Bristol, Virginia, Obituaries: Bristol Herald Courier, August 6, 2004 Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Bristol Herald Courier http://www.bristolnews.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=TRI/Page/TRI_FrontPage ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: All documents placed in the USGenWeb Archives remain the property of the contributors, who retain publication rights in accordance with US Copyright Laws and Regulations. In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, these documents may be used by anyone for their personal research. They may be used by non-commercial entities, when written permission is obtained from the contributor, so long as all notices and submitter information are included. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit. Any other use, including copying files to other sites, requires permission from the contributors PRIOR to uploading to the other sites. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Bristol Herald Courier Friday, August 6, 2004 Joann T. Beverly WISE – Joann Thacker Beverly, 67, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2004, after a long, courageous battle with cancer. She lived her entire life as a Christian, was an inspiration to everyone and attended the Mt. Olive Freewill Baptist Church. Joann was a retired LPN, former employee of Wise Appalachian Regional Hospital and cared for others most of her life. She was preceded in death by a son, Rudy Beverly; a granddaughter, Brandy Beverly; her parents, Nathan and Gertrude Steffey Thacker; two sisters, Mae Beverly and Garnet Kilgore; and two brothers, Bud Thacker and June Thacker. Surviving are her loving husband of 48 years, Gene ‘Lester" Beverly of Wise; one son and daughter-in-law, Larry and Virginia Beverly of Mooresburg, Tenn.; three granddaughters, Kristin Beverly of Mooresburg, Cassandra Collins and husband, Michael of Wise and Mikayla Beverly of Coeburn; six great-grandchildren, Brittany Knight, Kimberly Brewer, Christine Brewer and Katie Bodiford of Jacksonville, Fla., Ryan Collins of Wise and Zachery Jones of Mooresburg; two sisters, Emma Jean Beverly of Wise and Mildred "Bunk" Trent of Branson, Miss.; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Funeral services will be conducted 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 8, 2004, in the Sturgill Funeral Home Chapel, Wise, with Rev. Ralph McFarland officiating. Burial will follow in the Wise Cemetery in Wise. The family will receive friends 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 7, 2004, at the Sturgill Funeral Home, Wise. Sturgill Funeral Homes Wise, is in charge of arrangements. John K. Browning Sr. WISE – John Kelly Browning Sr. died at home Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2004. He was born in Logan County, W.Va., to John Reece and Louisa Chaffin Browning, who preceded him in death, as well as a grandson, Cole; and all his brothers and sisters. Kelly was a member of the Roberts Avenue Church of Christ, had served in the Korean War, was previous owner of Browning’s Grocery, Browning’s Tire and Recapping and Wise Auto Parts. He was a charter member of the Wise Rescue Squad. He retired from Paramont Coal Company after 23 years of service. He will be remembered for his love of God and his particularly deep love and devotion to family. He had an intense sensitivity to help anyone in need and gave generously and unconditionally. Everyone who knew him loved him for his warm heart. Survivors include his wife, Sue; son, John; daughters, Yvonne and Rebecca and her husband Dennis; and grandchildren, Martin and his wife, Kristin, David, Brittainy, Summer, Stacey, Tyler and Natalie. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Aug. 7, 2004, at the Sturgill Funeral Home Chapel, Wise, at 2 p.m., with Evangelist Larry Arnold officiating. The family will receive friends Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Sturgill Funeral Home, Wise. Interment Collins-Gilliam Cemetery, Wise. Grandchildren will serve as pallbearers. Sturgill Funeral Homes, Wise, in charge of arrangements. Jerry R. Childress VANSANT, Va. – Jerry Randall Childress, 62 years of age, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2004, at his home, following a short illness. Born in Buchanan County, he was a son of Rose Laura Deel Childress, Vansant, and the late Elmer Childress. He was a lifelong resident of Buchanan County and a member of Vansant Church of Christ. He served in the U.S. Air Force and was a disabled trucker. Mr. Childress is survived by his mother, Rose Laura Deel Childress, Vansant. Also, he is survived by his wife of 41 years, Judith Annette Branham Childress, Vansant (they were united in marriage Feb. 16, 1963); six sisters, Phyllis and husband Everett Anthony, Richmond, Carol and husband, Bob Warlick, Richmond, Margaret and husband Frank Vaughn, Richmond, Sharon Childress, Richmond, Wilma and husband, Albert Hart, Chestertown, Md., and Debby Reece, Grundy; one brother, Dean and wife, Liz Childress, Pikeville, Ky.; and several nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles. Funeral services for Jerry Randall Childress will be conducted Saturday, Aug. 7, 2004, at 1 p.m. at Vansant Church of Christ, Vansant, with Evangelist Mike Rife and Evangelist Michael Trent officiating, with burial to follow in Mountain Valley Memorial Park, Big Rock, Va. Friends may call at Vansant Church of Christ Friday afternoon at 5 p.m, with services at 7 p.m. Active pallbearers will be Dillon Reece, Aaron Reece, Eric Childress, Kevin Harper, Bobby Reece, George Childress, Ercel Coleman, Estil Coleman, Hufford Coleman Jr., Hassell Coleman, Roger Coleman, Ralph Coleman and James Skeens. Honorary pallbearers will be Raymond Estep, Andrew Slone, Lee Rutherford, Dr. J.G. Patel, Dr. Vish, Bill Overby, Everett Anthony, Bob Warlick, Frank Vaughn, Al Hart, Kendall Looney, Bob Looney, Ben Looney, Louie Looney, Sam Looney and Terry Owens. Full military rites will be conducted at the cemetery by members of John Ratliff Post 164 of the American Legion. The family suggests that expression of sympathy be made in the form of donations to Vansant Church of Christ "Relay for Life", Route 2, Box 711, Vansant, VA 24656. Grundy Funeral Home of Grundy is in charge of all arrangements. Bobby Collins COEBURN – Bobby (Bob) Collins, 66, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2004, in the Wellmont Holston Valley Hospital and Medical Center Kingsport. He was a retired employee of Humphreys Enterprises and attended the Banner Assembly of God. Surviving are his wife, Sarah Collins of Coeburn; a son and daughter-in-law, Robert David and Loretta Collins of Wise; a daughter and son- in-law, Rose Marie and Bobby Tiller of Wise; two brothers, Preston Collins of Nickelsville, Va., and Louis Collins of Coeburn; four grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 7, 2004, in the Sturgill Funeral Home Chapel, Coeburn, with the Rev. Glen Hammacker and Rev. Stanley Tate officiating. Burial will follow in the Temple Hill Memorial Park, Castlewood. The family will receive friends after 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 6, 2004, at the Sturgill Funeral Home, Coeburn, with a song service conducted at 7:30 p.m. Sturgill Funeral Homes, Coeburn, in charge of arrangements. Edith Davis BRISTOL, Tenn. – A memorial service for Edith Davis will be held at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 700 Cumberland St., Bristol, Va., on Saturday, Aug. 7, 2004, at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Dr. P. Hamilton Fuller IV officiating. A reception will follow in the church parish hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bristol Humane Society, P.O. Box 1586, Bristol, VA 24201. Burial will be private. E-mail condolences may be sent at www.weaverfuneralhome.net Edith Davis, age 91, died on Saturday, July 31, 2004, at the NHC Healthcare facility in Bristol Virginia. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Andrew Dolinger Sr. ABINGDON – Mr. Andrew C. Dolinger Sr. died Thursday, Aug. 5, 2004, in Johnston Memorial Hospital. Arrangements are incomplete. Farris Funeral Service, Abingdon, is serving the Dolinger family. Edna Blevins Farmer MARION – Edna Virginia Blevins Farmer, age 77, went to be with Jesus on Thursday, Aug. 5, 2004, after a long illness. She was born June 28, 1927, in Helen, W.Va., to the late Lundy and Florence Blevins, and was preceded in death by three brothers, Elmer, Jack and Archie Blevins. She was a resident of Marion since 1946 and retired from the Southwestern State Hospital after 38 years of loyal service. She was a flower enthusiast and avid cat lover. Survivors include: one son and daughter-in-law, E. J. and Gerrie Farmer, Annapolis, Md.; one daughter and son-in-law, Nancy and Gene Vass, Elyria, Ohio; two sisters, Irene Bullins, West Virginia, and Beulah Woods, West Virginia; four grandchildren and spouses, Jennifer and Rey Mercado, San Diego, April and Raymond Rosa, Annapolis, Renee’ and Mike Lee, Annapolis and Carl Vass, Elyria; great-grandchildren, Nicholas and Mariah Mercado, Belle and Autumn Rosa and Jayden Lee; care giver and special friend, Jack Farmer; and special friend and cousin, Lois Sexton. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Aug. 7, 2004, at 1 p.m. at the Bradley’s Funeral Home Chapel in Marion, with Rev. Kenny O’Neal officiating. Interment will be in the Thompson Cemetery in Coal City, W.Va., at 5 p.m. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. The family will receive friends Saturday from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the funeral home. Bradley’s Funeral Home, Marion, is serving the Farmer family. Ralph V. Fox BLOUNTVILLE – Ralph V. Fox, 69, passed away at his home on Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2004, after a lengthy illness. Ralph was a lifelong resident of Sullivan County. He grew up in the Bluff City area, graduating from Mary Hughes High School. He served in the Army and, upon his return, worked briefly for Odum Construction Company. In 1966, Ralph began working at Eastman in the CE division and retired in 1993. He is survived by his wife, Jo Ann Fox, Blountville; two daughters, Dee A. Perry, Johnson City and Kim R. Ring, Blountville; a son, Bryant K. Fox, Kingsport; four grandchildren; and one brother, Pete Fox, Bluff City. Calling hours will be 6-8 p.m. Saturday at the East Lawn Funeral Home. Family and friends will meet for a 2 p.m. graveside service Sunday at the East Lawn Memorial Park, with Leland Houser officiating. Please visit us online at www.mem.com to place a tribute to the family. East Lawn Funeral Home is serving the Fox family. Vernon Fuller OAKWOOD, Va. – Mr. Vernon Fuller, age 70, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2004, in a Richlands hospital, following a lengthy illness. Born in Dwight, Va., he was the son of the late Henderson and Bessie Mullins Fuller. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean conflict. Mr. Fuller was a retired coal miner for Jewell Smokeless. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Glen Fuller. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Pearl Marie Gibson Fuller; one son, Brian Fuller and wife Henrietta of Charlotte, N.C.; two daughters, Donna Stanford and husband Larry, and Dinah Blankenship and husband Vergil, both of Pounding Mill; three sisters, Truby Pressley and Cassie Rife, both of Oakwood, and Genevea Rife of Bastian; and three grandchildren, Heather Blankenship, Jessica Stanford and Kayla Stanford. Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 7, 2004, at Buchanan Funeral Service Chapel in Keen Mountain, Va., with Rev. Charles Hubbard and Rev. Troy Lester officiating. Entombment will follow in the Greenhills Memory Gardens Mausoleum at Claypool Hill, Va. Military graveside rites will be conducted by the John Ratliff American Legion Post 164. Pallbearers will be Ronnie Gibson, Terry Lee Stanford, James Mitchell, Timmy Stanford, (Buck) William Keen and Damon Pressley. Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday with a song service 7 p.m. at Buchanan Funeral Service in Keen Mountain, Va. Online condolences may be sent to the family by going to www.singletonfuneralservice.com Buchanan Funeral Service is serving the Fuller family. Ruth Hensley NORTON – The family of Ruth Fields Hensley will receive friends from 1-2 p.m. Friday in the Mausoleum Chapel of Powell Valley Memorial Gardens. Funeral services will be conducted 2 p.m. Friday in the Mausoleum Chapel, with Rev. Noah G. Stout officiating. Burial will follow in the Powell Valley Memorial Gardens. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.hagyfawbush.com Ruth Fields Hensley, 87, died Saturday, July 31, 2004, in Daytona Beach, Fla. Hagy & Fawbush Funeral Home of Norton in charge of arrangements. Ronald E. Jones LEBANON – Ronald E. Jones, 67, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2004, in the Hummingbird Retirement Villa. Born July 6, 1937, in Richlands, a son of Mae Richie Jones and the late Ewing Jones, he had lived in Lebanon the past 44 years. A graduate of Concord College, he taught music and band for 30 years in Russell and Buchanan Counties, having taught at Lebanon High School, Cleveland Junior High School and Council High School. A former vice-mayor and member of the Lebanon Town Council, former member of the Lebanon Jaycees, the Lebanon Kiwanis Club, the Lebanon Lions Club, was a former member for 25 years of the Board of Directors of the Russell County Rescue Squad and the Lebanon Lifesaving Crew. He was a member of the Lebanon Memorial United Methodist Church, a member and past master of the Lebanon Masonic Lodge 251 A.F. & A.M., the Kazim Shrine Temple, an honorary member of the Lebanon VFW Post 9864 and was a Kentucky Colonel. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Larry Jones, Benny Jones and Dennis Jones; and a sister, Cathy Jones Griffith. Survivors include his wife of 39 years, Bonnie Jessee Jones; a son and daughter- in-law, Brad and Deborah Nichols Jones, Huntsville, Ala.; his mother, Mae Richie Jones, Richlands; a sister, Susan Jones, Gainesville, Fla.; a brother, K.C. Jones, Richlands; and several nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 7, 2004, in the Lebanon Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Mike Carter and the Rev. James Belcher officiating. Burial will follow in Ketron Memorial Gardens, where rites will be conducted by the Lebanon VFW Post 9864. Pallbearers will be James Holliday, Brian Dillion, Richard Jones, Barry Jones, Tim Price, Tommy Raub, Grant Griffith, Nathan Jessee and Jessee Owens. Honorary pallbearers will be Bill McFarlane, Bob Hillman, Fred Pruner, Harry Smith, Richard White, Kelly Nipper, Kenneth Ferguson, Glen Breeding, Bill Akers, Mike Mowrey, Darrell Beavers and Robbie Curey. The family will receive friends after 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 6, 2004, at the Combs Funeral Service in Lebanon, where Masonic rites will be conducted by the Lebanon Masonic Lodge 251 A.F. & A.M. Mr. Jones will be taken to the church one hour before the service. Combs Funeral Service is serving the Jones family. Leslie R. Love GRUNDY – Leslie Roy Love, age 58, of Vansant, Va., passed away Thursday, Aug. 5, 2004, in the Buchanan General Hospital in Grundy. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Weaver Funeral Home. Keith Ivan Lowery BRISTOL, Tenn. – Keith Ivan "Weefie" Lowery, age 35, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2004, at his residence. He was born Aug. 3, 1969. He had lived most of his life in the Bristol area. He moved in Stone Mountain, Ga., for several years, before moving back to Bristol. He was of the Baptist faith and was preceded in death by his father, Bobby Ivan Lowery. Survivors include: wife, Sitina Ledbetter Lowery; daughter, Mollie Keegan Lowery of the home; mother, Joyce K. Kegley, Bristol Tennessee; and sister, Amber Kay Lowery. Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 7, 2004, at the graveside in Forrest Hills Memory Gardens in Abingdon, with Buddy Chapman officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be Reick Ledbetter, Charlie Callahan and Rudy Gilliam. Online condolences may be registered at www.weaverfuneralhome.net The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Weaver Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Cullen McCormick Sr. BRISTOL, Va. – The funeral service for Cullen George "Mac" McCormick Sr. will be conducted at 11 o’clock Friday morning in the Blevins Memorial Chapel of Oakley- Blevins Funeral Home, with Rev. Kenny Widner officiating. Burial will follow in the National Cemetery at Mountain Home, Tenn. Pallbearers will be Paul Deems, Gary Trinkle, Jim Privette, Kenny Humphry, David Robertstad and Jeff Reynolds. David Busick will be an honorary pallbearer. Military honors will be presented by Highlands Fellowship Honor Guard. Condolences and memories may be sent to the family by visiting www.oakley-blevins.com Cullen George "Mac" McCormick Sr. passed away Monday, Aug. 3, 2004, at his home. Mr. McCormick and his family are in the care of Oakley-Blevins Funeral Home, 417 Lee St., Bristol, Va. Althey M. McNeil GLADE SPRING – Mrs. Althey Melita McNeil, age 91, went to be the Lord peacefully on Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2004, in Johnston Memorial Hospital. Mrs. McNeil had lived all of her life in the Chilhowie and Glade Spring area and attended the Church of God in Glade Spring. She was preceded in death by her husband, George "Bo" McNeil, was retired employee of Bonham Apple Orchards and was an avid gardener. Survivors include a son, Glenn "Bob" McNeil, Maryland; a daughter, Peggy Jean Dye, Wilmington, N.C.; a sister, Evelyn Surber, Rural Hall, N.C.; grandchildren, Wayne McNeil, Glade Spring, Chuck McNeil, Abingdon, Mike Dye, West Palm Beach, Fla., and Jeff Dye, Richmond; and several nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be conducted Sunday, Aug. 8, 2004, at 1:30 p.m. in the Farris Funeral Chapel, with Rev. Tim Bird officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Rose Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Wayne McNeil, Chuck McNeil, Mike Dye, Greg Lynch, Mike Seymore and Keith Owens. The family will receive friends Saturday from 6:30 – 8 p.m. in the funeral home. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com Farris Funeral Service, Main Street Chapel, 427 East Main St., Abingdon, is serving the McNeil family. Carlie A. Mutter SWORDS CREEK, Va. – Mrs. Carlie Almeda Mutter, age 75, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2004, in a Richlands hospital, following a lengthy illness. Born in Russell County, Va., she was the daughter of the late John and Mary Elizabeth Robinette Richardson. She was of the Holiness faith. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Otis Mutter; two sisters, Dora Webb and Pearl Cole; and two brothers, Clarence Richardson, and an infant brother. She is survived by four sisters, Mae Plaster of Swords Creek, Ida Richardson of Raven, Myrtle Plaster of Cedar Bluff and Dorothy Whited of Raven; one brother, Robert Richardson of Swords Creek; several nieces and nephews; special friend, Betty Richardson; and special care givers, Joyce Compton, Linda Gaye Richardson. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 7, 2004, at Singleton Funeral Service Chapel in Cedar Bluff, with Rev. Ancil Childress, Rev. Buddy Herald, Rev. Carl Robinson and Rev. Jim Richardson officiating. Burial will follow in the Mutter Family Cemetery at Pine Creek, Va. Pallbearers will be Jackie Richardson, David Plaster, Bill Plaster, Johnathan Plaster, Glen Allen Richardson, Darrell Cole, Randy Webb and Steve Richardson. Honorary pallbearers will be Dennis Smith, Cheyenne Harris, Robert Justus and Henry Perkins. Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at Singleton Funeral Service in Cedar Bluff. Online condolences may be sent to the family by going to www.singletonfuneralservice.com Singleton Funeral Service is serving the Mutter family. Ernest C. Nash BRISTOL, Va. – Ernest Clay Nash, age 77, of 12390 Reedy Creek Road, passed away Thursday, Aug. 5, 2004, in the Bristol Regional Medical Center. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Weaver Funeral Home. Ramie Osborne GRUNDY – Ramie Osborne, 69 years of age, passed away Thursday, Aug. 5, 2004, at his home. Born in Buchanan County, Feb. 4, 1935, he was the son of the late Melvin Osborne and Myrtle Osborne Osborne. He was a lifelong resident of Buchanan County, of the Baptist faith, former coal miner and deputy sheriff for the Buchanan County Sheriffs Department, an avid outdoorsman, who enjoyed camping and hunting. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Steven Allen Osborne, Feb. 7, 2004. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Ellie Mae Bailey Osborne of Grundy; one daughter, Kathy Still and husband Mike of Norton; four sisters, Pinkie Osborne of Mendota, Va., Dorothy Osborne of London, Ky., Ella Beavers of Baptist Valley, Va., and Lovis Hiles of Evanston, Ill. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Adam Ramie Osborne, Elizabeth Dale Osborne and John Ryan Still. Funeral services for Ramie Osborne will be held Saturday, Aug. 7, 2004, at 1 p.m. at the Shortridge-Ramey Funeral Home Chapel, Grundy, with Elder E. C. Honaker officiating. Burial will follow in the Greenhills Memory Gardens at Claypool Hill, Va. Active pallbearers will be family and friends. The family will receive friends at the funeral home after 6 p.m. Friday evening. Memorial condolences may be sent to the family at www.shortridgeramey.com The family of Ramie Osborne is being served by Shortridge-Ramey Funeral Home of Grundy. Nathan Todd Stanley BRISTOL, Va. – Mr. Nathan Todd Stanley, age 34, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2004. Arrangements are incomplete. Farris Funeral Service, Abingdon, is serving the Stanley family. Katrina D. Wakefield MEADOWVIEW – Katrina Dawn Wakefield, 20 months, died Thursday, Aug. 5, 2004. She was born Nov. 29, 2002, in Washington County, Va., to Frank Clinton Wakefield III and Melissa Carol Morris Wakefield. In addition to her parents, Katrina is survived by her sister, Heather Leeann Wakefield of the home; paternal grandparents, Frank and Judy Wakefield Jr. of Meadowview; maternal grandparents, Pamela and Richard Morris of Bristol Virginia, and Debbi and Roger Blackwell of Abingdon; great-grandparents, Ira and Jearline Caudill of Meadowview, Nellie Morris of Abingdon and William and Jewel Caudill of Abingdon; aunts and uncles, Samantha and Daniel Mowl of Meadowview, Jerry Lee Wakefield of Meadowview, Lisa Ann Morris of West Jefferson, N.C., Marvin Gene Morris of Bristol Tennessee, and Billy B. Stone III of Bristol Virginia; one cousin, Judy Michele Mowl; and several great-aunts and great- uncles. Funeral services for Katrina Dawn Wakefield will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 7, 2004, at the Farris Funeral Chapel, 427 E. Main St., Abingdon. Burial will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Casket bearers will be Ivan Caudill, Billy Joe Guinn, Billy B. Stone III and Adam Hawthorne. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home. Those wishing to share memories or sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com Farris Funeral Service of Abingdon is serving the family of Katrina Dawn Wakefield. Vernon L. Widener KINGSPORT – Graveside service for Vernon L. Widener will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday at the East Lawn Memorial Park, where family and friends will meet for full military honors conducted by the VFW Patton Crosswhite Post 6975 of Bristol and Troop F 2/278. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the VFW Patton-Crosswhite of Bristol, 14 16th St., Bristol, Tenn., or the American Legion Post 3 of Kingsport. Please visit us online at www.mem.com to place a tribute to the Widener family. Vernon L. Widener, age 81, of 316 Rockwood St., passed away Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2004, at the Indian Path Hospital, following a brief illness. East Lawn Funeral Home is serving the Widener family.