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James Floyd Bennett
84, passed away surrounded by family on May 7, 2024. A native of Wheeling, West Virginia, Bennett was the son of Thurman and Gale Bennett. Bennett was raised in Morgantown, where he graduated from Morgantown High School. After earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering from West Virginia University, he served at C&P Telephone and AT&T for 20 years followed by roles in management consulting and nine working years in England. He is survived by his wife, Judy Oltmann Bennett, brother George, sons James Jr. and John, mother of his sons Martha, stepdaughters Kelly and Loren, as well as grandchildren, step-grandchildren, a step-great-granddaughter, and many other friends and family members.
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Barry Alan Brinkley
82, passed away August 12, 2024. He was born in Clarksburg, West Virginia. After earning a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from West Virginia University, Brinkley received a Master of Science from the University of Texas in El Paso. He was also certified by the Board of Engineers. Brinkley taught at West Point, authored a comprehensive computer manual, and worked at MacDill Air Force Base. He received numerous recognitions for his exemplary military service. Brinkley is survived by his wife, Tanya, nephew, nieces, and many friends.
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Michael “Mike” James DePollo
74, passed away on June 28, 2024. He was born in Elkins, West Virginia. After graduating as Valedictorian from Mountaineer High School, DePollo graduated from West Virginia University with a Bachelor of Science in industrial engineering in 1972, where he was a member of the Alpha Pi Mu, the Honor Society for Industrial and Systems Engineering. He was also enrolled in Army ROTC at WVU for four years. For nearly four decades, DePollo worked at Eastman Kodak and then Eastman Chemical Company. He served as a past president of the American Institute of Industrial Engineers in Kingsport, Tennessee, where he was also a Registered Professional Engineer. He is survived by his daughter, Dana, son, Michael Jr., four grandchildren, brothers Tim and Mark, and sister Loretta, as well as many extended family members and friends.
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Arthur Viant Faull
91, passed away on July 14, 2024. He was born in Butler, Pennsylvania, and raised in Pennsylvania, Kentucky and West Virginia. Faull was the son of a coal mining engineer and went on to earn his degree in mechanical engineering from West Virginia University. His engineering career included installing early satellite communication antennae systems, gyro stabilizers on missile launching submarines, window washing equipment on a skyscraper in New York City and his role as a field engineer in the corrugated box manufacturing industry. Faull is survived by his wife of 39 years, Rosann, and his daughter, three grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and many extended family members and friends.
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Edgar “Ed” Cecil Fearnow II
92, passed away on February 18, 2025. Fearnow was born in Washington, DC, to Theodore and Mary Fearnow, and spent his childhood in Berkeley Springs. After graduating from West Virginia University with a degree in mechanical engineering, Fearnow served in the Army Corps of Engineers. He worked as an engineer in the corporate offices of Armstrong World Industries, Inc. for 33 years, rising to the position of Assistant Director of Engineering. He is survived by his children, Edgar, Ephrata and Betsy, sister Janice and four grandchildren.
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Albert John Finke, Jr.
82, passed away on January 19 after a long illness. He was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Albert John Finke, Sr. and Delia Mae Hart Finke Clark. Finke graduated from North Hills High School before receiving a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from West Virginia University in 1965. He went on to earn his Master of Science in engineering from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he worked for nine years post-graduation. He dedicated thirty years of his life as a mechanical engineer at DuPont in Waynesboro. Finke is survived by his wife of 59 years, Betty, children Sandra, John, Robert and William, grandchildren and many extended family members and friends.
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George A. Hall
86, passed away on November 16, 2024. He was the only child of George and Mary Hall. Hall earned a Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and Ph.D. in civil engineering from West Virginia University, where he was a member of the ROTC. He served in the United States Army and was a professional engineer in both the public and private sectors. Hall served as owner and president of Terra Engineers, Inc., and worked with the Department of Highways and the Department of Natural Resources. Dedicated to mentoring others, he found fulfillment in sharing his knowledge. He was the husband of 44 years to Alice, father to Susan and grandfather to Leslie and Ian.
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Wayne Hunter
68, passed away on June 27, 2024. He was born in Frederick, Maryland, to Alan and Betty Hunter. Hunter received a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from West Virginia University in 1982 before earning a Master of Engineering in civil engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington in 1991. For four decades, he held various roles managing design of water and wastewater pipelines with the Trinity River Authority, MWH Constructors, Espey Consultants, RPS Espey, and Gresham Smith. Hunter is survived by his wife of almost 46 years, Debra, and children, Monica, Sheila, and grandchildren Finley and Penelope, and many extended family members and friends.
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Lt. Col. Robert “Bob” Huss, Sr.
87, passed away October 28, 2024, surrounded by family. He was born in Wheeling, West Virginia to Elwood Harry Huss and Martha Ruth McCracken Huss. His father was a USAF pilot. After graduating from Groveport High School, Huss received his Bachelor of Science in aeronautical engineering from West Virginia University, where he joined ROTC and Sigma Nu. Huss later received his master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Wyoming University. His areas of expertise included minuteman missiles, space communications, satellite deployment methods including space shuttle (PAM) and numerous delta rocket series. Upon retirement from USAF, Huss worked at McDonnell Douglas for more than a decade. He is survived by his wife, Cathy, children Robert “Bob” Jr. and Kerri, six grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, sister Judy and many extended family members.
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Edward “Ed” O. Lewis
passed away on November 5, 2024, in Largo, Florida, after a long illness. He was born in Charleston. After graduating from Charleston High School, Lewis earned a degree in chemical engineering from West Virginia University, where he was a Kappa Sigma. After serving in the United States Army, he worked at Union Carbide for 24 years and was a member of the Habitat for Humanity Crew for 17 years, helping to build nearly 100 homes. He is survived by his daughters, Amy, Nan, and Lea Ann, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
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Albert Harold Mathena, Jr.
86, of St. Albans, WV passed away on March 15, 2025 at Thomas Memorial Hospital after a long battle with cancer. He was born November 28, 1938 in Powellton, West Virginia, to the late Albert Sr. and Helen Kovach Mathena. He graduated with honors from Munhall High School in 1956 and earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the School of Mines and his Master of Science degree in engineering in 1962. He began his career at the United Fuel Gas Company through Columbia Gas as a junior engineer in the production department. Mathena worked as a Petroleum Engineer for Columbia Gas Transmission and retired in 1996. He served in the U.S. Army and later as Chairman of the Appalachian Section in the Society of Petroleum Engineers, representative of the Eastern United States on the Board of Directors of the SPE, and president of the WVU School of Mines. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Frances Anna Holstein Mathena, stepson Tim Snyder, sister Evelyn Beard; grandchildren Adam, Rachael, Zach, Zoey, Eliot and great grandchildren.
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Robert “Bob” Joseph Mihalik
62, passed away on June 15, 2024. Mihalik earned his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering at West Virginia University. This supported his 39-year career at Automated Conveyer Systems, where he was a Research and Developmental Manager and Electrical Engineering Manager. Each year, Mihalik provided seasonal joy to his neighborhood with a 20-foot tall, intricately built and programmed Christmas tree in his front yard. Mihalik is survived by his wife of 38 years, Tina, daughters Samantha, Amanda, mother Mary, siblings Joseph and Elizabeth, many extended family members, and his loyal companion, Bill the hound dog.
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Edward “Ed” Allen Patterson
88, passed away December 13, 2024 in Xenia, Ohio. He was born in Fairmont to R.D. and Esther Patterson. Patterson graduated from West Virginia University with a degree in aeronautical engineering, which supported his many professional roles in the aircraft industry. He retired from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base as the chief engineer of the C5-B. Patterson is survived by his wife of 65 years, Linda, children Kelly, Sharon, Susan and Mike, ten grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, and brother, Richard.
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Stephen Anthony Phillips
80, passed away on February 2. He was born in Wheeling, West Virginia, to Stephen and Sophie Phillips and raised in Weirton. He graduated as the Valedictorian from Madonna High School in 1962 and matriculated to Wheeling Jesuit College. In 1963, he was appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy, where he was awarded a Bachelor of Science in 1967 and earned a commission in the United States Navy. After leaving the Navy, Philips attended West Virginia University, where he obtained a Master of Science in Environmental Engineering. This supported his career in environmental engineering, where he focused on water pollution control. He later built an ad specialty business with his wife, Maureen. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Maureen, sons Stephen and Timothy, granddaughter Margaret, a great-grandson and other extended family members.
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Frederick "Fred" Ernest Raber
91, passed away on March 17 in Wake Forest, North Carolina. He was born in Hopedale, Ohio, to a coal mining family, inspiring a lifetime of hard work and resilience. Raber enlisted in the United States Army, where he served with distinction as a radar repairman. He supported the Distant Early Warning Line in Alaska and monitored missile test flights in White Sands, New Mexico. After completing his service, Raber earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical engineering from West Virginia University, where he met his wife, Donna. He played a pioneering role in the early days of the computer age, working as an engineer for IBM until his retirement. He is survived by his wife, Donna and his daughter, Diane, as well as many extended family members.
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Mark Edward Scarborough
79, passed away on February 5, 2025. He was born in Piney View, West Virginia to James and Garnet Scarborough. After graduating from Woodrow Wilson High School, Scarborough earned a degree in chemical engineering from West Virginia University. He led a distinguished career with Celanese Fibers, where he achieved the position of Senior Research Associate. He was considered the top of his field and helped to problem solve the company’s production operations in Mexico, Virginia and Belgium. He spent three years in China as Deputy General Manager in charge of production, responsible operation and the startup of a grassroots plant, which was completed and operational under budget and ahead of schedule. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Carol, his children, Michelle, Heidi and Kenneth, grandchildren Korey, Jordan, Hailey, Alex and Zachary, and two great-grandchildren.
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James Carl Simmons
88, passed away on May 25th, 2024, surrounded by family. He was born in 1936 to James Hezekiah and Carroll Orr Simmons in Kingwood, West Virginia. Simmons graduated from West Virginia University in 1961 with a degree in aeronautical engineering. This supported his 36-year career with Boeing, where he worked on multiple airplane programs and specialized in payload systems including escape slides, head of state airplanes and cargo systems. He was a worldwide expert in cargo handling systems on large commercial and cargo aircraft and served on industry committees establishing standards for cargo and freight carriage. Simmons is survived by his wife of 66 years, Mary Belle, sons James E., Thomas, Dale, Scott and Gary, and 12 grandchildren.
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Harold Lee Stocker
84, passed away July 19, 2024. He was born and raised in Wheeling, West Virginia. Stocker received a Bachelor of Science in aerospace engineering from West Virginia University in 1964 before receiving a Master of Business Administration from Indiana University. His professional career included Pratt & Whitney Aircraft at Florida Research and Development Center where he was an Analytical Design Engineer. He also served a 35-year career with Allison Gas Turbines before retiring as a Chief Project Engineer. Professional achievements include receiving two United States patents for labyrinth seals and being an invited speaker to a 1978 NATO Conference in England. His technical research continues to be cited by academic scholars even fifty years later. Stocker worked at PSI Energy, later known as Cinergy and Duke-Energy, before retiring as Principal Engineer in Construction and Engineering. He was proud of his time spent mentoring young professionals. He went on to found Group 64, Inc. and continued as a consultant for seven more years. Stocker is survived by wife Laura, son Marshall, sisters Paula and Karen, brother William, and extended family members.
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Paul Thomas Swanson
92, passed away September 24, 2024. He was born in Morgantown, West Virginia. After graduating from Morgantown High School, Paul served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War before returning to Morgantown to attend West Virginia University, where he earned a degree in engineering. His passion for innovation led him to join Morgantown Machine in 1960. Four years later, he established his own chrome plating business, Swanson Plating. His dedication transformed his humble ventures from a three-person operation into Swanson Industries, a powerhouse in the mining industry. The company expanded rapidly, growing to employ over 800 people across five states by the time it was sold in 2011. He is survived by his wife, Judy, stepson Brooke, grandchildren, siblings Karen, Richard and Arthur, and extended family members.
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Clarence Watkins
83, passed away on October 28, 2024, surrounded by family. Born in 1941 in Fairmont, West Virginia, he was the son of Charles and Doris Watkins. Watkins attended Fairmont State before transferring to West Virginia University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. He worked at Monongahela Power Company for 31 years before retiring. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Sarah, his children, Jennifer, William and Jason, grandchildren Garrett, Olivia, Ethan and Alison.
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Cyril “Cy” H. Williams, Jr.
93, passed away on August 13, 2024. He was born in Pikeville, Kentucky to Cyril Williams, Sr. and Marie Williams, before growing up in Red Jacket, West Virginia. Williams received a Bachelor of Science in mining engineering from West Virginia University before graduating from The Engineer School in Fort Belvoir, Virginia. He served with the 74th Engineer Battalion of the Army Corps of Engineers on the rebuilding efforts in Korea. After returning to the United States, Williams worked for Island Creek Coal Company. He and his wife of 60 years, Connie, settled in Beckley, WV, where Williams worked for Gates Engineering. His career also encompassed Crucible Steel, Cannelton Industries, Ruhr American Coal Corporation, Maple Meadow Mining Company, Riverton Corporation, Standard Oil Company of Ohio, BP Oil Company and Predict/DLI. Williams is survived by children Dave, Beth, Lori and Chris, four grandchildren, siblings Phil and Nora, many extended family members, and his beloved dog, Good Girl.