Charles Chuck "Chuck" Elder

Charles William Elder, 81, passed away peacefully at his home in Washington, WV on Feb. 14, 2011.

He was born in Wood County, WV on Jan. 20, 1930, the son of the late Cecil W. Elder and Helen V. Davis Elder. He was a member of the 1947 graduating class of Parkersburg High School. On Aug. 22, 1947, he married the love of his life, Ruth Mary Johnson Elder, and spent 54 years with her, before her death on May 11, 2002.

He began a military career on Oct. 28, 1950 when he joined the U.S. Navy. He served in the Korean War and was given an Honorable Discharge on Aug. 4, 1952.

“Chuck”, as known to many of his friends and family, began his life-long career as a coal operator in the early 1960’s, and he worked for Beasley Industries out of Columbus, OH. The coal industry then took him to Webster County, WV in the late 1960’s, where he started up Peaker Run Coal Company, one of the largest employers of Webster County for over 20 decades. He was a good and fair employer and earned the respect of his men and many neighboring coal company operators.

In addition to mining coal, he made certain the reclamation process was equally performed, giving Webster County scenic views for future generations. Although the coal industry took him around the world, Webster County was always his home. He served as a board member for Webster County Memorial Hospital and was a longtime member of the Town of Addison City Council. He retired from the coal industry in 1984.

He enjoyed fishing, hunting and camping with his wife and family.

He left this world on Valentine’s Day to be with the love of his life.

He is survived by his three daughters, Susan Lynn Harris, Carole Jo Davis, and Kimberly Ann (Wayne) Carpenter; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sisters, Patricia (Richard) Richards, and Carolyn June (Floyd “Bud”) Chaddock; and special buddy, Delmas Radcliff.

Services will be held 2 p.m. Thursday at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home, Parkersburg with Pastor Kevin Starcher officiating. Entombment will be in Sunset Memory Gardens with military rites provided by the American Legion Post 15.

Visitation will be Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.sunsetparkersburg.com.