We extend our heartfelt condolences and prayers to the families and loved ones of the several members of our Association family who have passed away during the past month.
John Francis
Well known industry engineer and friend, John Francis, passed away on October 6th in Culloden, WV. Many in the industry remember John for his practical ingenuity and attention to problem solving during his long career with Long Airdox and Persinger’s. John is survived by his wife, Rosemary, and family, who have indicated any memorials may be made to the Grace Baptist Temple, 1901 MacCorkle Avenue, St. Albans, WV 25177 or to a charity of one’s choice. John’s funeral was held in Huntington.
Calvin Slone
Calvin N. Slone, 17, son of Arch Coal’s Deck Slone and his wife, Amy, passed away on October 19th in St. Louis. In addition to his parents, Calvin is survived by one brother and two sisters. A memorial service was held on October 26th in Chesterfield, MO. Deck and Amy and their entire family suggested any memorials may be made to the Delta Gamma Center for Children with Visual Impairments. (www.dgckids.org).
Omer Mason Bunn
Jim Bunn’s Father and Jimmy Bunn’s Grandfather, Omer Mason Bunn, 93, of Abingdon, Virginia passed away on October 28th. Omer was a well-known coal operator for 55 years, starting in East Lynn, W.Va. shortly after discharge from the Army. Through the years, he had mining operations in Virginia, West Virginia and Kentucky. Omer was inducted into the West Virginia Coal Hall of Fame in
Omer was a World War II veteran, participating in D-Day and the Battle of the Bulge, holding five battle stars for his participation in the fighting at Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe. A memorial service was held in Abingdon on October 30th with burial following the next day at East Lynn Memorial Gardens in East Lynn, W.Va., where military rites were offered by American Legion Post 93. The family requests any donations be made to Wellmont Hospice House, 280 Steeles Road, Bristol, TN 37620.
Gene Hackworth
Pritchard Mining’s Rocky Hackworth’s Father, Gene, passed away on November 1st in Charleston. Gene was 79 and a native of Williamson. In addition to Rocky, Gene is survived by his wife of 58 years, Patsy, two daughters as well as brothers, sisters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A memorial service was held in South Charleston, WV on November 5th and the family has suggested any donations be made to the Rock Lake Presbyterian Church, South Charleston, WV or the Alzheimer’s Association.