Thomas Hyre Schoonover

He was born Aug. 14, 1925, at Montrose and was the son of the late Lula Mae Hyre Schoonover and Leslie C. Schoonover.

He was the last surviving member of his immediate family.

He married the love of his life, Virginia Lee Harper, on Aug. 25, 1945, and celebrated 66 years of matrimony until her death in 2012.

He is survived by his daughter, Mary Ellen Schoonover Durham of Montrose; and his two sons, William R. Schoonover (Donna) of Elkins and James L. Schoonover (Patricia) of Montrose.

He is also survived by five grandchildren, Richard W. Schoonover (Carrie), Thomas R. Schoonover (Kristin), William R. Schoonover Jr. (Juanita), Amy L. Schoonover and Susan A. Mumper (Aaron). Also surviving are seven great-grandchildren, Alexandra, Abigail, Maxwell, Tessa and Samuel Schoonover, and Leah and Layla Mumper.

Aside from his parents and his wife, he was predeceased by his sister, Madge Andrews; and brother-in-law, William A. Andrews.

He attended the schools of Randolph County and graduated from Elkins High School with the class of 1942 and attended Potomac State College. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II and in 1945 he began a 41-year career beginning with the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and ending with CSX Transportation. His railroading experience was primarily as a locomotive engineer on the Monongah division.

During his retirement he enjoyed traveling with Virginia and his friends, wood-working, hunting and life on the farm. He was a member of HW Daniels Post 29 American Legion, Elkins, Lodge No. 108 A.F. & A.M., Elkins Chapter No. 35 Royal Arch Masons, Pilgrim Commandery No. 21, Randolph Chapter No. 74 Order of the Eastern Star, Scottish Rite of Freemasonry in Clarksburg, Osiris Shrine Temple and the Tygarts Valley Shrine Club.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Elkins.

Friends may call from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., Friday, Nov. 3, 2023, at the Tomblyn Funeral Home in Elkins.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, with Rev. Brian L. Seders and Rev. Bill Riffee officiating.

Interment will follow at Maplewood Cemetery in Elkins, where Elkins Lodge No. 108 A.F. & A.M. will conduct Masonic services.

The family suggests in lieu of flowers friends should make a contribution to their favorite charity in memory of Mr. Schoonover.

The Tomblyn Funeral Home of Elkins is in charge of the arrangements for Thomas Hyre Schoonover.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.tomblynfuneralhome.com.