Howard’s Obituary Howard M. Mahaffey Jr., 93, of Parkersburg passed away peacefully on March 3, 2019 at his residence under the loving care of his family. He was born October 31, 1925 in Parkersburg, son of Howard and Emma (Nicely) Mahaffey. He began his education in a one room school house and graduated from Parkersburg High School in May 1943.
He immediately began his career as a boilermaker, working on steam engines at the Parkersburg train station. He retired as a field superintendent for Union Boiler Co. in 1989. He was a member of Boiler Maker Local Union 667 for over seventy years.
He was drafted into the Army in September 1944, took basic training at Fort Hood and entered the battle for Okinawa in April 1945. After being injured in the Philippines, he returned to the states to recover and was honorably discharged in 1946. Howard enjoyed wood working in the shop he built, gardening and being a jack of all trades for his family and neighbors.
He was a fifty year member of the Masonic Lodge #3 Mt. Olivet, a lifetime member of the DAV and a life member of the Gihon United Methodist Church. Surviving Howard are his four children, Nancy Elder (Jerry Ault) of Belpre, Steve Mahaffey (Linda) of Parkersburg, Sharon Albert of Parkersburg, and Joe Mahaffey (Rosie) of Parkersburg; four grandchildren, Scott Smith (Heather) of Washington, WV, Alex Albert (Nicci) of Chester, VA, Kristi Benbow (Joe) of Chambersburg, PA and Kevin Mahaffey (Sarah) of Parkersburg, eleven great-grandchildren, Lauren and Ryan Benbow, Kaylynn Albert, Paul Smith, Emily Hess, Elijah and Emma Mahaffey, and Allison, Madison, Eli, and Isaac Cunningham; brother in-law, Charles Sams of Vienna; sister in-law, Donna Sams of Stewart, OH; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Lucille Mahaffey; one sister, Helen Hess and two brothers, Robert and Ray Mahaffey. Howard’s family would like to recognize special people in his life, that gave their friendship and support, they include Betty Jean Sams, Wanda Guinn, Mary Rebrook, Patty Zickefoose, Joanna Dulin, special cousins, Betty Bower and Carolyn Story. The family would also like to thank Amedisys Hospice for their love and support given to Howard.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 7, 2019 at the Lambert-Tatman Funeral Home, Pike St., south Parkersburg with Pastor Jim Martin officiating. Interment will follow at the Sunset Memory Gardens with full Military Rites by the American Legion Post 15 and Masonic Rites. Visitation will be from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
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