April 2009 Obituaries

LEONARD "HAWK" HOLCOMB, JR.

Leonard “Hawk” Holcomb, Jr., 83, of Romney, WV  died Thursday, April 16, 2009 at his residence.    He was born on October 14, 1925 in Mill Creek, OK, the  son of the late Leonard and Mabel (Moss)  Holcomb, Sr. Mr. Holcomb retired as Senior Fuel and Ash Foreman from Potomac Edison Power Plant in Dickerson, MD after 39 years of service.  He served in the United States Navy during WWII as a watertender 2C SV6 on the USS Frement.  He was a member of the VFW Wappocomo Post 1101; the American Legion Hampshire Post 91, Romney, WV and a lifetime member of the Masons' Columbia Lodge # 285 A.F. & A.M., Arlington, VA. Mr. Holcomb is survived by his wife of 64 years, Helen Esther (Burgess) Holcomb, one son, Michael Lee Holcomb, Frederick, MD; four  Daughters:  Jo Ann Brooks, Shepherdstown, WV,  Judy Mae Holcomb-Chavez, Arlington, VA, Toby Rae Rhodes, Frederick, MD,  Carolyn L. Counsellor, Harpers Ferry, WV; two  Brothers:  James Holcomb, Reno, Nevada and Edgar Holcomb, Avon, Ohio; nine  Grandchildren:  Joy and Kenny Brooks, Tracy Moore, Curtis and Chad Fisk, Katie, Kristen, Nikki, and Josh Holcomb; four Great Grandchildren:  Dakota Harrison, Chance Moore, Cierra and Chase Brooks and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends Sunday, April 19 from 4-6 pm at the Shaffer Funeral Home, Romney.  Mr. Holcomb will be taken to the Hilton Funeral Home, Barnesville, MD where the family will receive friends on Tuesday, April 21 from 4-6 p.m.  A Masonic service will take place at that time.   The funeral service will be Wednesday, April 22 at 11:00 am at the Hilton Funeral Home, Barnesville, MD Preacher Paul Rennick officiating.  Interment  will be at the Monocacy Cemetery, Barnesville, MD. with military graveside rites.

LINDA SUE PYLES

Linda Sue Pyles, 42, of Romney, WV  died April 25, 2009 at the University of Maryland Baltimore Hospital, Baltimore, MD.   Linda was born on March 7, 1967 in Winchester, VA, the  daughter of Eldon Wayne Pyles, Short Gap, WV and the late Thelma Jean (Shockey) Pyles. Ms. Pyles was also preceded in death by one brother, Larry E. Pyles; and one sister, Bonnie Jean Pyles.  Ms. Pyles was a former employee of the Dollar General Store and the Rite Aid Pharmacy of  Romney.  She was a graduate of Hampshire High School Class of 1985. She is survived by her special companion of 20 years, Melvin H. Kesner, Romney, WV; one Brother:  Gary W. Pyles, Romney, WV, two Aunts:  Shirley Hunt and Virginia Boyers both of Romney, WV and one nephew : Gary W. Pyles, II and wife, Michelle and two great nieces. The family will receive friends at the Shaffer Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 28, 2009 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.  Funeral services  will be Wednesday, April 29 at 1:00 pm at the Shaffer Funeral Home, Romney, WV,  with Pastor Don Kesner  and  Pastor Xenia Rae Browning officiating.  Interment  will be at the Ebenezer Cemetery, Romney, WV 

RANDOLPH "RANDY" WILLIAM EWERS

Randolph “ Randy” William Ewers, 55,  of Romney, WV  died Tuesday, April 28, 2009 at Hampshire Memorial Hospital, Romney, WV. He was born on April 1, 1954 in Cumberland, MD, the  son of the late Randolph Loudoun and Gertrude “Trudee” (Shannon) Ewers. Randy was a graduate of Hampshire High School Class of l972.  He worked on the family orchard driving a truck and  was a life long resident of Jersey Mountain enjoying gardening and spending time with his family. Randy is survived by his wife of 28 years, Sandra C. Ewers, two  Daughters:  Sathira Lynn Ewers and Crystal Lee Ewers, Romney, WV, one  Sister:  Susan S. Ewers-Shields, Romney, WV; one Granddaughter:  Maya Louann Shingleton, Romney and one  Niece:  Ashley Shields, Romney. Graveside services will be held May 14, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at Indian Mound Cemetery, Romney, WV.

ERIN MICHELE PANCAKE

Erin Michele Pancake, 20, of Romney, WV, died April 29, 2009 at Martinsburg City Hospital, Martinsburg, WV. She was born on March 23, 1989 in Winchester, VA, the daughter of David Wright and Amy Elizabeth  (Szabo) Pancake, Romney, WV.  Erin was a 2006 graduate of Hampshire High School and a student at Shepherd University, majoring in psychology. In addition to her parents, Erin is survived by her brother, David  Isaac Pancake, her paternal grandparents,  John and Barbara Pancake, Romney, WV, her maternal grandparents,  Joe and Becky Szabo, Augusta, WV, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. A memorial Mass will be said Saturday, May 9, 2009, at 10:00 am at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Romney, WV, to be followed by a gathering at 1:00 pm at the David Pancake residence on River Road.  All family and friends are welcome to attend both ceremonies. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Hampshire County Community Foundation for the establishment of a memorial fund in Erin's honor that will support local teen substance abuse prevention and education.  Donations can be sent to Erin Michele Pancake Memorial Fund, C/O Hampshire County Community Foundation, PO Box 40, Romney, WV  26757.  .