March 2004

As Reported in the Floyd County Times Dated

Wednesday, March 24, 2004 

Harry Alan Ranier

Age, 45, of Prestonsburg, died Sunday, March 21, 2004, at his residence. Born April 24, 1958, in Prestonsburg, he was the son of Peggy Ann Spradlin Ranier and the late Harry Hale Ranier. He was an automobile dealer, the owner of Competitive Classics, a member of Zebulon Masonic Lodge No. 273, Prestonsburg, and the First United Methodist Church, Prestonsburg. In addition to his mother, Peggy Ann Spradlin Vital of Coral Gables, Florida, he is survived by two sisters: Toni Kay Edwards of Rockfield and Lea Ranier Warner of Lexington; two brothers: Lorin D. Ranier of Davidson, North Carolina and Rick Morgan of Charleston, West Virginia; his grandmother, Phyllis H. Ranier of Prestonsburg; 10 nieces and nephews: Joshua Alan Colmenares, Alexander Ranier Colmenares, Victoria Bianca Colmenares, Daniel Lee McDonald, Chelsea Ranier McDonald, Gregory Cole McDonald, Stefan Glen Morgan, Eric Lyn Morgan, Harrison Bryce Ranier, and Angelina Maria Colmenares. Funeral services will be conducted Thursday, March 25, at 11 a.m., at the First United Methodist Church, with Rev. Mark Walz and Rev. Charles J. Gearheart officiating. Interment will be in the Ranier Cemetery, at Prestonsburg, under direction of Carter Funeral Home. Visitation is Wednesday, 5 p.m., until 9 p.m. Contributions are suggested to the First United Methodist Church, 256 South Arnold Avenue, Prestonsburg, Ky. 41653. Active pallbearers: Bill Woods, Rick Morgan, Chuck Gibson, Greg Shepherd, Lorin Ranier, Josh Colmenares, Chuck Hughes, Shag Branham, Jack Absher, Gene Holland and Roger Combs. Honorary: Phillip Haywood, David Allen, Johnny Damron, Joe Gearheart, and Onda Hunt. Carter Funeral Home is serving the Ranier family.

Millard Setser

Age, 84, of Prestonsburg, died Monday, March 22, 2004, at Highlands Regional Medical Center, in Prestonsburg. Born January 12, 1920, in Edgar, he was the son of the late Marion and Lida Burchett Setser. He was self-employed carpenter; a member of the Freewill Baptist Church; a U.S. Army and WW II veteran and the Big Sandy Chapter 18, D.A.V., at Auxier. He served with the Headquarters Company, 46th Armed Infantry Battalion, and participated in the Normandy invasion, and Northern France and Germany campaigns. Survivors include one son, Justin Setser of Columbus, Ohio; three daughters: Elaine Sticklin, Erelene Collins and Judy Treadway, all of Prestonsburg; one brother, Henry Lewis Setser of Prestonsburg; 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers: Tom Setser, Herman Setser and Billy Setser; and five sisters: Elsie Roop, Edith Petrie, Ruth George, Ruby Setser, and Josephine Setser. Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, March 24, at 1 p.m., at the Nelson-Frazier Funeral Home, in Martin, with Calvin Setser officiating. Military services will be conducted by the Big Sandy D.A.V. Chapter 18, of Auxier. Burial will be in the Auxier Relocation Cemetery, under the direction of Nelson-Frazier Funeral Home. Visitation is at the funeral home. Active pallbearers: Lindsey Gibson, Shawn Allen, Philip Allen, Jeff Allen, Wesley Hyden, Danny Treadway, and Herbert Adams. Honorary pallbearers: Ballard Shepherd, Dale Vanderpool, Gary Wright, Clyde Bowling, Charles Roop, and Kenneth DeRossett.

Verna Mae Conn

 Age 82, of Dana, passed away, Friday, March 19, 2004, in Highlands Regional Medical Center, in Prestonsburg. She was born October 8, 1921, in Dana, the daughter of the late Sol and Della Akers Samons. She was a homemaker, and a member of the Little Salem Regular Baptist Church, at Dana. She was preceded in death by her husband, Travis Conn; a son, Danny Conn; a daughter, Dianne Conn; a brother, Edgar Samons; a sister, Carlie Gibson; and a grandchild, Denise Hall Wallen. Surviving are one son, Curtis Dwayne Conn of Dana; four daughters: Christine (Henry) Bonar of Ypsilanti, Michigan, Connie Jean (Ray) Mathena of Springfield, Ohio, Barbara (Tommy) Hall of Martin, and Katherine (Danny) Page of Dana; one brother, Jay Samons of Elyria, Ohio; four sisters: Mavis Marston of Ypsilanti, Michigan, Jean Halfhill of Prestonsburg, Lois Boyd of Leesburg, Virginia, and Denna Sielke of Winchester, Pennsylvania; grandchildren: Luther (Renee) Bonar, Jeff Bonar, Rachel Spencer, Tara (Matt) Atha, Sheila Mathews, Craig (Leslie) Hall, Allison (Brady) Petersen, Monica Shelby (Van Grigsby) and Danny (Deanna) Page Jr.; great-grandchildren: Scot, Justin, Jessica, Liane, Kaiden, Chloe, Crissy, Alina, Tiara, Cheyenne, Lexie, Malreaux, Tasha, Cody, and Madison. Funeral services for Verna Mae Conn were conducted Sunday, March 21, at 2 p.m., at the Hall Funeral Home Chapel, in Martin, with Regular Baptist ministers officiating. Burial was in the Samons-Conn Cemetery, in Dana, under the professional care of the Hall Funeral Home. Visitation was at the funeral home. Pallbearers: Craig Hall, Danny Page, Matt Atha, Jeff Bonar, Luther Bonar, and Brady Petersen.

Ronnie Bill Sword

Age, 57, of Betsy Layne, died Monday, March 22, 2004, at the Pikeville Methodist Hospital. Born March 6, 1947, in Pike County, he was the son of Josephine Canterbury Sword of Gulnare, and the late Alvis Sword. He was a coal truck driver, and a member of the Boldman Freewill Baptist Church, at Harold. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Adkins Sword. Other survivors include two sons: Lester Newsome of Lexington, and Ronnie Joe Sword of Banner; two daughters: Melinda Robinson of Pikeville, and Marlene Castle of Harold; two brothers: Jeff Sword of Allen, and Greg Sword of Pikeville; seven sisters: Lola Lockhart, Rita Lowe, Irene Clevenger, and Carolyn Waugh, all of Pikeville, Pauline Bentley of Delaware, Ohio, Pam Sword of Buffalo, and Patti McDonald of Shelbiana; four grandchildren, nine nephews, 11 nieces, 21 great-nephews and seven great-nieces. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by one grandchild. Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, March 24, at noon, at the Boldman Freewill Baptist Church, at Harold, with Rev. Arnold Belmont Johnson officiating. Burial will be in the Davidson Memorial Gardens, at Ivel, under the direction of Nelson-Frazier Funeral Home, Martin. Visitation is at the church.

Clifford Hall

Age 74, of Minnie, passed away, Tuesday, March 23, 2004, at the McDowell Appalachian Regional Hospital. He was born June 8, 1929, in Floyd County, the son of the late Eli Hall and Cynthia Blankenship Hall. Survivors include two sisters: Geneieve Kanyan of Southgate, Michigan, and Geneva Taylor of Monroe, Michigan; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted Friday, March 26, at 1 p.m., at the Hall Funeral Home Chapel, at Martin, with Regular Baptist ministers officiating. Burial will follow in the Allen Cemetery, at Minnie, under the professional care of the Hall Funeral Home, Martin. Visitation is after 4 p.m., Wednesday, at the funeral home.

Joseph “Joe” William Mills

Age, 80, of Dale, Indiana, formerly of Prestonsburg, died Friday, March 19, 2004, at North-wood Good Samaritan Center, in Jasper, Indiana. Born February 4, 1924, in Lewisport, he was the son of the late Lum Mills and Mary M. Kelly Mills. He was a former farmer; a member of Highland Avenue Freewill Baptist Church, in Prestonsburg; a member of Big Sandy Chapter 18 D.A.V. for 20 years, and a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia “Pat” Hardin Mills, on December 13, 1994. Survivors include two daughters: Mary Lou Harris and Patricia Ann Greenwell, both of Dale, Indiana; three sons: Joseph W. Mills Jr., of Chrisney, Indiana, Benjamin Wayne Mills of Santa Claus, Indiana and Mark Anthony Mills of Vincennes, Indiana; one sister, Hallie Hoosier of Muncie, Indiana; eight grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Funeral services were conducted Tuesday, March 23, at 1 p.m., at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel, in Prestonsburg, with Brother Clifford Austin and Brother Dave Garrett officiating. Interment was at Davidson Memorial Gardens, at Ivel. Military graveside rites were conducted by the Monroe Vanderpool Memorial Chapter 128, D.A.V., of Garrett. Carter Funeral Home is serving the Mills family.

Jimmie Osborne

Age, 62, of Willard, Ohio, formerly of Dema, died Friday, March 19, 2004, at the Medical Central Health Systems in Mansfield, Ohio. Born October 10, 1941, in Dry Creek, he was the son of Socie Hall Osborne of Dema, and the late Charles Osborne. He was an inspector for Mayflower Vehicle System in Norwalk, Ohio, a member of Willard Elks, American Legion, VFW, Moose, and former Willard Eagles, Plymouth Owls, and No. 1379 U.A.W. He is survived by his wife, Jeanetta Slone Osborne. Other survivors include one son and daughter-in-law: Forrest and Michelle Osborne of Attica, Ohio; one brother, Dannie Ray Osborne of Ironton, Ohio; three sisters: Phyllis Burgette of Willard, Ohio, Nella Faye Martin of Plymouth, Ohio, and Carolyn Sue Prater of Paintsville; and five grandchildren: Forrest J. Osborne of Willard, Ohio, Kyle Osborne of Attica, Ohio, Cody Osborne of Willard, Ohio, and Mikayela Osborne and Brooke Osborne, both of Attica, Ohio. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by one son, David Osborne. Funeral services will be conducted Thursday, March 25, at 11 a.m., at the Nelson-Frazier Funeral Home, in Martin, with Old Regular Baptist ministers officiating. Burial will be in the Whit-Martin Cemetery, at Dema, under the direction of Nelson-Frazier Funeral Home. Visitation is Wednesday, March 24, 2 p.m., at the funeral home.

Raymond Hall

Age 47, of Lackey, passed away, on Friday, March 19, 2004, at Pippa Passes. He was born on August 20, 1956, at Martin, the son of the late Nathan Gibson and Judy Hall. He was a former coal miner. He is survived by his wife, Brenda Lee Hall. Other survivors include one son, Christopher Allen Hall of Marion, Ohio; three brothers: Wilburn Gibson and Willie Gibson, both of Kendallville, Indiana, and Garland Gibson of Maio, Michigan; one sister, Helen Galati of Marion, Ohio; and six grandchildren. Funeral services for Raymond Hall will be conducted Wednesday, March 24, at 11 a.m., in the Martin Branch Freewill Baptist Church, at Estill, with Red Morris, Johnny Collins, and Buddy Jones officiating. Burial will be in the Lackey Cemetery, under the professional care of Hall Funeral Home, Martin.

Ellis Castle

Age 69, of Auxier, passed away, Saturday, March 20, 2004, at Highlands Regional Medical Center, in Prestonsburg, following an extended illness. He was born January 4, 1935, at Slagle, West Virginia, the son of the late Ellis and Adaline (Ramey) Castle Sr. He was a veteran, having served in the Korean War; was a driller, having worked in the coal mine industry; a member of the New Bethel Assembly of God; a member of East Point Masonic Lodge No. 657; and a member of the D.A.V. Chapter 18 at Auxier. He was married to Jolene (Gibson) Castle, who survives. Other survivors include one son, Ellis Castle III (Carla) of Colorado; one daughter, Sharon White (John) of Auxier; one step-brother, Hershel Lilly of Boons Camp; one sister, Betsy Qualls of Oklahoma; one step-sister, Willa Dean Conley of Finley, Ohio; and four grandchildren: Mark Bentley, Joel Castle, Brian White, and John White III. Funeral services were held Tuesday, March 23, at 1 p.m., at the Burke Funeral Home Chapel, in Prestonsburg, with Pastor Arthur (Sam) Smith officiating. Burial was in the Highland Memorial Gardens Cemetery, at Paintsville, under the direction of Burke Funeral Home. Military service was conducted by the Auxier D.A.V. Chapter 18. Visitation was at the funeral home.

Bessie Wright Blessner

Age 90, of Mt. Vernon, died Thursday, March 18, 2004, at the Rockcastle Hospital. She was born in Charleston, West Virginia, on September 21, 1913, the daughter of Robert and Laura Belle Johnson Wright. She was a retired nurse, a member of the Eastern Star, and was of the Baptist faith. She is survived by one son, Claude Huff and wife, Louise, of Mt. Vernon; one sister, Juanita Pennington of Louisa; four grandchildren: Claude William Napier and wife, Jackie; Glenda Sue Simpson, and husband, Kevin, of Louisville; Brian Napier, and wife, Jennifer; and Christie Wallin of Mt. Vernon; seven great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bernard G. Blessner of Minnesota; one son, Bob R. Napier; one brother, Ralph Wright; and one sister, Alma Crawford. Funeral services for Mrs. Blessner were conducted Monday, March 22, at 1 p.m., at the Dowell and Martin Funeral Home, with Brother Darren Cupp officiating. Burial was in the Elmwood Cemetery, under the direction of Dowell and Martin Funeral Home. Vistation was at the funeral home. 

Betty Jo Sexton

Age 74, of Lackey, wife of Dennis Sexton, passed away, on Friday, March 19, 2004, at Our Lady of the Way Hospital, Martin. She was born August 16, 1929, in Garrett, the daughter of the late Arthur and Dora Reed Bayes. She was a former cook at the Golden Years Rest Home in Lackey, and attended the Lackey Freewill Baptist Church. In addition to her husband, she is survived by two sons, Dennis J. Sexton of Wayland, and Robert Michael Sexton of Lackey; four brothers: Ronald Bayes of Blissfield, Michigan, Danny Bayes of California, (Kentucky), and Jimmy Bayes of Cadiz; two sisters: Aldeine Bayes of Wayland, and Greta Combs of Lexington; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one great-grandchild. Funeral services for Betty Jo Sexton were conducted Monday, March 22, at 1 p.m., in the Hall Funeral Home Chapel, Martin, with Johnny Collins officiating. Burial was in the Lackey Cemetery, under the professional care of the Hall Funeral Home. Visitation was at the funeral home. Pallbearers: Robert Sexton, Jason Sexton, Brandon Caudill, Matthew Varney, Larry Stephens, and Greg Stephens.

Lucy Lucas Hamilton

Age 88, of McDowell, formerly of Ligon, the widow of Warren G. Hamilton, passed away, Monday, March 22, 2004, at the McDowell Appalachian Regional Hospital. She was born September 28, 1915, in Music, the daughter of the late Perry Lucas and Cora Estep Lucas. She was a homemaker, and a member of the Free Pentecostal Church at Dwale. Survivors include one sister, Mary Jones of Ligon, and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by one daughter, Betty Sue; and one sister, Opal Akers. Funeral services for Lucy Hamilton will be conducted Thursday, March 25, at 11 a.m., at the Hall Funeral Home Chapel, Martin, with Clergymen William Jarrell and Bill Tussey Jr., officiating. Burial will follow in the Burton Cemetery, at Ligon, under the professional care of the Hall Funeral Home. Visitation is at the funeral home.

Wednesday, March 17, 2004

Burnis Akers

Age, 82, of Banner, died Thursday, March 11, 2004, at his residence. Born September 8, 1921, at Ivel, he was the son of the late Amos Akers and Mintie Clifton Akers Smith. He was a retired railroad employee and attended the Old Regular Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife, Grace Ditty Akers. Other survivors include three sons: Revis Akers of Fellsmere, Florida, Vernon Akers of Prestonsburg and Joey Akers of Banner; two daughters: Marie Damron of Pikeville and Emogene Marshall of Martin; two brothers: Leonard Akers of Banner and Woodrow Akers of West Virginia; two step-sons: Robert Meade of Lexington and Michael Meade of Indiana; two step-daughters: Virginia Kegley of Workman; and Zoe Ann Meade of Tennessee; three half-brothers: James Akers of Banner, Charlie Akers of Gallion, Ohio, and Lee Akers of Ashland, Ohio; one half-sister, Josephine Bear of Gallion, Ohio; three grandchildren, seven step-grandchildren and eight step-great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Roy Akers; one daughter, Betty Lou Akers; two brothers: Namon Akers and Hurley Akers; three sisters: Zella Akers, Ella Boyd and Annie Howell and three half-sisters, Marie Hall, Sylvia Kochheiser and Jewell Akers. Funeral services were conducted Monday, March 15, at 11 a.m., at the Nelson-Frazier Funeral Home, in Martin, with Old Regular Baptist ministers officiating. Burial was in the Burnis Akers Cemetery, on Gunnells Branch, in Banner, under the direction of Nelson-Frazier Funeral Home. Visitation was at the funeral home, with nightly services at 7 p.m.

Opal Campbell

Age 88, of Garrett, passed away, on Saturday, March 13, 2004, at her residence in Garrett, following an extended illness. She was born in Garrett, on December 27, 1915, the daughter of the late H.J. Murphy Sr., and Bertie Morrison Murphy. She was a retired merchant. She, along with her husband, Elmo Campbell, operated the Lillie Campbell and Son Grocery Store in Garrett, for many years. She was a member of the Garrett First Baptist Church. Her husband, Elmo Campbell, preceded her in death. Survivors include, two daughters: Shirley Parsons and Marjorie Lovely, both of Garrett; one brother, H.J. Murphy Jr., of Huntington, West Virginia; one sister, Anna Laura Deihl of Bradenton, Florida; three grandchildren: Gary Edwin Lovely, David Campbell Lovely, and Laura Jeanne Davis; four great-grandchildren: Gary Edwin Lovely Jr., Kristopher Saint Childers, Brett Grayson Matthews, and Rachell Elizabeth Lovely. Funeral services were conducted Tuesday, March 16, at 1 p.m., in the Hall Funeral Home Chapel, at Martin, with Randy Osborne officiating. Entombment was in the Davidson Memorial Gardens, at Ivel, under the professional care of Hall Funeral Home. Active pallbearers: Paul Mullins, David Lovely, Gary Lovely, Randy Turner, Jason Bentley and Don Hughes.

David Harmon Little

Age, 76, of Melvin, died Sunday, March 14, 2004, at the McDowell Appalachian Regional Hospital. Born April 6, 1927, in Johnson County, he was the son of Bessie Johnson Little of Eubank, and the late John E. Little. He was a retired coal miner, a member of the U.M.W.A. Local No. 5899, at Wheelwright, and a World War II Army veteran. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Hall Little. Survivors, other than his mother, include his sons: Jerry Little, (wife, Sharon) of Price, Kenny Little of Maytown, and David Lee (Boo) Little and Rex Vicars, both of Melvin; daughters: Debbie Mullins, (husband, Paul) of Ashboro, North Carolina, Libby Anderson, (husband, JR.) of Bevinsville; brother, John Little Jr., of Monticello; sisters: Margaret Gibson of Bonita, Florida, Margie Hogsed of Martin, Betty Mullins of Franklin Furance, Ohio, Susie McCoy of Louisville, and Bobbie Jean England of Stanford; 11 grandchildren: Brian, Michelle, Chris, Ryan, Jason, Dustin, Cory, Brandy, Randi, Ashley, and Amanda. In addition to his wife and father, he was preceded in death by one brother, Billy Eugene Little. Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, March 17, at 1 p.m., at the Joppa Old Regular Baptist Church, at Melvin, with ministers of the Old Regular Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be in the Little Family Cemetery, at Melvin, under the direction of Nelson-Frazier Funeral Home, Martin. Visitation is at the church.

Girlie Chaffins

Age 81, of Garrett, passed away, on Saturday, March 13, 2004, in the McDowell Appalachian Regional Hospital. She was born in Garrett, on June 3, 1922, the daughter of Virgie Chaffins Conley of Hindman, and the late Robert Conley. She was a homemaker and a member of the Free Independent Baptist Church, at Garner. She was preceded in death by her husband, Vernal Chaffins in 1979. She is survived by her mother, Virgie Chaffins Conley of Hindman; two sons: Darrell (Rose) Chaffins of Garrett, and Oscar Childers of Willard, Ohio; two daughters: Nella Faye Chaffins, and Carol (Danny) Shepherd of Garrett; three brothers: Irland Conley of Hindman, Hubert Conley of Willard, Ohio, and Mont Conley of Avilla, Indiana; two grandchildren: Tammy Shepherd and Kelvin Chaffins; three great-grandchildren: Natasha Shep-herd, Lakeeska Shepherd, and Kevin Darrell Chaffins. Funeral services were conducted Tuesday, March 16, at noon, in the Rock Fork Bible Church at Garrett, with Sterlin Bolen, Randy Osborne, and Bethel Bolen officiating. Burial was in the Chaffins Cemetery, at Rock Fork Road, Garrett, under the professional care of Hall Funeral Home of Martin. Pallbearers: Danny Shepherd, Kelvin Chaffins, Tim Shepherd, Oscar Childers, Mont Conley, Francisco Dominguez, Logan Shepherd and Jimmy Pratt.

Archie Hall

Age 80, of Kenosha, Wisconsin, formerly of Ligon, husband of Maudie Tackett Hall, passed away, Friday, March 12, 2004, at United Hospital Systems, Kenosha, Wisconsin. He was born May 11, 1923, in Ligon, the son of the late Henry Hall and Hattie Tackett Hall. Prior to his retirement, he worked for Coca-Cola in Pikeville, then a coal miner in West Virginia. Upon settling in Kenosha, he worked for American Motors, and later at Ford Sheridan. After retirement, he was employed with Kenosha News as a carrier for 10 years. He was a member of the VFW Post No. 1865, the Johns-Manville Club, the Moose Lodge No. 286, the American Lodge, and was a U.S. Army WW II veteran. Survivors include his wife, Maudie Tackett Hall; three sons: Roy (Pam) Hall of Belleville, Michigan, and Walter Hall and Danny Hall, both of Kenosha; a daughter, Rose Marie Hall Suokko of Kenosha; a sister, Ethel Irick of Boldman; 11 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and three step-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers: Arthur, Frank, Ruben, and Riley; two sisters, Ardie Hamilton and Opal Hall; three daughters: Virginia, Martha, and Mary, all in infancy; and a grandson, William R. Shattuck. Funeral services for Archie Hall will be conducted Wednesday, March 17, at 11:30 a.m., at the Samaria Regular Baptist Church, at Teaberry, with Regular Baptist ministers officiating. Burial will follow in the C.C.H. Bun Hamilton Cemetery, at Teaberry, under the professional care of the Hall Funeral Home, at Martin. Visitation is at the church.

Marie F. Martin

Age 82, of Eastern, widow of Clem Martin, passed away, Thursday, March 11, 2004, at the Carmel Manor Nursing Home, in Ft. Thomas. She was born January 3, 1922, in Canell City, the daughter of the late Walter Fraley and Florence Salyer Fraley. She was a homemaker and a member of the Maytown First Baptist Church, at Langley. Survivors include one son, Jerry W. Martin of Garrett; two daughters: Sonja Marie Ramey of Alexandria, Yvette Martin McGuire of Prestonsburg; one sister, Audrey Gayheart of Louisville; five grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. Funeral services were conducted Sunday, March 14, at 2:30 p.m., at the Hall Funeral Home Chapel, at Martin, with Clergyman Robert Varney officiating. Burial was in the Martin-Allen Cemetery, at Eastern, under the professional care of the Hall Funeral Home. Visitation was at the funeral home. Pallbearers: Tim Ramey, Kevin Todd Martin, Chris Sexton, Michael Cikanowick, Billy Stanton Osborne, and Danny Flannery.

Alonzo Patton

Age, 80, of McDowell, died Monday, March 15, 2004, at the McDowell Appalachian Regional Hospital. Born October 5, 1923, in McDowell, he was the son of the late Tom and Ida Patton. He was a retired coal miner, and a U.S. Army World War II veteran. He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Shepherd Patton. Other survivors include a son, Johnny R. Patton of McDowell; a brother, George Patton of Phoenix, Arizona; and a sister, Joann Patton of McDowell. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers: Adam Patton, Landon Patton, and Monroe Patton; and a sister, Lizzie Wolfe. Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, March 17, at 11 a.m., at the Nelson-Frazier Funeral Home, in Martin, with Ted Shannon officiating. Burial will be in the Lucy Hall Cemetery, at McDowell, under the direction of Nelson-Frazier Funeral Home. Visitation is at the funeral home.

Ida Burchett Click

Age, 89, of Banner, widow of Lunnie Click, passed away, Monday, March 15, 2004, at Highlands Regional Medical Center, Prestonsburg. She was born November 8, 1914, in Banner, the daughter of the late Mermon Burchett and Hannah Rice Burchett Meade. She was a homemaker, and a member of the Hope United Baptist Church, since 1975. Survivors include one son, Richard Click of Banner; two daughters: Glorania Layne of Langley, Anna Rose Collins of Oil Springs; one brother, Robert Meade of Xenia, Ohio; eight grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her step-father, Rhodes Meade; one son, Lunnie Click Jr.; two brothers: John Burchett, and Richard Burchett; two step-brothers: James Meade, and David Meade; one sister, Anna Ramey; one step-sister, Mae Delong; and one grandchild, Paul Richard Click. Funeral services for Ida Burchett Click will be conducted Thursday, March 18, at 11 a.m., at the Hall Funeral Home Chapel, in Martin, with United Baptist ministers officiating. Burial will follow in the Gunnells Family Cemetery, in Banner, under the professional care of the Hall Funeral Home. Visitation is at the funeral home.

Charles Lee Keathley 

Age, 42, of Emma, died Saturday, March 13, 2004, in Prestonsburg. Born July 17, 1961, in Martin, he was the son of Charles Luther Keathley of Pikeville, and Scarlet L. Flannery Keathley, of Emma. He was a laborer. In addition to his parents, he is survived by one son, Bruce Edward D. Keathley of Georgia; one daughter, Leslie Nichole Deskins of Ivel; two brothers: Rickey Darrell Keathley of Prestonsburg, and David Brent Keathley of Dwale; two sisters: Connie Sue Williams of Floyd County, and Kimberly Keathley Harless of Prestonsburg. He was preceded in death by one son, Chuck Lee Keathley; and one sister, Marsha Lynn Justice. Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, March 17, at 1 p.m., at the Nelson-Frazier Funeral Home, in Martin, with Jack Howard officiating. Burial will be in the Weddington Cemetery, at Emma, under the direction of Nelson-Frazier Funeral Home. Visitation is at the funeral home.

 

Wednesday, March 10, 2004

Lona “Pet” Hall

Age 82, of Ivel, wife of the late Cecil Hall, passed away, Sunday, March 7, 2004, in the Highlands Regional Medical Center, Prestonsburg. She was born January 24, 1922, in Pyramid, the daughter of the late Miley Prater and Laura Hicks Prater. She was a retired owner and operator of Alpike Inn and Suites, Alpike Mobile Home Park, Hall Mart, Inc., and also Alpike Rentals. She is survived by two sons: Gregory Cecil Hall and Terry Hall, both of Ivel; one daughter, Jan Hall Rich of Louisville; one brother, Charles Prater of Pikeville; one sister, Ruth Prater of Prestonsburg. Funeral services for Lona “Pet” Hall will be conducted on Wednesday, March 10, at 1 p.m., in the Hall Funeral Home Chapel, at Martin, with Ken LeMaster officiating. Burial will follow in the Davidson Memorial Gardens, in Ivel, under the professional care of the Hall Funeral Home. Visitation is at the funeral home.

Frankie Handshoe Hall

Age 68, of Hueysville, widow of Orville Hall, passed away, on Friday, March 5, 2004, at her residence. She was born April 11, 1935, at Handshoe, the daughter of the late Wordon Collins and Exie Hicks Vanderpool. She was a member of the Upper Quicksand Free Pentecostal Church, and a homemaker. She is survived by three sons: Edward Handshoe and Leroy Handshoe, both of Hueysville, and Dennis Handshoe of Graceville, Florida; one daughter, Tina Bolen of Hueysville; four brothers: Rondal Conley of Hueysville, Stevie Vanderpool of Mongo, Indiana, Michael Vanderpool of Illinois, and Harm Hall of Seco; five sisters: Helen Donnaker of Albion, Indiana, Anna Nell Howard of Van Lear, Gaynell Handshoe of Hueysville, Hazel Brown of Mousie, and Myrtle Hughes of Garrett; 11 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, and husband, she was preceded in death by one son, Claude Handshoe. Funeral services for Frankie Handshoe Hall were conducted on Monday, March 8, at 11 a.m., in the Hall Funeral Home Chapel, at Martin, with Bill Tussey Jr., Ondie Wireman, and Earl Miller officiating. Burial was in the William Handshoe Cemetery, at Quicksand, in Hueysville, under the professional care of the Hall Funeral Home. Visitation was at the funeral home, where services were held nightly, at 7 p.m. Pallbearers: Tony Bolen, Willis Handshoe, Brent Handshoe, Michael Vanderpool, Greg Robinson, Dustin Conn, Winford Cornett, and Arthur Adams.

Russell Boyd

Age, 71, of W. Carrollton, Ohio, passed away Sunday, February 29, 2004. He was born April 2, 1932, in Betsy Layne, the son of the late B. Palmer (Pal) and Goldie (Conn) Boyd. Survivors include his daughters, Beverly Carlin and Phyllis (Doug) Gray; brothers: Clifford, Orbie, Gradis and Archer D. Boyd; several nieces and nephews; family friend, Tom; and former wife, Josephine. Funeral services were held Wednesday, March 3, at the Newcomer-Farley Funeral Home, Kettering, Ohio, with Pastor Wayne Burke officiating. Interment was in Ever-green Cemetery. The family would like to offer a special thank-you to the staff members at Elmcreek Nursing Home, and also Hospice of Dayton.

Rosalee Thompson Blocker

Age, 67, of Weeksbury, died Saturday, March 6, 2004, at St. Joseph Hospital, in Lexington. Born July 24, 1936, in Weeksbury, she was the daughter of the late Oscar and Beatrice Thompson. She was a homemaker, and a member of the Free Pentecostal Church of God, at Weeksbury. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Lee Blocker. Survivors include three sons: Harold Jr. Blocker and Randy Blocker, both of Weeksbury, and Michael Blocker of Endicott; three daughters: Priscilla Akers of Allen, Virginia Jones of Newport, Ohio, and Patty Tackett of Weeksbury; 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Funeral services were conducted Tuesday, March 9, at 1 p.m., at the Free Pentecostal Church of God in Weeksbury, with Rev. John (Jay) Patton and Rev. Cecil Howard officiating. Burial was in the Weeksbury Cemetery (Caleb Fork), at Weeksbury, under the direction of Nelson-Frazier Funeral Home, at Martin. Visitation was at the church.

John Arthur Harris

Age 57, of Hueysville, husband of Patricia McCrory Harris, passed away, Friday, March 5, 2004, in Langley. He was born June 8, 1946, in Toledo, Ohio, the son of the late John Arthur Harris and Ruth Collins. He worked for Rayconn Landscaping. In addition to his wife, he is survived by six sons: John Arthur Harris Jr., of Flint, Michigan, Jeremy Harris of Arkansas, Joshua Andrew Harris of Alabama, Joseph Aaron Harris of Tampa, Florida, William Lewis Assel of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and James Ronald Assel of Fairmont, West Virginia; five daughters: Joni Alisha Harris of Jonesville, Michigan, Jolene Angel Harris of Michigan, Julie Amber Harris and Jennifer Ashley Harris, both of Hanover Horton, Michigan, and Christine Carter of Prestonsburg; one sister, Betty, of Syracuse, New York, 17 grandchildren; and his ex-wife, Jeanette Harris Tulock of Hanover Horton, Michigan. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one daughter, Julie Harris. Funeral services for John Arthur Harris will be conducted Wednesday, March 10, at 11 a.m., at the Martin Branch Freewill Baptist Church, at Estill, with Clergyman Chester Varney officiating. Visitation is at the church.

Mildred “Midge” Halbert

Age 69, of Langley, wife of the late Donahue Halbert, passed away, Friday, January 16, 2004, in Our Lady of the Way Hospital, Martin. She was born August 30, 1934, in Langley, the daughter of the late C. C. “Lum” Reffitt and Maggie Robinson Reffitt. She was a retired self-employed merchant, a lifetime member of Garrett Chapter of the Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 128, Ladies Auxiliary, and a Kentucky Colonel. Survivors include two brothers: Claude Reffitt of Hillsboro, and Robert Reffitt of Manhatton, Kansas; two sisters: Harriett Ann Schumacher and Wilma May, both of Louisville. Also survived by a special nephew and niece, Bobby Joe Reffitt and Mildred Reffitt and her loving cat, Bubber Halbert. In addition to her husband, and parents, Midge was preceded in death by one brother, Beverage Reffitt; one sister, Christine Shadlay. Funeral services for Mildred “Midge” Halbert were conducted Sunday, January 18, at 12:30 p.m., in the Hall Funeral Home Chapel, Martin, with Philip Bartley officiating. Burial followed in the P.D. Allen Cemetery, at Langley, with the Hall Funeral Home, caring for those arrangements. Pallbearers: Bobby Reffitt, Matt Vanover, Justin Carrol, Freddie Shepherd, Chris Bailey, Nathan Reffitt, Beckham Reffitt and Tony Salisbury.

Anthony Newsome

Age, 68, of McDowell, died Friday, March 5, 2004, at the McDowell Appalachian Regional Hospital. Born March 24, 1935, at Beaver, he was the son of the late Jarvey and Rhodina Vance Newsome. He was a retired coal miner and a member of the UMWA. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mertie Blevins Newsome. Survivors include two sons: James Anthony Newsome, (wife, Susie) of Glasgow, and Glenn Dale Newsome of McDowell; two daughters: Nora McNear, (husband, John) of Louisville, and Freda Gayle Bentley, (boyfriend, Randall Vicars) of McDowell; one brother, Tivis Newsome of McDowell; one sister, Alice Johnson of Melvin; five grandchildren: James Michael, Mark Anthony, Brett, Tommy (T.J.), and Murtie (Cookie). In addition to his parens and wife, he was preceded in death by four brothers: Estill Newsome, Foster Newsome, Robert Newsome, and Anderson Newsome; and three sisters: Lula Bell Tackett, Maxie Moore, and Thelma Adams. Funeral services were conducted Monday, March 8, at 1 p.m., at Little Rosa Old Regular Baptist of the New Salem Association, at McDowell, with Old Regular Baptist ministers officiating. Burial was in the Osborne Cemetery, Frasures Creek, at McDowell, under the direction of Nelson-Frazier Funeral Home, at Martin. Visitation was at the church.

Monday, March 8, 2004

Nellie Marie Kaufman

Age, 80, of Prestonsburg, died Wednesday, March 3, 2004, at Highlands Regional Medical Center in Prestonsburg. Born September 10, 1923, in Wilmore, she was the daughter of the late Jake William and Annie Kaufman. She was a homemaker. She is survived by her loving friends of 31 years, Liddie and Alex Hall. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three brothers and four sisters. Funeral services will be conducted Sunday, March 7, at 2 p.m., at the Little Rachael Old Regular Baptist Church at Galveston, with Old Regular Baptist ministers officiating. Burial will be in the Robert Hall Cemetery at Galveston, under the direction of Nelson-Frazier Funeral Home, Martin. Visitation is at the church.

Reddy Hall Hill

Age, 72, of Topmost, died Thursday, March 4, 2004, at Central Baptist Hospital in Lexington. Born November 20, 1931, in Wheelwright, she was the daughter of the late Willie K. and Delphia Stacy Hall. She was homemaker. She is survived by her husband, Lee Hill Jr. Other survivors include her sons: Leon Hall (wife, Teresa) and Jerry Hill (wife, Teresa), both of Topmost; daughters: Deborah Hill (husband, Ray), and Betty Branham, both of Wheelwright, Ruby Johnson (husband, Luther), and Rose Johnson (husband, Randy), both of Bevinsville, Opal Hall (husband, Jerry), Connie Sue Slone (husband, Danny Ray), and Ann Bolen (husband, Roger), all of Topmost; a sister, Alberta Hall of Eaton Rapids, Michigan; a half-sister, Josie Isaac of Wheelwright; 29 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sons, Willard Hall and Leo Hall; two brothers: Noah Hall and Bill Hall; and a sister, Sarahdine Hall. Funeral services will be conducted Sunday, March 7, at 1 p.m., at the Joppa Old Regular Baptist Church, at Melvin, with Old Regular Baptist ministers officiating. Burial will be in the Buckingham Cemetery, at Bevinsville, under the direction of Nelson-Frazier Funeral Home, Martin. Visitation is at the church.

Venelia (Sammons) Allen

Age 78, of Prestonsburg, passed away, Wednesday, March 3, 2004, at Highlands Regional Medical Center, in Prestonsburg, following an extended illness. She was born November 23, 1925, in Prestonsburg, a daughter of the late John and Ella (Anderson) Sammons. She was a mother and housewife. She was a member of the Prestonsburg Church of Christ, having been baptized into the church on January 2, 1997. She is survived by one son, Steve Allen of Prestonsburg; and three daughters: Sharon Litz of Florence, and Margaret Meade and Linda Wooten, both of Prestonsburg; four grandchildren: Crystal and Jason Litz, Heather Allen, and Nicole Wooten; and two great-granddaughters: Macy Allen and Ally Caudill; one brother, Leonard Sammons of Cincinnati, Ohio, and one sister, Rosa McQuire of Lancer. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one grandson, Roderick Wooten; two brothers: Earl Sammons, and Ollie Sammons; three sisters: Gladys Lopez, Ethel Langley and Hazel Flannery. Funeral services were held Saturday, March 6, at 11 a.m., at the Burke Funeral Home in Prestonsburg, with ministers of the Prestonsburg Church of Christ officiating. Burial was in the Gethsemane Gardens Cemetery, Prestonsburg, under the direction of Burke Funeral Home. Visitation was at the funeral home.

 

Monday, March 1, 2004

Connie Ray Hurd

Connie Ray Hurd, age 52, of Prestonsburg, passed away, Wednesday, February 25, 2004, at Highlands Regional Medical Center, at Prestonsburg, following an extended illness. He was born May 24, 1950, at McCombs, the son of the late Edgar and Josephine (Clark) Hurd. He was the husband of Linda (Hughes) Hurd, who survives. He was a sign builder, for commercial business. In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons: Michael Hurd and Jason Hurd, both of Prestonsburg; and one daughter, Connie Thompson, of Prestonsburg; three brothers: Lonnie Hurd and Arthur Hurd, both of Prestonsburg; and Robert Hurd of Maytown; three grandchildren: John Thompson, Brandon Thompson and Amanda Lee Ann Thompson, all of Prestonsburg; and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held Saturday, February 28, at 11 a.m., at the Burke Funeral Home Chapel, at Prestonsburg, with Brother Mark Tackett officiating. Burial was in the Clark Family Cemetery, at Johns Creek, under the direction of Burke Funeral Home. Visitation was at the funeral home.