1921
Donald
2013
Donald J.
March 2, 1921 — April 9, 2013
Donald Joseph Via, 92, of Hinton was united with his Lord and Savior and reunited with loved ones and friends on Tuesday, April 9, 2013 following a long illness. "I have fought a good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith....." (2 Tim. 4:7)
Born in Summers County, March 2, 1921, Donald was the oldest son of the late Avery C. and Bertha Williams Via. He was a member of Central Baptist Church in Hinton. A 1940 graduate of Hinton High School and a machinist with the C&O Railroad, retiring after 40 years of service, he loved West Virginia, his camp on the New River, hunting, fishing, gardening and spending time with his family, especially the grandchildren. In later years his Saturday outings with his brother were the highlight of his week.
A member of "the Greatest Generation," he loved his country and served with the U.S. Army in World War II. He was in the 75th Infantry Division, serving as an automatic rifleman in the liberation of Europe. He was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge and Bronze Star.
Donald was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, the love of his life, Lottie McKinney Via in 2007. Also, preceded by a brother, Howard L. Via and a sister, Eloise Via Richmond.
Those left to cherish his memory include two daughters, Nana Watkins and husband Richard of Blythewood, SC and Patricia Kerns and husband Steve of Centerville, OH ; four grandsons, Greg Watkins, Lee Watkins (Deborah), Jonathan Watkins (Shannon), and Brian Kerns; two granddaughters, Kristin Watkins and Robyn Kerns Meyer (Philip); great grandchildren, Elliott Cox; PFC Nicholas Watkins, USMC; Emily Watkins and Alexis Meyer. Also survived by one brother, Norman A. Via of Beckley; two sisters, Mary Via Cole of Shady Spring and Norma Via Bennett (Robert) of Alderson; brother-in-law James A. McKinney (Brenda) of Beckley and a number of nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank two special people for their attentiveness and loving care during our Daddy's long illness - Becky Howery of Hinton and Richard Horwath of Beaver. Also, we want to thank the staff (past and present) at Greystone for the wonderful care and comfort you all have given him over the past three years. Thanks to Hospice of Southern WV for their love and kindness these past two months.
Funeral services will be held at 2 PM Saturday, April 13, 2013, at the Ronald Meadows Funeral Parlors Chapel with Pastor Sonny Angell officiating. Burial will follow in the Restwood Memorial Gardens near Hinton. Friends may call from 5 to 8 PM on Friday at the funeral parlors.
Grandsons and family will serve as pallbearers.
Arrangements are by the Ronald Meadows Funeral Parlors of Hinton.
Born in Summers County, March 2, 1921, Donald was the oldest son of the late Avery C. and Bertha Williams Via. He was a member of Central Baptist Church in Hinton. A 1940 graduate of Hinton High School and a machinist with the C&O Railroad, retiring after 40 years of service, he loved West Virginia, his camp on the New River, hunting, fishing, gardening and spending time with his family, especially the grandchildren. In later years his Saturday outings with his brother were the highlight of his week.
A member of "the Greatest Generation," he loved his country and served with the U.S. Army in World War II. He was in the 75th Infantry Division, serving as an automatic rifleman in the liberation of Europe. He was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge and Bronze Star.
Donald was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, the love of his life, Lottie McKinney Via in 2007. Also, preceded by a brother, Howard L. Via and a sister, Eloise Via Richmond.
Those left to cherish his memory include two daughters, Nana Watkins and husband Richard of Blythewood, SC and Patricia Kerns and husband Steve of Centerville, OH ; four grandsons, Greg Watkins, Lee Watkins (Deborah), Jonathan Watkins (Shannon), and Brian Kerns; two granddaughters, Kristin Watkins and Robyn Kerns Meyer (Philip); great grandchildren, Elliott Cox; PFC Nicholas Watkins, USMC; Emily Watkins and Alexis Meyer. Also survived by one brother, Norman A. Via of Beckley; two sisters, Mary Via Cole of Shady Spring and Norma Via Bennett (Robert) of Alderson; brother-in-law James A. McKinney (Brenda) of Beckley and a number of nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank two special people for their attentiveness and loving care during our Daddy's long illness - Becky Howery of Hinton and Richard Horwath of Beaver. Also, we want to thank the staff (past and present) at Greystone for the wonderful care and comfort you all have given him over the past three years. Thanks to Hospice of Southern WV for their love and kindness these past two months.
Funeral services will be held at 2 PM Saturday, April 13, 2013, at the Ronald Meadows Funeral Parlors Chapel with Pastor Sonny Angell officiating. Burial will follow in the Restwood Memorial Gardens near Hinton. Friends may call from 5 to 8 PM on Friday at the funeral parlors.
Grandsons and family will serve as pallbearers.
Arrangements are by the Ronald Meadows Funeral Parlors of Hinton.
To send flowers to the family in memory of Donald J., please visit our flower store.
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