Jfran Deem , March 20, 1928 — October 10, 2018

John Franklin Deem died October 10, 2018 at Camden Clark Memorial Hospital. Frank was born March 20, 1928 in Harrisville, WV. He was the son of Lyla Matheny and Fulton S. Deem.

He was a business man who graduated from Harrisville High School; attended Mountain State Business College, WVU and graduated with a degree in Petroleum Engineering from Marietta College. He owned Frank Deem’s Market in Harrisville, Frank Deem Chevrolet in St. Mary’s and was owner and operator of JF Deem Oil and Gas for more than 50 years. Frank believed in serving his state and his country.

He served in the US Navy during WWII. Frank was a long time member of the West Virginia Legislature serving in both the House and Senate in every decade from the 1950’s to present. He was very proud that he designed and built North Bend Golf Course in Harrisville.

He is survived by his wife Rebecca Lewellyn Deem, six children: Debbie Basham (Frank), Pam Howard (Bob), Patti Snodgrass (Gail), Mike Deem (Robeyn), Kathy Coatney (Terry), John Deem; and two step children: Zachary Wilson (Bethany) and Catherine Shuman (Ben). He is also survived by numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a member of the WV House of Delegates, Parkersburg Rotary (where he was a Harris Fellow), Parkersburg Country Club, Sons of the American Revolution, Independent Oil and Gas Association, West Virginia Oil and Natural Gas Association, United States Golf Association, and attended First Presbyterian Church.

He was a former member of the WVUP Foundation. Frank was a supporter of the West Virginia Symphony, The Boys and Girls Club of Parkersburg, the Parkersburg Art Center, and the Ritchie County Golf Program. He also supported education and was responsible for improvements in school grounds throughout the county.

He was a dedicated public servant who said,” It was a privilege to have a voice and a vote”. Memorials may be sent to The Boys and Girls Club of Parkersburg, the Senator Frank Deem Fund at the Parkersburg Community Foundation, and First Presbyterian Church of Parkersburg Founders Trust. Visitation will be held on Friday, October 12 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at Leavitt Funeral Home, Parkersburg.

A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church (1341 Juliana St) Saturday, October 13th at 2:00 with visitation one hour prior to the service.

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