WILLIAM THOMAS “COACH” KERNS ’65
9/11/1946 -8/8/2018
William Thomas “Coach” Kerns ’65, Age 71, of Bridgeport, entered into Eternal Rest unexpectedly at his home on Wednesday, August 8, 2018. He was born in Clarksburg on September 11, 1946, a son of the late Robert and Marjorie (Newbrough) Kerns.

Coach is survived y his loving wife of 20 years, Sue Kerns, and his son Matt Kerns and his wife Natalie of Athens, GA; his grandsons, Nathen “Dutch” Kerns and Tyson “Ty” Kerns , both of Athens, GA; a step-daughter , Melisa Kennedy and her husband Bill of Orlando, FL; and step-daughter , Melisa Kennedy and her husband Bill of Orlando, FL; and a step-granddaughter Emily Kennedy of Orlando, FL; his sister Beth Clifton and her husband Chuck of Flemington; and several nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Becky Bowen, his brother-in-law Bill Bowen, and nephews Gregory Mills and Jason Brown.

Coach Kerns graduated from Bridgeport High School in 1964, Greenbrier Military School in 1965, and then entered WVU with a full track scholarship. He not only set many university track records, he also served as co-captain of the track team in 1968-69. He also played freshman basketball was a member and an officer of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity, and eventually graduated with both a Bachelor of Science and Master’s Degree in Education.

Bill was first employed in Berkeley County at Martinsburg High School as a teacher, assistant track coach and basketball coach where he worked with lifelong friend, Head Coach Bob Hummell. After spending five years (1970 – 1975) at Martinsburg, he was offered the Head Basketball and Track coaching positions in Harrison County at Bridgeport High School. Bill taught and coached at his alma mater for the next 30 years. He was truly enjoying life after retiring from coaching basketball in 1993 and then, teaching in 2005. He loved his school and his players.

While coaching the sport he cherished, basketball, he and his teams’ accomplishments were many. his teams’ accomplishments were many. After Qualifying for six state tournaments in his last 10 years, Bridgeport finally won the school’s first State Basketball Championship in 1993. Along the way his teams numerous County, Big 10, sectional, and Regional Championships. Also, in 1991, his team was the first in Bridgeport history to go undefeated in the regular season at 24-0. Coach Kerns always considered it a privilege to coach at his alma mater, coach the sport he loved so much, and to be able to work with all the great student-athletes through the years from 1970 -1993. He was selected “West Virginia Retired Coach of the Year in 2016 by the West Virginia Secondary Coaches Association. He was presented this award at the State Basketball Tournament in Charleston.

Bill will be greatly missed by his soulmate and loving wife, devoted son and his family, compassionate sister, nephews and friends

Roy M. Blizzard Jr., 83, passed away peacefully at his home on July 23, 2018. He was born on February 9, 1935, in South Charleston, the first son of Roy M. Blizzard Sr. and Lillian Thompson Blizzard.

Roy attended Woodrow Wilson Junior High School and graduated from Stonewall Jackson High School in 1953. After high school, Roy attended Greenbrier Military School in Lewisburg for post graduate studies before going on to attend West Virginia University on a football scholarship. Roy met and married his partner, best friend and the love of his life, Mary Elizabeth Summers, with whom he was blessed to have celebrated over 60 years of marriage. Together, they pursued their careers in education while raising their young family. Roy received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Health and Physical Education from Morris Harvey College, a Master of Arts in Special Education from Marshall University and a Doctorate in Educational Administration from West Virginia College of Graduate Studies. Roy always credited Mary with getting him through his doctoral program by editing and typing his papers and dissertation.

Roy's career in education and school facilities planning spanned over 50 years. He was first and foremost a teacher and coach. Early in his career, he shared his talents with his students at DuPont and Nitro High Schools and Glenville State College. After teaching, he went on to work for the West Virginia Department of Education, where he retired after 20 years of service as the Director of School Facilities Planning. After retiring from service with the West Virginia Department of Education, Roy moved to Asheville, NC, where he worked for the Buncombe County School System for ten years and retired as the Director of Planning, Maintenance and Plant Operations. After retiring from public service for the second time, Roy returned to his beloved West Virginia and formed the Southeastern Planning Group which developed master facility plans and educational specifications for new construction for 16 counties. Many new schools in West Virginia were influenced by his planning.

Roy was a devoted and loving father. Through example, he taught his children how to work hard. Growing up, most days you could find his boys working with him side by side cutting firewood on the family farm in Elkview. He was known for his firewood business and supplied many Charleston area families with wood each winter. Roy was also an avid grouse hunter. He took his children with him hunting where he instilled in them a love of everything about West Virginia. Those hunting trips were more about imparting life's lessons and bonding with his children than bird count. Roy could always be found at all his children's high school sporting events rooting them on.

Later in life, Roy and Mary returned to their Elkview farm which became a hub for many summer adventures and holiday gatherings with his children and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his younger brother, Edsel Blizzard. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Summers Blizzard, and their son Mark R. Blizzard and Sherrie, son Stephan H. Blizzard and his children Braxton and Stephanie, son Roy M. Blizzard, his wife Tina Pappas Blizzard and their children, Mary, John, Roy, and Emily and daughter Melissa Blizzard Brown, her husband Earl Brown and their children Rowan and Lucinda. Survivors also include his son Doug Blizzard and his sons Garrett, Colton, Dylan and Dakota; older sister Mary Lucille Motley and his younger brother Dudley Blizzard.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, July 27, at Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home, Charleston. Graveside service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, July 28, at Spring Hill Cemetery, Charleston, with Chaplain Pete Thompson officiating.

The family would like to recognize HospiceCare for the love and care they provided to Roy.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.barlowbonsall.com.

Joseph A. Mendez, 86, of Cogan Station, passed away on Saturday, July 14, 2018 at The Gatehouse in Williamsport.

Joseph was born in Brooklyn, New York on March 14, 1932 to the late Antonio and Dolores (Bollada) Mendez. After graduating from Greenbrier Military School in 1952, Joseph went on to serve his country in the United States Army. When he returned, he started working for Bethlehem Steel where he was the president of the union. He helped with the transition from Bethlehem Steel to Williamsport Wire and Rope. After 28 years, he retired from Williamsport Wire and Rope.

He was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church. Joseph was also a lifetime member of the Harmonia Club and the VFW. Joseph was an avid sports fan. He loved to play and officiate. He followed nearly all sports. Joseph was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was a hard worker and a humble man.

Joseph is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy Mendez, two sons, Stephen Mendez of Cogan Station, and Brian Mendez of Northampton, and one grandson, Joshua Mendez of Northampton.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

Friends and family are invited to come and share at a reception on Sunday, July 22, 2018 from 1:00-4:00 PM in Joseph’s honor at the Harmonia Club at 332 E. Seventh St., Williamsport.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Joseph’s name may be made to The Gatehouse at 1100 Grampian Blvd. Williamsport, PA 17701.

Arrangements are entrusted to Maneval Allen Redmond Cremation & Funeral Home, Williamsport.

To leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.jamesmaneval.com.

Ms Cathy Dunlap has notified the Association of her husband David's passing. No details are available at this time.

James Russell "Jim" Young, born on August 9, 1939, in Richwood, WV, to James Stillman and Evalena Rader Young, passed away on Wednesday, May 16, 2018.

He graduated from Richwood High School in 1957, where he was an excellent and popular student. He was selected to Boys State and many other awards and honors. He excelled in athletics, especially football and basketball. After graduation, he attended Greenbrier Military School, Class of 1958, on a basketball scholarship, followed by a basketball scholarship to William and Mary College. He followed that by serving in the United States Marine Corps.

Jim Young played in the renowned Charleston Basketball Summer League where he made the All-Star team and played with such famous players as Jerry West, Chris Smith, Gary Justice, Bob Ayersman and Rod Thorn. Jim obtained his Master's degree from Marshall University. He became a Professor of Geography at Fairmont State College where he was extremely liked and respected by his students and colleagues. He served on the Fairmont State Athletic Board including Director of the Board several times. He was offered an assistant coaching position by basketball head coach Joe Retton, but turned it down to remain in teaching. He did however serve in team/player scouting and player evaluation. He retired from Fairmont State after 49 years of teaching.

Jim's knowledge about sports was encyclopedic and he would often call radio shows. He greatly enjoyed going to local meetings of the Legends and tirelessly travelling to local and ACC football and basketball games.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Carolyn Ramsey Young; his son, Stefan Kristoph Young and wife, Swathi Young; grandson, Krishna Young, who was his pride and joy; his brother, William Stillman Young of Alabama and his wife Charlotte and nephew, Randy Young. He will be missed by Dave Gillispie, Gary Justice, John Stewart, Jack Wright, Frank Gardinia and so many other dear friends. He will also be missed by his pets; Greta, Samantha and Sasha.

Special thanks to HospiceCare and to all those who helped make this time easier and his life more exciting.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday May 19, at Bartlett-Chapman Funeral Home, St. Albans. The funeral service will follow at noon at the funeral home.

Entombment will be in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans.

The family encourages that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to HospiceCare, 1606 Kanawha Blvd. W, Charleston, WV 25387.

You may share memories of Jim on his tribute page by visiting ChapmanFuneralHomes.com.

Bartlett-Chapman Funeral Home, family-owned and located at 409 Sixth Ave., St. Albans, WV, is honored to serve the Young family.

Thomas Dawson Canby 90, formerly of Glen Mill, PA., son of George Rust Canby and Ann Elizabeth Dawson Canby, passed away on May 15, 2018 following a short illness. He is a descendant of Thomas Canby who settled in New Hope, Pa. in 1682, and on his mother’s side, he is a descendant of Robert Peter, the first mayor of Georgetown, Washington, DC. In the last phase of his life, the hospice and nursing staff commented on his calm and polite demeanor which was consistent with how he lived his life.
Tom grew up on the family farm in Montgomery County, Maryland. He was valedictorian of the 1946 class at Greenbrier Military School in West Virginia. In 1950, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree with honors from the Glenn L. Martin School of Engineering and Aeronautical Sciences at the University of Maryland. In June, 1952, he graduated with a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Tom started his career with Dupont Nemours in Buffalo, NY. He was transferred to Memphis, Tennessee, and then to Baytown, Texas, prior to working many years in Wilmington, Delaware. After his retirement from DuPont in 1985, Tom and his wife Marge continued to reside near Chadds-Ford, Pa.
Tom enjoyed life’s experiences during his retirement years. He participated actively in the Delaware Photographic Society and his pursuit of perfection resulted in may photos being recognized and received awards in juried contests. Tom’s love of photography also resulted in publication of a coffee table size book, Brown Bears at Brooks River. He greatly appreciated the photographic services provided by Colorworks in Washington, Delaware. tom took additional award-winning photographs while soaring over volcanos in Hawaii in an ultralight plane. Another outstanding photographic experience was during Tom and Marge’s car trip across Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and South Africa.
He loved all watersports, including sailing, fishing and scuba diving. During a series of trips to Alaska, he loved to fish for salmon and was prepared to offer up his catch to any grizzly bears that wandered too close. He also enjoyed fishing for Halibut offshore from Alaska. At age 68, Tom earned his open-water scuba diving certification at the Cousteau Fiji Island Resort. His favorite diving expedition was in the Red Sea.
Tom is survived by his son, Thomas Canby Jr, and his wife Kate, and his daughter Mary Jean Goetz and her husband Bob. He is survived by grandchildren, Julia Canby-Rice, Rebecca Canby, Liz Raudzus-Canby, Sarah Goetz and Matthew Goetz, and nine greatgrandchildren. Tom was married to Margaret Overbey for over 63 years before she died in 2014. His son Charles Canby passed away in 2007
Services will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Glenn Mills, PA on Saturday, June9, 2018 at 11 a.m. The committal will be the following day at Woodside Cemetery in Brighton, MD. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Tudor Place Historic House and Garden, Washington DC; the American Cancer Society or the SPCA.

Mark Williamson, 79, of Marietta passed away on Monday, April 30, 2018 at Marietta Memorial Hospital. He was born on May 27, 1938 in Marietta to the late Miles and Dorothy Bennett Williamson.

Mark was a 1956 graduate of Greenbrier Military School in Lewisburg, WV. He was a licensed funeral director/embalmer and worked for Reed Funeral Home and Leavitt Funeral Home. Mark was a U.S. Air Force veteran who served at the time of the Vietnam War. He was a member of American Union #1 F&AM, American Legion Post 64. and an avid target shooter and supporter of the NRA.

Survivors are a sister, Sue W. Smith of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas; nephews, Brad of Marietta, Douglas of San Antonio TX, Scott of Little Rock AR, and Randall of Marietta, GA. Also surviving are Mark's sister in-law, Donna Williamson; her sons, James & Jeffrey; and grandchildren, Jeff Skylar, Bryce, Makayla, Cassie and Tyler. Matt Reed, a longtime close friend, also survives.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Bruce Williamson.

In accordance with his wishes, cremation will be observed with no services.
Online condolences may be made at www.hadleyfh.com.

James Paul "Jim" Clark, 88, of St. Albans, passed away peacefully Sunday, April 8, 2018, at Broadmore Assisted Living, Hurricane, WV.

Born June 15, 1929, in Clendenin, WV, he was the youngest child of the late Thomas A. and Retha L. Robertson Clark. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Imogene Bennett Clark, and his three brothers and four sisters.

Jim was a graduate of Clendenin High School, Greenbrier Military School and the University of Charleston and attended the University of Richmond. He was employed by Baxter Healthcare Corporation and served on the West Virginia State Board of Education. During the Korean War, he served in the United States Navy aboard the USS Essex. He was a member of St. Andrew United Methodist Church, St. Albans, attending the Crusader Sunday School class and was an Admiral in the Cherry River Navy. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and fishing. A dedicated husband, father and grandfather, Jim made sure the family was well-educated and well provided for.

Lovingly known as "Pap" to his family, surviving are his daughters, Catherine Ann of St. Albans, Mary Beth and husband Roger Murad of South Charleston, Debra Jean and husband Bill Howard of Scott Depot, Jennifer and husband Bob Weaver, Esq., of Charleston, Janet and husband Jeff Neal, M.D., of Lexington, Ky; sons, James Clark II, M.D., and wife Angie of Winfield, Chris Clark, M.D., and wife Ashley Clark, M.D., of Hurricane; grandchildren, Megan and Adam Howard, Emilee, Ragie and Nick Murad, Robby, Drew, Molly and Katie Weaver, Matt, Ali and Jennifer Neal, Amanda, Jimmy, Ben, Jack and Elana Clark, and Christopher, Virginia, Sarah and Samuel Clark; great-granddaughters, Sanaya and Maya Clark.

Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 12, at Bartlett-Chapman Funeral Home, St. Albans, officiated by Dr. Ed Grant. Burial will follow in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans. You may visit Jim's tribute page at ChapmanFuneralHomes.com to share memories. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

The family would like to thank the staff of Broadmore Assisted Living, as well as Hospice Care for the care and compassion extended to Pap during his final illness.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Care, 1606 Kanawha Blvd., West, Charleston, WV 25387.

Bartlett-Chapman Funeral Home, family-owned and located at 409 Sixth Avenue, St. Albans, is honored to serve the Clark family.

GMSAA has been notified by Jorge Martinez of the passing of Juan, a fellow Cuban and classmate at Greenbrier. An obituary was unavailable.

Tony was born on January 16, 1934 in Beaver Falls, PA. He attended St. Mary's Grade School, Beaver Falls High School (class of 1952) and was an avid football and baseball player. He attended Greenbrier Military School and served two years in the U.S. Navy. Tony later moved to Camarillo, California with his wife (Florence Capparelli) and became a Ventura County Deputy Sheriff. He was an active member of the community and was a coach for the Roadrunner Youth Football. He also coached youth baseball, American Legion Baseball. Tony was also a long-time member of the American Legion.
After seventeen years with the Sheriff's Department, he retired and moved to Crane, Mo. (His little heaven on earth) where he lived in a log cabin and raised cattle. He was the happiest there. Last year, Tony moved to Atascadero, California to live with his daughter. In the short time there, he made several good friends, both at the senior center and at the Atascadero baseball field where he would go and watch Jacki's husband play ball. He immensely enjoyed being at both places. And he loved his new friend, "Dozer" the dog. They were inseparable.
Tony is survived by his children, Anthony (Tony Jr.) Capparelli, Christopher Capparelli, both of Camarillo and Jacki Rucker of Atascadero; and grandchildren, Anthony (T.J.)Capparelli and Dakota Rucker. He is also survived by his sisters, Phyllis Bailey, Theresa Walton and Fan Meek and numerous nieces and nephews. "Remember when, precious times."
Arrangement under the direction of Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home, Paso Robles, CA.

Robert Christian Parker, age 81, of Minneapolis, passed away October 19, 2017. He was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Dorothy Parker, and one brother, James Parker.

He is survived by his loving children, Krisann (and spouse Nicola) Evoli of Minneapolis and Forrest (and spouse Kimberly) Parker, of Charleston, S.C., two sisters, Susan Harris and Peggy Crofoot and three grandchildren: Madeleine Brown, Justin and Jesse Shafer.

As a young man, Chris attended the Greenbrier Military School in Lewisburg, W.Va. He served his country in the U.S. Navy, later attending the U.S. Naval Academy. He would go on to earn a master's degree in organic chemistry from West Virginia University.

Accomplished in his field as a chemist, Chris garnered 11 patents during his career. He was a passionate cook, gifted watercolor painter, award winning marksman and golfer.

Funeral service is Tuesday, 11 a.m., at Good Samaritan United Methodist Church, 5730 Grove St., Edina, MN 55436, (952) 929-0049. Visitation one hour prior. Interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery to follow at 1:45 p.m. Memorials preferred to Minnesota Veterans Home activities fund.

James Edward Arbaugh Obituary
August 1, 1931-September 10, 2017
For Coach Arbs, the ball is over the goal line, the final touchdown scored, the playbook lovingly closed after a darn good run for the self-professed "little old country boy" from the hills of West Virginia.
Born in 1931 to Glessie and Elmer Arbaugh in the Greenbrier Valley, he kept those mountains, hollers, and rivers alive in his heart. He grew up in and around Lewisburg, W.Va., and it was there that he met his life-long love, Twinkle Montgomery (or Edith, as some know her). He served in Korea in the U.S. Marines and graduated from Greenbrier Military Academy. In 1953, on a summer night, Jim took Twinkle out for an evening at the West Virginia State Fair but instead of gliding in circles on Ferris wheels they eloped. As the evening ended in a little church in Waynesboro, Va., they proffered vows to be lived out over the next sixty-four years then drove southeast to Charlottesville to settle in to a new home as students in the School of Education at the University of Virginia. Jim served as an athletic trainer after his football-playing start was ended by a shoulder injury. They became young parents and raised four childrenMichael Arbaugh, Linda Arbaugh Kinnahan, Fran Arbaugh, and Jim Arbaugh, Jr. Later, Jim wholeheartedly welcomed into the family Thomas Kinnahan (husband of Linda) and Lynne Nichols (wife of Jim, Jr.), and he greeted his granddaughter Chloes birth with all the love in the world.

Jim began his long career of high school teaching and coaching in Powhatan, Virginia before returning to Charlottesville to coach football at Albemarle High School for many good years with his dear and steadfast friend Ralph Harrison. His sometimes-toughness was mingled with a soft-hearted warmth in the deep devotion he felt toward the young students and athletes he served. From them, he learned about the breadth and depth of human kindness, perseverance, and connection. At Western Albemarle High School in his final years of teaching, he coached the mellower game of golf and commanded the driving range, teaching students behind the wheel while Twinkle taught art at WAHS.
Once he retired from teaching, he upped his golf game and joined an irascible crew of fellow former football coaches at UVas Birdwood Golf Course to "work" part time and play a few rounds a week. In a long and full retirement, he swung at many a golf ball in the back yard of the family home during the fifty years he and Twinkle lived there. Their house, filled with antiques from Sunday afternoons prowling junk shops, was where they welcomed their children and granddaughter (and various pets, including his all-time favorite dogs, Bitsy and Jasmine). He and Twinkle travelled far and wide taking wine-rich trips to Italy, Spain, and France, enjoying good times with many, many friends made over many, many years in Charlottesville, driving back to his beautiful West Virginia mountains to laugh and share memories with family there. In his final years, Jim spent Friday mornings with brush in hand in painting lessons with his Twinkle and joined by his old buddy Joe May. He created brightly colored abstract paintings full of the circular rhythms of a long, long life.

Jim adored his wife with all of his heart and she never ceased in his mind to be the most talented, beautiful, smart, kind woman in the world. He was a brother to his wifes Montgomery siblingsHerbert (and wife Katy) Montgomery, Mary (and husband Paul) Lindquist, Johnny (and wife Joyce) Montgomery, and Joan Montgomeryand a beloved "Uncle Jimmy" to his nieces and nephew who, like his own children and their friends, often found his words of advice, whether invited or not, bracingly honest, inevitably helpful, and motivated by love. He loved his children fiercely, instilling in them a belief in the bond of family and the tending necessary to keep that bond strong. Intensely loyal to his friends and family, he was generous with his warmth and laughter and, as those who knew him can attest, his unrestrained opinions.
His granddaughter Chloe Kinnahan brought him a special joy from the moment she showed up twenty-three years ago. She has always had a special place in his heart. She inherited his eyes blue as the sky and his heart big as the moon. His family will love that heart forever, and for us, that light will always shine.
The family wishes to thank all friends and family who have helped in this passage as well as the golden hearts at the Colonnades Reminiscence neighborhood and the angels of the Hospice of the Piedmont.

William Clark Manning, 63, son of the late William French and Elda Cozort Manning passed away following a short illness, Thursday, September 7, 2017.

Born June 26, 1954 in Mullens, WV he was a loving husband, wonderful father, kind and loyal friend. He was a 1972 graduate of Greenbrier Military School and attended Marshall University and West Virginia University. He was self-employed for many years and was disabled after working for Patriot Coal as a warehouse clerk. He was a member of Oceana United Methodist Church.

He was a civil servant as Town Councilman and Recorder for the Town of Oceana for nineteen years.

He loved the Cincinnati Reds, WVU Mountaineers, '60's and '70's oldies and the town of Oceana.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Martha Altizer.

Clark is survived by his wife of thirty-six years, Kathy LaDoucer Manning, daughters, Lauren LeAyn and Jordan Elizabeth; sisters, Marian O'Connell and husband, Tom of Clinton, MD and Anita Wilson and husband, Bob of Greenville, TN; brother-in-law, Ronald Altizer; sisters-in-law, Debra LaDoucer and Lisa Taylor; nieces, nephews and many friends. His furry companions, Gibbs, Hatteras and Bodie will also miss him.

A celebration of life will be 4pm, Sunday, September 10, 2017 at Evans-Calfee Funeral Chapel, 1081 Cook Parkway with the Rev. Ronald Acord officiating. The family will receive friends from 2pm until time of service at the funeral home. Cremation will follow.

Jack Kendall Carte passed away at Good Living Assisted Living Home in Malden on August 10, 2017. Jack was born in Charleston on Fort Hill on July 21, 1923, followed minutes later by his identical twin, John Motley Carte. He was the son of Virgil and Elizabeth Carte. A 1942 graduate of Charleston High School, he also attended Greenbrier Military School for two years before enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1944. He served with the Alaskan Defense Command for two years.

He married Mary Sue Baldridge in 1950, and they raised three children in Charleston before he re-enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1963. He and the family then moved to overseas postings during the 1960s. The first posting was with Strategic Communication Command at Kagnew Station in Asmara, Eritrea; this was later followed by three years with the Defense Liaison Office at the U.S. Consulate in Hong Kong. He then went on to serve a one-year duty tour in Vietnam in 1970, returning to Fort Rucker, Ala., which remained the family residence until 2001. Retired with the rank of Sergeant Major from his last duty post in 1982, he served as Senior Enlisted Personnel Manager in the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, Personnel, Headquarters, U.S. Army Forces Command at Fort MacPherson, Atlanta, Ga. At retirement, he was awarded the Legion of Merit in recognition of exceptional meritorious conduct while serving there. He was also a recipient of a Bronze Star for his Vietnam service.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Sue Carte (1999); son, Byron Kendall Carte (2004); sister, Ruth Townsend (2011); and brother, John M. Carte (2013). In later years, Jack and Betty J. Leonard, former high school classmates, shared several years of loving companionship together before her passing in 2010.

He is survived by daughters, Sharon L. Carte, South Charleston, and Connie Hirth, Washington, D.C.

Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday, August 16, at Bollinger Funeral Home on Lee Street, Charleston, followed immediately by a service at 2 p.m. Graveside service at Mountain View Memorial Park will be a private service for the family.

The family requests, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Kanawha Hospice Care. The family expresses its heartfelt gratitude to Jack's caregivers at Good Living for the kindnesses and care he received there.