In Memoriam

Robert Thomas Fogarty

62, of State College, Pennsylvania, passed away Saturday, January 17, 2026, at home surrounded by his family. Born January 31, 1963, in Fremont, California, he was the son of the late Harold and Juliette Ithurburn Fogarty. Fogarty earned his Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from West Virginia University in 1987. During his time at WVU, he was a dedicated member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity, holding numerous leadership roles that shaped his early professional life.

Following a successful management career with local manufacturing firms, Fogarty joined Pennsylvania State University’s Global Campus as a Senior Business Analyst in 2013. He was highly respected in his profession, frequently sharing his expertise through annual presentations at national conferences in his field.

He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Debra Fogarty; two sons, Matthew Fogarty (Elyse Eshelman) and Michael Fogarty; one grandson, Theo Fogarty; and three brothers, James Fogarty (Beth), Daniel Fogarty (Barbe), and Paul Fogarty (Frances).

Edwin C Jones Jr. 

91, of Oak Park Heights, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2026. A distinguished West Virginia University alumnus and the son of two former WVU faculty members, Jones graduated with high honors in electrical engineering before earning his Ph.D. from the University of Illinois. His life was defined by a profound devotion to education, which he viewed as a powerful tool for improving the world.

Jones’s illustrious career included serving as a University Professor at Iowa State University and later as the 3M Thwaits Fellow at the University of St. Thomas. An internationally recognized expert in engineering accreditation, he traveled to over 60 countries, sharing his expertise with programs across the globe. Beyond his professional achievements, he was a dedicated community leader, serving as the President of the Ames School Board and remaining active in both the Rotary and Kiwanis clubs.

A man of diverse passions, Jones found joy in woodworking, photography, and his extensive collection of slide rules. He is preceded in death by his parents and his sisters, Eleanor and Harriet. He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Ruth; his children, Charles (Therese Marso), Helene Anderson, and Cathleen Hickman (Greg); and five grandchildren.

Charles Guthrie Moyers Jr. 

91, of Charleston, passed away on February 5, 2026. A U.S. Army veteran and a proud WVU chemical engineering alumnus, Moyers was a man of relentless intellectual curiosity. While his professional legacy included numerous patents at Union Carbide and a Ph.D. from the University of Delaware, his true joy lay in the exchange of ideas. As an adjunct professor at the Statler College, he didn’t just teach formulas; he shared a lifetime of wisdom, mentoring the next generation of engineers with a genuine interest in their success.

An accomplished runner, he completed the Boston Marathon and brought that same endurance and discipline to every facet of his life. He was a Fellow of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, yet remained humble and deeply devoted to his family. He also took great pleasure in the arts. He loved classical music, especially the music played by the WV Symphony and the beautiful music of his home church, First Presbyterian. He and his wife Pat took advantage of visiting many of the art museums of the United States and Europe when they traveled. He is survived by his wife of many years, Patricia; their daughter, Megan (Patrick Corbett); and his grandchildren, Madeline and Jackson.

Brayden Michael Smith

21, of Morgantown, passed away Monday, November 24, 2025. A 2025 Summa Cum Laude graduate with a dual degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering, Smith was far more than a brilliant student; he was a natural mentor. At the Statler College Engineering Learning Center, he was known for his patience and ability to make complex concepts click for struggling peers. As the Driver Interface Leader for the WVU Formula SAE team, he combined his technical precision with a hands-on love for speed and mechanics.

Outside the lab, Smith was defined by a quick, infectious wit and a deep sense of loyalty. Whether he was cheering for the Pittsburgh Steelers or working on motorcycles, he approached his hobbies with the same intensity and heart he gave to his friends. He is survived by his parents, Dr. Jeffrey and Heather Smith; his brothers, Sgt. Dakota Paul Smith (Emily Gyurman) and Barrett Thomas Smith; grandmothers, Susan Vaughan and Ruth Smith; and a community of friends who remember him for his quiet generosity.

William Maurice “Bill” Truman

76, of Morgantown, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, January 10, 2026. He was born on January 15, 1949, to the late Bill and Betty Truman. Truman earned his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from West Virginia University, where he also conducted significant research for NASA through the Langley Research Center.

His distinguished 47-year career in engineering began with system improvements for Morgantown’s Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) system. He went on to serve as a senior and lead engineer for several prominent companies, including Westinghouse and Mercedes-Benz, where his professional work contributed to multiple patented innovations and leading process improvements in Berlin, Germany. Throughout his career, Truman traveled extensively, designing complex systems and presenting at international conferences.

He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Sandy Truman; their four children, Michael Truman, Amy Adkins (Andrew), Susan Schmidt (Ammon) and Carrie Truman; his brother, Jim Truman (Gale); and his sister, Beth Guiser (Ray), along with 11 grandchildren and six step-grandchildren. 

Kenneth E. Zimmerman 

87, passed away at his home on March 18, 2026. A civil engineering graduate of WVU, Zimmerman spent his career shaping the world through infrastructure with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, but he was most at home when he was building connections with people. Known for his "can-do" spirit, he was the first person his sons called when a home project got complicated, and he never missed a chance to get his hands dirty helping them.

Zimmerman’s happiest moments were spent on the water, whether he was masterfully piloting a boat or teaching someone else to water ski. He was a fixture in his community as a Mason and a member of the "Traveling Friends" group, where his warmth and storytelling made him a cherished companion. He was preceded in death by his brother, Harold. He is survived by his wife, Sherry Chinn Zimmerman; three sons, Kevin (Tonya), Keith (Kim), and Kyle (Amy); and four grandchildren—Travis, Julia, Aiden, and Conner.