wounded twice: Once in the head and once in the leg thankfully surviving both to become a great father and grandfather. Before two more island campaigns he spent six weeks attached to the Australian Army training as a demolition specialist. On VJ Day he was on a troop transport bound for the invasion of Japan.

After the war Roy joined the Fayetteville Fire Department serving as Chief from 1953 until 1960. He earned his pilot�s wings with the famous �$5 Frank� and assisted with the formation of the Air Scouts of BSA Troop 179, later serving as a District committee member on the Buckskin Council. He was a charter member of American Legion Post 149, serving as Post Commander and service officer assisting veterans.

He was a member of the Fayetteville Baptist Church, where he was a long time teacher of the Men�s Bible Class and later served as Deacon Emeritus. A former Sunday School Superintendent, he also served on the Finance Board and as a Trustee of the Church.

Roy served terms as President of both the West Virginia American Baptist Men and the West Virginia Baptist Convention. He was a member of the Board of Governors and a former Trustee of Alderson-Broadus College. He received the Methuselah Emeritus Award at Camp Cowen for many years of attendance.

Roy was President of the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce in 1977 and presided in the opening of the New River Gorge Bridge that same year.

All services will be at the Fayetteville Baptist Church with visitations from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Thursday September 10, 2009 and one hour before the funeral.

Funeral services are 11 a.m. on Friday, September 11, 2009. Burial with military rites conducted by American Legion Post 149 will follow at Huse Memorial Park, Fayetteville.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Roy to the Fayetteville Baptist Church Scholarship Fund, 104 Ankrom Street, Fayetteville, WV 25840.

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.





Margaret �Maggie� Davis

Margaret �Maggie� Davis, 82, of Hinton, died Tuesday, September 8, 2009, at Summers County Appalachian Regional Hospital following a long illness.

Born April 30, 1927, at Hinton, she was a daughter of the late James Elmer and Maria Williams Meadows.

A homemaker, Maggie was a lifelong resident of Summers County and a member of First Baptist Church of Hinton. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.

Preceded in death by her husband, James G. Davis in 1979; one daughter, Linda Lee Davis in 1968; six brothers, Joe, David, Paul, John, Allen and Benny Meadows and three sisters, Mary Williams, Mildred McBride and Ruth Leavitt.

Survived by three sons, Donald Davis of Charleston, William Ray Davis and wife Diane of Roseville, Calif. and Benny Davis and wife Marsha of Hinton; six grandchildren, six great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Friday, September 11, 2009, at the Ronald Meadows Funeral Parlors Chapel with Pastor Ronald Cobb officiating. Burial will follow in Greenbrier Burial Park, Hinton. Friends may call from noon until service time on Friday.

Tommy and Gary Meadows, Paul Stocks, Chuck Gwinn and Sean Davis will serve as pallbearers.

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

Arrangements are by the Ronald Meadows Funeral Parlors of Hinton.





Georgia Faye �Dolly� Fleshman

MEADOW BRIDGE � Georgia Faye �Dolly� Fleshman, 57, of Meadow Bridge, went to be with her Heavenly Father on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2009, at Bowers Hospice House in Beckley, following a short illness.

Born Feb. 19, 1952, at Hinton, W.Va., she was the daughter of the late Marion Edward Adkins (08/21/1986) and Gladys Mae Ward Adkins (12/01/2002).

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, L.T. (T-bone) Fleshman Jr. on May 30, 1990, and a brother, Elwood Adkins in December of 1996.

She was of the Baptist faith.

She will be sadly missed by her family, friends, and all the children she claimed as her grandchildren.

Those left to grieve is everyone whose heart she touched, for she had a big heart, and a lot of love to give...

Survivors include her sons, Dean Adkins and wife, Cammy of Danese, W.Va., William �Jimmy� Adkins of Meadow Bridge, W.Va.; step children, Joey Smith and wife, Dolly of Danese, Janet Gill and husband, Joe of Meadow Bridge, Kathy Killen and husband, David of Lockbridge, W.Va., and Mark Fleshman and fiancee, Shelby of Danese; two sisters, Dora Lilly �Sissy� and husband, Charles �Bear� of Meadow Bridge, Brenda Gunter and husband, Warren of Hump Mountain, W.Va.; four brothers, Lovel �Red� Adkins of Cleveland, Ohio, Donald Adkins of Meadow Bridge, W.Va., Roger Adkins and wife, Diane of Backus Mountain, Meadow Bridge, W.Va., and Ricky Adkins and wife, Christy of Ohio; 14 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild, Isaic, very special friends, Bertha Terry of Meadow Bridge, John and Pam Redden of Meadow Bridge, Vicky George of Meadow Bridge, and Michael and Theresa Gilkerson of Meadow Bridge; and several nieces and nephews.

Services will be 12 noon Friday, Sept. 11, 2009, at Wallace & Wallace Chapel of Rainelle, with he Rev. Steve Martin officiating. Burial will follow in Wallace Memorial Cemetery, Clintonville.

Friends may call 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be Michael Gilkerson, John Redden, Ryan Redden, Warren Gunter, Ricky Pennington, and Peewee Critchley.

The family would like to give a special thanks to the Bowers Hospice House in Beckley.

Arrangements by Wallace & Wallace of Rainelle.





Steven Ray �Ponch� Gales

MEAD � Steven Ray �Ponch� Gales, 31, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2009, at Raleigh General Hospital.

Arrangements by High Lawn Funeral Home Chapel, Oak Hill.





Rev. Seldon James Gibson

CYCLONE � II Timothy 4:7 "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." Rev. Seldon James Gibson, 73, went to his heavenly home and was united with his wife and loved ones on Monday, September 7, 2009, at his home surrounded by his loving family following a long illness.

Born March 18, 1936, at Lorado, he was the son of the late Levi Martin and Alpha Mae Brown Gibson.

Rev. Gibson pastored Cooper Memorial Baptist Church in Pineville for 33 years, worked for Eastern Associated Coal for 28 years. He was a loving husband, father and friend to everyone he met. He dedicated his life to the cause of Christ.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife Patricia Gibson on November 11, 2008; three brothers, Chester, Lovell and Doyle Gibson; and a sister, Vonda Gibson.

Those left to cherish his memory are two sons, Stevie Gibson and wife Sylvia and James Gibson and wife Janet all of Elberton, Ga.; two daughters, Vicky Lawson and husband Nick of Cyclone and Deanza Phillips and husband Paul of King, N.C.; two brothers, Clarence "Buck" Gibson and wife Erna of Kopperston and Vester Gibson and wife Lorraine of Grove, Okla.; a sister, Evelyn Lusk and husband Powell of Marborough, Ohio; eight grandchildren, John Carl Carvert, Jason Gibson, Joshua Gibson, Kelli Echegaray, Mary Ann Clements, Victoria Lawson, Wiley Phillips, and Morgan Lawson; five great-grandchildren, Colby Vargas, Abbie Clements, Jacob Clements, Jaret Echegaray, and Kaitlyn Echegaray; several nieces and nephews and a host of family and friends.

A celebration of Rev. Gibson's life will be 11 a.m. Friday, September 11, 2009, at Bright Prospect Missionary Baptist Church with his son Rev. Stevie Gibson, Rev. Joshua Gibson and Billy Joe Cooper officiating. Rev. Gibson will be laid to rest by his wife in Brown Cemetery, Cyclone.

Casketbearers will be Jed Tolliver, Dean Osborne, Rex Osborne, Juan Echegaray, Kenneth Adkins, Mark Cook, Allen Clements and Jason Gibson.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 9 p.m. today, Thursday, September 10, 2009, at the church.

A video tribute, condolences and guestbook at www.adamtolermemorialfuneralhome.com.

Services entrusted to Adam Toler Memorial Funeral Home, Oceana.





Rev. Donald Malcolm Loudermilk

CHARLESTON � The Rev. Dr. Donald Malcolm Loudermilk, 88, of Charleston, died September 7, 2009, at Hubbard Hospice House, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

He was born on Feb. 4, 1921, in Huntington, the fourth son of the late John Henry and Eva Lena Griffith Loudermilk.

He was preceded in death by an infant son, born in Washington, D.C. in 1952 and interred in Don's military plot at Arlington National Cemetery, Va.; brothers, James Robert and wife Laura; Lloyd Griffith; and John Seward and wife, Nell.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Kathleen (Kay) Mallory Loudermilk; sons, Timothy Donald and wife Rebecca of West Virginia, and COL(R) USA Jeffrey Allen and wife Maria of Center Twp., Pa.; grandchildren, Donald Alexander, James Robert and Nicole Kathleen of West Virginia, and John Nicholas of Pennsylvania; and sisters-in-law, Brenda Koehn of Colorado and Ruth B. Loudermilk of Charleston.

Don graduated from Huntington High School, where he was drum major of the marching band, and led the 150-member band at the New York World's Fair in 1939. In 1940, he became Head Drum Major at Marshall College and also began flight training in Civilian Pilot Training (CPT). His love of flying led him to take the exam for entrance into the Navy Air Corps, into which Don was inducted in October 1942. He continued his flight training until July 24, 1943 when he earned the coveted Navy wings and was commissioned an Ensign, USNR; on Oct 30, 1943 he was assigned to Composite Squadron VC-21. On April 3, 1944, Don's squadron boarded the Carrier USS Marcus Island, CVE-77 and flew the FM-2, Wildcat Fighter into combat in the Pacific. He participated in the Palau Islands and Leyte landings, the second battle of the Philippine Sea, the battle for Leyte Gulf, the landings at Mindoro, Philippines and Lingayan Gulf, Luzon. On 7 May 1945, Don was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for action in the Battle for Leyte Gulf.

After the war, Don met his wife-to-be, Kay Mallory, while stationed at Oceana Naval Auxiliary Air Station, near Virginia Beach, VA. He continued as a ferry pilot until June 1, 1946 when LT, USNR Loudermilk received his separation orders in Washington, DC, at which time he returned home to Huntington, WV. Don continued his flying for a long-time friend who helped him get his instructor's license, not only to give him an income doing something he loved, but also to give him access to plane trips to Virginia Beach to see Kay. It was during one of these trips that Don had a life-changing experience with a night landing near Lexington, VA. The experience prompted him to return to Marshall, earn his degree, and propose to his sweetheart, Kay. He enrolled at Andover Newton Theological School (ANTS) on Sep. 10, 1948.

The happy couple were married on June 18, 1949, and moved to the ANTS campus, where they lived for two years. Don was ordained into the ministry at Fifth Avenue Baptist Church, Huntington, on Dec 31, 1950. He began his ministry as the Associate Minister at National Baptist Church, Washington, D.C. in Sept. 1951. While there, Don served as chairman of the Audio-Visual Committee of the Washington Federation of Churches; had a weekly TV program; served as National Chaplain of AMVETS; was a member of the Baptist Ministers Association; had the opening prayer at National Memorial Park dedication of the memorial to the 4 chaplains who went down on the ship Dorchester; was chairman of the Christian Education Commission of the D.C. Baptist Convention, and was Advisor for the Youth and Young Adult Ministries at National Baptist Church.

In July 1955, Don accepted a call from the North Parkersburg Baptist Church, his first and only full-time pastorate. He oversaw expansion of the church there with a beautiful new sanctuary and greatly improved educational facilities to accommodate the needs of a growing congregation.

After 12 years at NPBC, Don was asked to join the staff of the West Virginia Baptist Convention as an Area Minister covering the entire eastern part of the state. The family moved to Lewisburg, close to both Don's work and his roots (having spent summers in White Sulphur Springs and at the Monroe County home-place. Don's flight experience was a great asset in his work, being able to visit distant churches in a shorter time.

Having completed 11 years in the Eastern Area, Don was asked to move to Charleston to serve as Area Minister of the Capitol Area and become the State Minister of Christian Education. During his tenure in Charleston, Don received an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Alderson-Broaddus College. He also holds a Master of Divinity Degree from Andover Newton. He retired from his work with the WVBC on June 30, 1989.

Service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 12, 2009, at Charleston Baptist Temple, with Dr. Dennis Johnson, Dr. James C. Miller, and the Rev. Archie Snedegar officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, South Charleston.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, September 11, at Barlow-Bonsall Funeral Home, 1118 Virginia Street East, Charleston, and one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the D.M. Loudermilk Memorial Fund, c/o Charleston Baptist Temple, 209 Morris St., Charleston, WV 25301 or to Hubbard Hospice House, 1001 Kennawa Drive, Charleston, WV 25311.

You may send your condolences to the family at www.barlowbonsall.com

Barlow-Bonsall Funeral Home has been entrusted to handle the arrangements.





Anna Marie Shores

Anna Marie Shores, 38, of Cool Ridge, formerly of Hinton, went to be with the Lord, Friday September 4, 2009 at her home.

Born December 5, 1970 at Elkton, Md., she was a daughter of the late William Edward Shores and Norma Biggs Shores of Cool Ridge. A 1989 graduate of Hinton High School and a 2009 graduate of Mountain State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice. Anna believed in God and was of the Protestant faith. She loved four wheeling, traveling, outdoor activities and gardening.

Besides her father she was preceded in death by one step daughter, Jessica Lee Pittman.

Besides her mother she is survived by three sons, Jeremiah William Kennedy of Fort Springs, Joshua Robert Kennedy and Joseph Lee Kennedy, both of Peterstown; one sister, Suehaven Neubaur and husband Arthur of Montverde, Fla.; three nieces, Nicole, Lauren and Rachael Alexis Neubaur of Montverde, Fla.; two nephews, James and Edward Neubaur of Montverde, Fla. and three uncles, Thomas, Phillip and John Shores.

Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, September 12, 2009 at the Ronald Meadows Funeral Parlors Chapel with Pastor Patricia Cales officiating. Burial will follow in the Friend Ward Cemetery at Hix on Ward Bench.

Friends may call from 11 a.m. until service time on Saturday.

Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

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

Arrangements are by the Ronald Meadows Funeral Parlors of Hinton.





Charles �Charlie Blue� Sisk

MOUNT HOPE � Charles �Charlie Blue� Sisk, age 30, of Mt Hope, was brought up to be with the Lord, Sunday, September 6, 2009 as a result of an automobile accident.

Born June 4, 1979 at Beckley, he was the son of Freda G. Owens Sisk, and the late Robert Vernon Sisk.

Charlie Blue was an amazing person whose warm heart touched everyone that knew him. He was a free spirit who loved to live life to the fullest and fill everyone�s life with laughter. He was a skilled carpenter as well as a talented musician who held a great passion for music. Charlie loved the outdoors, growing up rafting down the New River. He loved to be surrounded with good people, family, and friends. He was of the Baptist faith and attended the Maple Fork Baptist Church.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a brother, Bobby Sisk; his paternal grandmother, Ethel V. Sisk; and an uncle, Eddie Owens.

In addition to his mother, Freda Sisk of Bradley, those left to cherish his memory include four sisters, Angelina Winter and husband James and Ginny Sisk all of St. Augustine, Fla., Teryl Sisk and Patty Jo Sisk, both of Nashville, Tenn.; his maternal grandmother, Lovis Owens of Bradley; one uncle, Ronnie Owens of Birmingham, Ala.; and three aunts, Patricia Neff of Bradley, Connie Davenport of Beaver, and Phyllis Gray of Oak Hill.

A Celebration of Charlie Blue�s life will be held Friday, September 11, 2009 at 6 p.m. at Blue Ridge Funeral Home Chapel with Larry Lilly officiating.

Friends may gather with the family 4 to 6 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

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

Blue Ridge Funeral Home, 5251 Robert C. Byrd Drive, Beckley, is in charge of the arrangements.





David Ray Smith

ALDERSON � David Ray Smith, age 41, of Alderson, died Thursday, August 27, 2009.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Friday, September 11, 2009 at the Lobban Funeral Home Chapel, Alderson, with Pastor Anthony Carter officiating. Burial will follow at the Wallace Memorial Cemetery, Clintonville.

Friends may call 6 to 8 p.m. today, Thursday, September 10, 2009 at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that contributions of sympathy be made to Lobban Funeral Home, Inc., P.O. Box 148, Alderson, WV 24910 to assist with burial expenses.

Arrangements by Lobban Funeral Home, Alderson.