Walter Ray Hillberry, 84, of Mannington, and recently of the Pierpont Center in Fairmont, passed away peacefully in his sleep at Ruby Memorial Hospital on Tuesday, February 26, 2013. He was born on February 13, 1929 in Kingmont, a son of the late Charles Edward and Nola Edna West Hillberry.
He is survived by five daughters and their spouses: Linda and Bob Eckert of Colorado Springs, CO, Beverly and Dennis Jones of Mannington, Billie Jo and Gary Riggs of Farmington, Tina and William R. Stout of Mannington, and Cindy and Doug Shriver of Fairview.
Nine grandchildren: Angie Frye, Jason Jones, Scott Riggs, Jack Riggs, Lora Goble, Randy Stout, Robbie Saunders, Chris Saunders, Tricia Holstein, and several stepgrandchildren.
Sixteen great grandchildren: Madison Wade, Rya and Eden Frye, Alec Jones, Kylie and Alaina Riggs, Hannah, Makenna and Brenna Goble, Kaitlyn, Andrew and Bryce Stout, Emily and Seth Saunders, Mason Holstein and baby Saunders to arrive in March. And several step great grandchildren.
Two nephews, David and Pam Hillberry of Fairmont, and Gary and Rhea Hillberry of Colorado Springs, CO, and Paulette Martin of Baltimore MD.
Walter was preceded in death by his former wife, Dolores June Basnett Hllberry Snodgrass, a brother and his wife, Arthur E. and Wilma Hillberry, and one sister, Geneva Martin.
He served his country with the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict.
Mr. Hillberry was retired from Joanne Coal Company in Rachel. He also retired from The Marion County Transit Authority in 2004 after 17 years.
He enjoyed spending time with his family and his dog, Mindy, and tinkering with his automobiles. He was a member of the Mannington Church of Christ.
The family wishes to thank the staff at the Pierpont Center in Fairmont for all their care and support.
The family will receive friends at the Masters Funeral Home in Mannington on Friday from 2-9 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m. with Dr. Evangelist Michael P. Reese officiating. Walter’s six grandsons will honorably serve as pallbearers.
Interment will be at the Mannington Memorial Cemetary. The U.S. Army and the Marion County Veterans Council will conduct full military rites at the graveside.
Online condolences may be made to the family at MastersFH.com.
Condolences
Dear Beverly,
It was my sincere pleasure to work with you and Walter while he was with us at Pierpont Center. I will always remember Walter's voice calling me as I walked down the hallway. He would say, "Hey, call Beverly!"
He was always straight forward and would tell me exactly what was on his mind.
Beverly, I also enjoyed getting to know you over these past several months. You always took care of him and kept everyone on task. He was fortunate to have you looking out for him.
God Bless you and your extended family in this time of sorrow. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Debi Rodeheaver, Speech/Swallow Therapist
Pierpont Center
So sorry for your loss. Take care and may God bless you and your families.
i just want to send all of you my condolence as I just saw this in the paper. Oh do I remember your Dad well. He was one of a kind. Very stern at times but yet had a joking way at the same time. I can remember growing up, hanging out at your house. Those were memories we all can cherish.
My heart goes out to all of you and may god be with all of you doing this time.
Tina and familly ,,, so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing ... He was a good man ,, and my Dad always liked him.... I will keep you all in my prayers......
Sending our deepest sympathy. Remembering you in thought and prayer.