Obituary of Herbert Kelly Michael

Herbert Kelly Michael, 91, of Hagan’s Community passed away in his home early Thursday morning. He was born May 21, 1925 in Hagan’s Community, son of the late Herbert Ross and Eunice Wilson Michael. He was preceded in death by his wife Virginia Babb Michael, who died in 2001. Herbert graduated from Morgantown High School in June of 1943 and by the following August was drafted into military service with the United States Coast Guard. He traveled from Morgantown to Baltimore to the Pacific coast to Seattle, WA, then crossing the Pacific several times transporting American troops to Asia and various islands in the Pacific. He returned to Portsmouth, VA in 1947 where he was honorably discharged, and rejoined his wife, Virginia, to settle and briefly work for a Skippy Peanut Butter plant. A longing for the West Virginia Hills brought Herbert, His wife, and new baby girl, Barbara back to the Morgantown, Fairmont area where he worked for the B&O Railroad for 10 years, then for Merchant’s Specialty Co. in Grant Town for 10 years, then for Consolidated Coal Co.- Blacksville #1 & 2 – first as a miner and then as a section foreman for 15 years until his retirement in 1985. He was always actively involved in his community, taking the lead in bringing city water to the area by knocking on every door, visiting with, informing, educating and recruiting each and every community member to sign up. At one time or another he had held almost every leadership position in the community some of which include: Hagans School PTA president, Hagans 4H club leader, Hagans Boy Scout leader, and WVU extension playground coordinator. As a life-long member of Hagans Christian Church, he has served as Deacon, and Elder, and was the Sunday School Superintendent and the instructor of the youth group for nearly 55 years. He was also an active member of the Rivesville Lions Club. He enjoyed many things throughout his life. He loved living in the country where he took pride in the home he built, his beautiful yard, his garden, his tractor, and toward the end of his life, helping care for his daughter’s horses – revisiting a love from past years. Throughout the years he enjoyed many hobbies – eating a good meal in or out, traveling to new places, singing in church, bowling, and square dancing, all in the company of good friends. He was beloved and cherished by his parents, siblings, spouse, daughters, nieces, and nephews, grand and great grandchildren, friends and colleagues. Herbert was known for his quiet gentleness, supportive words, honesty and generosity, always quick to lend a hand to those in need. He enjoyed construction, which was evident in the many homes and structures he built and worked on throughout the Morgantown and Fairmont area. More so he loved woodworking, creating many items so treasured by his daughters and their families. He is survived by 2 daughters and their families; Vicki and her husband Donald Underwood, Dr. Beverly Michael, a son-in-law, Daniel Michael as well as 6 grandchildren and spouses; Jennifer and husband Dr. Albert Fogal, Daniel Benjamin and wife, Samantha Michael, Matthew and wife Brenda Underwood, Aaron and wife Amber Underwood, Kelly and husband, Jason Reese, and Kayla Terlosky, 7 grandchildren; Courtney Fogal, John Paul and Jacqueline Michael, Lily, Isaac, Hunter Underwood, and Madelyn Underwood. He is survived by 3 siblings; Jean Newbraugh, Mavis Fluharty, and Sarah Boggs. He was preceded in death by 2 daughter, Linda Susanne Michael in 1967 and Barbara Diane Michael in 2016, 7 siblings, Hannah Radcliff, Enos Michael, Velma Kelly, Jessie Arnett, Delbert Michael, Rillia Burlene Wade and Lodd Michael. Family and friends may call Ford Funeral Home, DeGarmo Chapel, Jasper St., Rivesville, WV from 1pm until 4pm, 6pm until 8pm on Sunday, 1pm until 4pm, 6pm until 8pm on Monday, and 11am until 12noon on Tuesday. Funeral services will be held in the funeral home Tuesday, 12-20-2016,at 12noon, with Pastor Isaac Harmon officiating. Burial will follow in Beverly Hills Memorial Gardens. The family requests that memorial donations be made to Hagan’s Christian Church, C/O Loretta Davis, 10 Lee St., Westover, WV, 26501. Online condolences may be made to www.FORDFUNERALHOMES.com.