NELLIE MELBA STOWERS GAINER
Nellie Melba Stowers Gainer was born on September 10, 1919 at Richwood, West Virginia. She passed to heaven on February 10, 2017 following an extended illness.
Married on June 20, 1941 to Rev. William Vance Gainer, she was preceded in death by her loving husband. She was also preceded in death by her parents William Garfield Stowers and Cora Spencer Stowers and her siblings William Stowers, James Stowers, Edna Stowers Mick, and Christine Stowers Harrill.
Nellie is survived by her three daughters and their families:
Melba Alyene Gainer Brannon and her husband Timothy Lynn Brannon of Wayne, Pennsylvania, Katherine Lynne Gainer Marino and her husband Frank Marino of Clarksburg, West Virginia, and Cynthia Ann Gainer Freeman and her husband David Bryan Freeman of Enterprise, West Virginia.
She is survived by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Todd Richard Brannon, his wife Bridget Brannon, and their children Laura and Katie Brannon and Cami and Mason Porter of Austin, Texas;
Julie Ann Brannon Steed and her husband Derek Steed and their children Ryan, Michael and Anna Steed of Burlington, North Carolina;
Steven William Brannon and his wife Johanna Horn of Davis, California; Steven Sedlock of Morgantown, West Virginia;
Bryan Edward Freeman and his wife Jessica Weekly Freeman and their children Izabella Denyse and Ezra Vance Freeman of Enterprise, West Virginia; Matthew Adam Freeman and his wife Wendy Stier Freeman and their children Taryn Harley, Kylee Ann, Darby Belle, and Payge Elyse Freeman of Enterprise, West Virginia.
Nellie Gainer lived a full life in her roles as wife, mother, family member, educator, avid gardener, and artist. She was a graduate of Richwood High School and earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from West Virginia Wesleyan College and Fairmont State College and a Master of Arts Degree from West Virginia University. She served as an art teacher at Woodrow Wilson High School and Sophia High School when she and Rev. Gainer served at Shady Springs United Methodist Church. During the war years, while Vance was in seminary at Drew University, Nellie worked for the USO in New Jersey.
An avid gardener, excellent seamstress and milliner, and talented artist, Nellie enjoyed painting, sculpting, and creating flower arrangements.
Starting in 1941, the churches the Gainers served were Newlon Charge in West Virginia, Lakehurst and Adelphia in New Jersey, Stiratt Charge in West Virginia, Pea Ridge United Methodist Church in Huntington, Wesley Methodist Church in Charleston, Romney United Methodist Church, Shinnston First United Methodist Church, West Liberty United Methodist Church, Shady Spring United Methodist Church, and Lumberport United Methodist Church. In retirement, they settled in Shinnston and continued to serve the Shinnston First United Methodist Church.
Over the years, Nellie was an active member of both the United Methodist Women and the West Virginia United Methodist Ministers Wives Association where she served as president. For 50 years, she belonged to the West Virginia General Federation of Women’s Clubs and served as president of the Shinnston Women’s Club. She was active in the Lion’s Club and was a member of the West Virginia Wesleyan Emeritus Club.
Since 2011, Nellie Gainer has received loving care at the Genesis Salem Center in Salem, West Virginia.
A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, March 11, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the Shinnston First United Methodist Church. Visitation will be held at the church at 10:00 a.m. Inurnment of the ashes will be at the Shinnston Memorial Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Shinnston First United Methodist Church. Online memories and condolences may be shared at www.harmerfuneralhome.com.
A service of the Harmer Funeral Home, Shinnston.
COL (RET) DONALD EUGENE “GENE” WILSON
Gene was born May 27, 1934 to Lester “Buck” and Edna “Edd” Wilson in Shinnston, WV. Eugene was the preferred name by his mother … hence, Gene. Gene was called away by his Maker on December 8, 2016 at the age of 82 after a valiant 7-year battle with Corticobasal Degeneration.
Gene went through school in Shinnston and completed 2 years of pre-engineering at Fairmont State College before receiving an appointment to the United States Military Academy. After graduating and being commissioned in Artillery June 1958, attending additional training programs and getting his wings as an Army Aviator, his first tour of duty was Bad Hersfeld, Germany with 3/14th Armored Cav Regiment Aviation Section as the East-West German Border pilot. It was here that Captain Gene Wilson met Ellie Gabler, a “school-marm” from California teaching 4th/5th grade on the Army Post. Their year-long courtship and marriage on January 12, 1963 led to 54 years of raising 3 children, 18 moves, many friends and new adventures.
Gene’s military career of 30 plus years provided them the opportunity to travel and explore. He was an avid reader of military history. Washington D.C. area was one of those places where history would be found around any corner. It was here that Gene was able to attend night school at American University and earn his Masters Degree. Gene found his assignments challenging and rewarding, especially if he could fulfill his passion of flying. The 220th Aviation Company was one of the highlights of his career. Gene took pride in knowing his troops, always looking out for their welfare. His assignments included: two tours in Germany, two in Vietnam, one in Korea; stateside – Fort Sill Ok, Fort Bliss TX, Battle Creek MI, Fort Leavenworth KS, Washington D. C., Onalaska WI, Fort Lewis WA and Boise ID, and Governor’s Advisor to the National Guard. His military retirement in 1988 was followed by Manager of JAC-ACAP at Fort Lewis.
Gene was dedicated as much to his family as his military obligations. He also took pride in the accomplishments of his wife and three children and supported their activities even when he was away from home-by phone or through letters and tape recordings (No cell phones or face-time yet). Family activities included sports of all kinds, camping, hiking, biking, fishing, coaching, refereeing soccer, gardening, music and coin collecting, Gene was also actively engaged with several organizations: Boy Scouts, the Oakbrook Swim and Tennis Club, Normanna Male Chorus of Tacoma, Fort Lewis Military Museum, MOWW, Lakewood Racquet & Sport Club, 220th Aviation Company Historian, the West Point Ski Club, the Puget Sound Miata Club and Treasurer of Stonebriar HOA 7-A. Gene, a loving and giving man, touched the lives of many people and will be missed.
Gene is survived by his wife, Ellie of Lakewood, Washington; daughter Genevieve of Oakland, CA; son Doug and wife Suzy and granddaughters, Maddie and Emily of St. Charles, MO; son Chris and wife Teresa and grandson Michael of Folsom, CA; brother Richard Wilson of Clarksburg, WV; sister-in-law Joan Poimiroo and her family of El Dorado Hills, CA; brother-in-law Walt Gabler and his family of Ukiah, CA.
The family wishes to thank Jodie, Bethany, Tammy and the staffs of Madigan Hospital, Toby Jones Care Center and Franciscan Hospice of University Place for their kindness and support during Gene’s last journey with them. In Gene’s honor, please consider a gift to Brain Support Network, PO Box 7264, Menlo Park, CA 94026-7264.
Visit the website of www.220thaviationcompany.org/genewilson for additional information.
DOMINICK MICHAEL “DONNIE” OLIVERIO
Dominick Michael “Donnie” Oliverio, 71, of Clarksburg, passed away on Thursday, February 2, 2017, at his residence.
He was born in Clarksburg on December 18, 1945, a son of the late James J. “Jimmie” and Louise Oliverio, and stepson of Jo Ann Stumpo Olivero, who survives in Clarksburg.
Also surviving are two daughters, Jamie Oliverio and her fiancé, Wayne Cottrill of Clarksburg, and Johnna Oliverio and her companion, Jason Huber of Charlotte, NC; two grandchildren, Cassidy and Kayla Means; one brother, Vincent “Vinnie” Oliverio of Lake Floyd; one sister, Linda Kolosky of Annapolis, MD; one sister-in-law, Debby Oliverio; and three nieces, Nichol, Courtney and Whitney
He was also preceded in death by one brother-in-law, Alex Kolosky.
Donnie was a 1963 graduate of Notre Dame High School and a 1967 graduate of WVU. While in high school, Donnie attended Mountaineer Boys’ State. He was co-owner and founder of Grandma’s House Furniture since 1974, which began in Glen Elk in their grandmother’s house, and moved in 1982 to the Big Red Barn in Nutter Fort. Donnie was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Central WV Corvette Club, National Corvette Restorer’s Society, National Council of Corvettes Club, Pittsburgh Tri-State Chapter of NCRS, was a NCRS Master Judge and received the NCRS Judge Award after 20 years of judging Corvettes. He was also a member of the National Rifle Association and Salem Gun Club. Donnie was an avid supporter and season ticket holder of WVU football and basketball and a member of the Mountaineer Athletic Club. He also followed RCB track and cross country, supporting his granddaughters.
ROBERT L. MATTHEY, SR.
Robert L. Matthey, Sr., 86, of Clarksburg, passed away Saturday, December 3, 2016, at his residence. He was born November 10, 1930, on Sycamore Road, a son of the late Bernard Franklin Matthey and Wilma Ruth Summerville Matthey.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Sadie B. Matthey, who passed away on January 5, 2010.
Also surviving are two sons, Robert L. Matthey, Jr., Clarksburg, and Steve Matthey and his wife Dolla, Jarvisville; two grandchildren, Misty Edwards of Dover, Delaware, Stephanie Helmick and her husband Robbie, Jarvisville; two great-grandchildren, Mia Helmick and Clarissa Helmick, both of Jarvisville; four brothers, Benny Matthey of Clarksburg, Bernard E. Matthey of Jarvisville, and David Matthey of Pensacola, FL, and Charles Matthey of Frametown, WV; and one sister, Frances Matthey Corder of Clarksburg.
The family would also like to extend a special thank you to Peggy “Gigi” Brown, who provided excellent care for Robert the last four years.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was also preceded in death by one brother, Bill Matthey, and one sister, Ruth Varner.
Bob was a 1949 graduate of Bristol High School and he was a veteran of the Korean War, serving in the United States Navy. He was a truck driver for 39 1/2 years, driving for Quinn Freight Lines and Smith Transfer. He was also self-employed owner and operator of Bald Eagle Oil and Gas as well as Lippizan Petroleum, Inc. with his son Robert, Jr. Robert enjoyed deer hunting and trout fishing.
DAVID ALAN FOX
David Alan Fox, 70, of Buckhannon, passed away on Saturday, December 3, 2016, at his residence.
He was born in Clarksburg, WV, on November 19, 1946, a son of the late Russell Bernard Fox and Mary Alice Louchery Fox.
David is survived by his wife, Mary Lou Bissett Fox, whom he married on July 28, 2005.
He is also survived by four children, David A. Fox Jr. and wife Laura of Morgantown, Jennifer Nichols-Corbin of Rivesville, Kevin M. Fox and wife Tracey of Beaver, PA, and Josh Nichols and wife Heather of Clarksburg; three stepchildren, Chris Schmidt of Mt. Holly, NC, Andy Schmidt and wife Corrie of Gastonia, NC, and Kelly Liberman and husband Aric of Phoenix, AZ; 13 grandchildren: Whitney, Raymond, Hunter, Payton, Jamie, Jenna, Darlene, Travis, Hannah, Thaiden, Alivia, Russell and Bella; and one great-grandchild, Jace. Also surviving David are four brothers, Ronald Fox and wife Donna of Bridgeport, Russell Fox and wife Terry of Clarksburg, Steven Fox and wife Tanya of Clarksburg and Robert Fox and wife Tami of Mount Clare; three sisters, Susan Ann Christie of Bridgeport, Mary Elizabeth McCoy and husband Stephen of Clarksburg and Gloria Fox and fiancé Willie Beverlin of Clarksburg; sisters-in-law, Nancy Hite and husband Tom of Hampton, VA, Georgiana Prickett of Barrackville, WV, and Alice Poling and husband Dave of Buckhannon; two former brothers-in-law whom he thought of as his family, Jim Christie of Bridgeport and Frank “Tyke” Martino of Clarksburg; as well as several nieces and nephews. He also is survived by his faithful companion, Shadow.
David attended Washington Irving High School from 1961 to 1964, and was drafted by the U.S. Army, where he went on to obtain his GED. He retired from Harrison Power Station with over 30 years of service as an A-max Maintenance Technician. He was a member of the Grafton V.F.W.
FRANCES D. WHITEHAIR
Frances D. Whitehair, age 76, of Clarksburg, WV, passed away on Thursday, December 1, 2016, at her residence. She was born on March 31, 1940, at Glen Falls, a daughter of the late Earl Collins and Marie Collins Saunders, and was reared by her foster parents, the late Genevieve and Willard Powers.
Frances is survived by her husband, Kenneth Whitehair; one son, James Rodney “Jim” Coffindaffer of Clarksburg; one daughter, Kimberly J. Griffith and husband Mark of Mt. Clare, WV; a stepson, Darrin Whitehair and wife Kelly of IL; and a stepdaughter, Melissa Whitehair of IL. Four stepgrandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews, also survive Mrs. Whitehair.
In addition to her parents and foster parents, Frances was preceded in death by her brothers and sisters: Clavel, Clayton, Evelyn, Deloris and Joe.
Frances graduated from Washington Irving High School, Class of 1958, and was a member of Faith Fellowship Church. She worked as a bookkeeper for many years for Hall’s Motor Freight Lines and then Wholesale Tire. Frances enjoyed cooking, taking art classes and watching game shows. She was a very devout Christian and enjoyed reading her Bible.
JOSEPH TARANTINO
Joseph Tarantino, 97, of Clarksburg, passed away peacefully Sunday, December 4, 2016, at his home with his family by his side.
Born on February 12, 1919, in Clarksburg, the son of the late James Vincenzio and Mary Ulimo Tarantino, Joseph was the last surviving member of his immediate family.
Mr. Tarantino is survived by his wife of 70 years, Nola Oliverio Tarantino. They were married June 15, 1946, by the Rev. John O’Reilly at St. John’s Roman Catholic Church in Clarksburg.
He is also survived by his six children: Mary Jo (Frank) Roman, Victoria Tarantino, Monica (Richard) Adams, Nola (James) Gaston, Joseph James (Jill) Tarantino and Rebecca (David) D’Annunzio.
His grandchildren and great grandchildren include: Domenica (James) Mastroianni, Lucia and Vincenzio; Mario Roman and Carl Grauer; Nathaniel (Heather) Tarantino, Andrew and Anamarie; Benjamin Tarantino; Brendan (Jessica) Adams, Gianna and Anthony; Alyssa (Samuel) D’Annunzio, Nicolina, Samuel and Vincent; Patrick Gaston; Bernadette (Jeffrey) Futrell; Joseph J. Tarantino, II; Anna (Justin) Ellis; and Adam Tarantino.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Rosario Tarantino Angotti and Rose Tarantino Giacobino, and his brothers, Tony Tarantino and John Tarantino.
During his senior year in high school, Joseph was employed at the Adamston Flat Glass Division of Fourco Glass Co. He worked at night and went to school during the day.
He joined the Marine Corps in 1941 and after leaving Parris Island, Joseph went to San Diego and then on to American Samoa for training. He joined the 1st Marine Division in Australia. The division served in New Guinea, Cape Gloucester, Peleliu and Okinawa.
In 1945, Joseph returned to the states and continued to work at the Adamston Flat Glass Company and retired with 41 years of service.
Mr. Tarantino was a lifelong member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.
He was the last surviving charter member of the Adamston Lions Club and served as president twice during his 59 years of membership. He received the highest honor as a Lion member, the Leonard Jarrett Award for service. He was also a lifetime member of the VFW. He sold tickets for football and basketball games at Liberty High School for 40 years. Mr. Tarantino also served as an election poll worker for 15 years and head commissioner for the precinct for eight years.
Joseph and his brother John owned Tarantinos’ Dairy King for 40 years and created the original recipe for raspberry ice cream. They also owned a laundromat and dry cleaners.
As members of WVU Mountaineer Athletic Club, he and his wife had WVU football season tickets for a period of 45 years.
The family would like to thank US Nursing Network, Amedisys and Central WV Aging agencies for his care, as well as his special nurse Meagan Golden.
