Person Page - 516

     Luther Griffin Wertz was buried at East Hill Cemetery, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.³ His Social Security Number was 224-20-1387.⁴ He was born on September 1, 1893 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^4,2,3 He married Iva Hazel Poff, daughter of James Nathan Poff and Martha Rosetta "Rosa" Whitenack, on June 11, 1969 at Cambria, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^1,3,5 Luther Griffin Wertz died on March 4, 1983 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 89.^4,3

     John Wesley Goin was buried at Gowen Family Cemetery, on Rt 820 near Rt 657, Gladstone, Nelson Co., Virginia.³ He was born in March, 1887 at Virginia.² He died on May 10, 1910 at Nelson Co., Virginia, at age 23.³

     Betty Jo Poff was buried at Fair View Cemetery, 3300 Melrose Ave. N.W., Roanoke, Virginia.⁵ She was born on January 30, 1933 at Shawsville, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^7,8 As of October 7, 1950,her married name was Cronk.⁸ She married Sherrill Dean Cronk on October 7, 1950 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.^1,2,3,5,8 Betty Jo Poff died on April 14, 2013 at Virginia at age 80.⁵ She Betty Poff Cronk, 80, of Salem, passed away on Sunday, April 14, 2013, after a long, courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease. She was preceded in death by her parents, Keimer L. Poff and Lottis T. Poff, of Shawsville. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 62 years, Sherrill D. Cronk; three children, Linda Cronk Miller and her husband, E.M. Miller, of Richmond, Trish Cronk Tarpley and her husband, Ned Tarpley, of Salem, and Mark Cronk and his wife, Alison Gray Cronk, of Union Hall; six grandchildren, Natalee Miller Rinaca and husband, Wade Rinaca, of Richmond, Ken Miller and wife, Annie Miller, of Richmond, Kelsey Tarpley and Phillip Tarpley, of Salem, Sam Cronk and Ryane Cronk of Union Hall; and two great-grandchildren, Sam and Carter Rinaca, of Richmond; brother and sister-in-law, Donald and Jean Poff, of Shawsville; and many special nieces and nephews. Betty attended Shawsville High School where she met her best friend and future husband, Sherrill. They married in October 1950. From 1952 to 1956 they lived in California while Sherrill served in the Navy during the Korean War. After moving back to Virginia to be near family and friends, they made their home in Salem. Betty was a generous and loving person, and spent her life helping and caring for others. The family sends a special thanks to her caretakers, Trina Holland, Tami Lee, Beverly Abbott, Chris Pilling, Stacy Robertson, Tracy Mikels, Lynette Smith and Sue Meadow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Rescue Mission, P.O. Box 11525, Roanoke, VA 24022. A Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 17, 2013, at Lotz Salem Chapel. Interment will follow at Fair View Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16, 2013, at Lotz Funeral Home Salem. on April 16, 2013.⁵

     Thelma Ellen Poff was buried at Sherwood Burial Park, 1045 Lynchburg Turnpike, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.² Her Social Security Number was 230-03-2437.⁵ She was born on October 5, 1917 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^5,2 As of August 20, 1936,her married name was Long.⁶ She married Ernest Marshall Long on August 20, 1936 at Shawsville, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^2,6 Thelma Ellen Poff died on August 29, 1991 at Bluefield, Mercer Co., West Virginia, at age 73.^5,2 She Mrs. Thelma P. Long, 73, of 2517 Clovis Street, Bluefield, W.Va. and formerly of Lafayette, Va. died Thursday at her residence. Born in Floyd County, she was a daughter of the late J. Boston Poff and Della J. Manning Poff. She was a homemaker and a member of the Grace United Methodist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest Marshall Long and a sister, Goldia St. Clair. Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. William (Joyce) Fisher of Bluefield, W.Va; one sister, Clarice St. Clair of Roanoke; grandson, Michael Ernest Fisher of Bluefield, W.Va. Funeral services will be conducted Sunday at 2:0 p.m. at the Mercer Funeral Home Chapel in Bluefield with Dr. Arnold G. Husk officiating. Graveside services and burial will be held Monday at the Sherwood Memorial Park Cemetery in Salem at 12:00 p.m. Friends may call Saturday evening from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the funeral home. The family suggests that memorial contributions may made to Hospice of Mercer County, P.O. Box 328, Bluefield, W.Va. 24701. on August 31, 1991.²

     His Social Security Number was 229-01-0467.² Ernest Marshall Long was born on May 15, 1916 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.^2,3 He married Thelma Ellen Poff, daughter of James Bostonia "Boss" Poff and Della Jane "Delia" Manning, on August 20, 1936 at Shawsville, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^1,3 Ernest Marshall Long died in December, 1979 at age 63.²

     Willie Alfred Poff was buried at Sherwood Burial Park, 1045 Lynchburg Turnpike, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.⁵ He was born on February 1, 1930 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.² He died in September, 1930 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.⁵

     His Social Security Number was 228-30-8817.⁹ Norris Edward Poff was buried at Franklin Memorial Park, Virgil Goode Highway, Rocky Mount, Franklin Co., Virginia.¹ He was born on October 20, 1928 at Roanoke, Virginia.^9,1,2 He married Joan "Jo" Manning, daughter of Grover Wade Manning and Retha Allen Boone, on June 23, 1950 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.^10,1,2,3 Norris Edward Poff died on April 22, 1987 at Vinton, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 58.^1,3

     Margaret Lee Poff was buried at Crestview Memorial Park, 6850 University Parkway, Rural Hall, Forsyth Co., North Carolina.² She was born on April 26, 1927 at Roanoke, Virginia.² As of January 1, 1946,her married name was Hofawger.⁷ She married Samuel Lee "Sam" Hofawger on January 1, 1946 at Roanoke, Virginia.^{10,3,4,5,11,7,2} Margaret Lee Poff died on June 24, 2018 at North Carolina at age 91.² She Mrs. Margaret Lee Poff Hofawger, 91, passed away Sunday, June 24, 2018. She was born April 26, 1927 in Roanoke, VA to the late Grifton Andy Poff and Effie Lee Brown Poff. In her early years, during WWII, Margaret worked in both a sewing factory and a factory that produced tires for the military. She later became the manager for the Salem Virginia VA Hospital Credit Union before working as a realtor for 10 years. Margaret was a faithful member of Macedonia Baptist Church and enjoyed painting, coloring, word puzzles, and playing solitaire. In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by her husband, Samuel Lee Hofawger; two brothers, Norris Poff and William Poff; and two sisters, Peggy Walters and Everlene Altice. Margaret is survived by two daughters, Brenda LaPrade (Danny) and Tena Edmondson (Steve); four grandchildren: Daniel S. LaPrade Jr. (Teressa), Dana Beck (Joseph), Tony Patterson Jr. (Ashley), and Crystal Patterson; seven great-grandchildren; and three sisters: Marlene Moore, Carolyn Blackwell (Robert), and Barbara Bradford (Roger). A funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 PM Thursday, June 28, 2018 at Hayworth-Miller Rural Hall Chapel with Pastor Joe Beck and Rev. Dr. Bobby Altice officiating. The family will be receiving friends from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM prior to the service. Burial will follow at Crestview Memorial Park. on June 27, 2018.²

     Samuel Lee "Sam" Hofawger was buried at Crestview Memorial Park, 6850 University Parkway, Rural Hall, Forsyth Co., North Carolina.⁵ He was born on July 29, 1921 at Roanoke, Virginia.^7,5 He married Margaret Lee Poff, daughter of Grifton Andy Poff and Effie Lee Brown, on January 1, 1946 at Roanoke, Virginia.^{1,2,3,4,5,8,6} Samuel Lee "Sam" Hofawger died on December 3, 2010 at North Carolina at age 89.^7,5 He Sargeant First Class Samuel Lee Hofawger, 89, went to be with the Lord on Friday, December 3, 2010. He was born July 29, 1921 in Roanoke, VA to John Albert and Elizabeth Fisher Hofawger. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII, the Virginia National Guard for 22 years, and in the Army Reserve for seven years thru 1981. He was a planner estimator with the Veterans Administration in Salem and Richmond, VA for 32 years. Sam was a certified locksmith and was the inventor of the electric lock for elevators for the Veterans Administration. He also worked in the 80's and 90's as assistant manager of Mini Storages. Sam was a speaker for school projects concerning his experiences in WWII. He started a Boy Scout Troop at the Brethren in Christ Church in Roanoke, VA. He was of the Baptist Faith and was a registered deacon in Chesterfield County, VA. He leaves behind his wife of 64 years, Margaret Poff Hofawger; two daughters, Brenda (Danny) LaPrade and Tena (Steve) Edmondson; four grandchildren, Dana (Joseph) Beck, Danny (Teressa) LaPrade, Jr., Tony Patterson, and Crystal Patterson; seven great grandchildren; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Along with his parents he was preceded in death by four sisters, Ollie Campbell, Lottie Bynum, Nell Ulrey, and Daisy Harshbarger Rhoades, and two brothers, George Jayhue Hofawger, and John Madison Hofawger. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m., Tuesday, December 7, 2010 at Slate Funeral Home in King with Bro. Joe Beck officiating. Burial will follow in Crestview Memorial Park in Rural Hall. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, December 6, at the funeral home and at Faith United Methodist Church, 1645 Griffin Road in Rural Hall following the Service on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the DAV or to the Flight of Honor Program.
on December 5, 2010.⁵

     Robert Lee Gowen was buried at Gowen Family Cemetery, on Rt 820 near Rt 657, Gladstone, Nelson Co., Virginia.^10,11,5,12 He was born on April 26, 1887 at Lovingston, Nelson Co., Virginia; His WWI Draft Registration card and death certificate have a birth date of May 1, 1886 and his WWII Draft card has a date of May 1, 1888.^8,1,13,9,5 He married Liza Gertrude Tyree before 1915.⁵ Robert Lee Gowen married Hattie Ella Tyree, daughter of Joseph Marshall Tyree and Georgianna Tyree, circa 1925.^2,3,4,14,6 Robert Lee Gowen died on March 18, 1958 at Amherst, Amherst Co., Virginia, at age 70.⁵

     Marlene LaFay "Molly" "Mama" Poff was buried at Sherwood Burial Park, 1045 Lynchburg Turnpike, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.⁶ She and David Eugene Moore were divorced.⁶ Marlene LaFay "Molly" "Mama" Poff was born on May 17, 1932 at Roanoke, Virginia.^9,5 As of June 11, 1949,her married name was Moore.⁵ She married David Eugene Moore on June 11, 1949 at Franklin Co., Virginia.^5,6 Marlene LaFay "Molly" "Mama" Poff died on January 13, 2020 at Franklin Co., Virginia, at age 87.⁶ She Marlene "Molly" LaFay Poff Moore, age 87, of Rocky Mount, went to be with the Lord after a courageous fight with her illness on Monday, January 13, 2020. She was preceded in death by her parents, Grifton and Effie Poff; former husband, David Eugene Moore; brother and wife, Norris Poff (Joan); sisters and brothers-in-law, Margaret (Sam), Everlene (Billy), and Peggy (Billy); and brothers-in-law, James Conner, Ronnie Turner, Damon and Norman Moore. She is survived by her daughter, Sonya Harris (Scott); grandchildren, Jennifer and Taylor; great-grandchildren, Caitlin and Carter; sisters and brothers-in-law, Carolyn (Robert) and Barbara (Roger); and former sisters-in-law, Irene and Dee Moore. Marlene retired from DuPont with 36 ½ years of service and from Wal-Mart with about 18 years of service where she was known as "The Wal-Mart Lady." She also volunteered at the Franklin Memorial Hospital for 20 years. She was a special mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Molly drove a racecar, raced in roller derbies, and loved bowling. She also enjoyed yard work and loved to stay busy. Molly was a very hard worker. She attended Woodlawn Baptist Church until her health declined and she went into Red Oak Manor. The family would like to thank all of those at Red Oak Manor, Franklin Memorial Hospital, and Medi Hospice for their kindness and love. A graveside service will be held at Sherwood Memorial Park. on January 14, 2020.⁶

     Everlene May Poff was buried at Franklin Memorial Park, Virgil Goode Highway, Rocky Mount, Franklin Co., Virginia.⁷ She was born on May 17, 1932 at Virginia.^8,6,7 As of October 24, 1948,her married name was Altice.⁶ She married Billy Calvin "Fat Albert" Altice, son of Burer Altice and Helen Unknown, on October 24, 1948 at Chesterfield, Chesterfield Co., South Carolina.^2,3,4,5,6,7 Everlene May Poff died on December 7, 2017 at Virginia at age 85.⁷ She Everlene Poff Altice, 85, of Rocky Mount, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, December 7, 2017. She was born on May 17, 1932 a daughter of the late Griff and Effie Brown Poff. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Billy C. (Fat Albert) Altice; two brothers; and one sister. She is survived by her children, Ronald Altice (Linda), Bobby Altice (Paulette) and Lynn Altice; seven grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; sisters, Margaret Hofawger, Molly Moore, Carolyn Blackwell (Robert) and Barbara Bradford (Roger); many other relatives and friends. Funeral Services will be conducted from Conner-Bowman Funeral Home 2 p.m. Monday, December 11, 2017 with Dr. Bobby Altice officiating. Interment will follow in Franklin Memorial Park. on December 10, 2017.⁷

     Billy Calvin "Fat Albert" Altice was buried at Franklin Memorial Park, Virgil Goode Highway, Rocky Mount, Franklin Co., Virginia.¹ His Social Security Number was 228-24-7229.² He was born on August 19, 1925.² He married Everlene May Poff, daughter of Grifton Andy Poff and Effie Lee Brown, on October 24, 1948 at Chesterfield, Chesterfield Co., South Carolina.^1,3,4,5,6,7 Billy Calvin "Fat Albert" Altice died on December 6, 2002 at Rocky Mount, Franklin Co., Virginia, at age 77.^1,2 He ALTICE, Billy Calvin, (Fat Albert), 77, of Rocky Mount, died Friday December 6, 2002, at his home. He was a WW II veteran having served in the U.S. Army as a Military Policeman. Mr. Altice was a prisoner of war in Germany for seven months, and was a recipient of two Purple Hearts, the Bronze Star and numerous other medals. He also attended and was active at Anchor United Assemblies of God Church where he was Superintendent, played guitar and sang (Old Rugged Cross). He was faithful to his church for 17 years only missing five Sundays during that time. He was preceded in death by his parents, Burer and Helen Altice; brothers, Howard, Garland and George Altice. Surviving are his wife of 54 years, Everlene Poff Altice, of the home; his children, Ronald and Linda Altice, Bobby and Paulette Altice, Lynn Altice, all of Rocky Mount; his grandchildren, Kevin Altice, Chris Altice, Amanda Altice, Jennifer Powell, Ashley Altice, Amber Altice, Glen Harris; eight great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Mildred Altice, Richmond, Margaret and Sam Hofawger of North Carolina, Marlene (Molly) Moore, Rocky Mount, Peggy and Billy Walters, Richmond, Carolyn and James Conner, Roanoke, Barbara Turner, Boones Mill, Joan (Jo) Poff, Vinton; aunts, Hilda Altice and Annie Altice, Rocky Mount; numerous nieces and nephews; his best friend at church, Ralph Kimberling. Funeral services will be conducted from Flora Funeral Chapel 11 a.m. Monday with Rev. Bobby C. Altice, Pastor of Anchor Church and Rev. Paul Carr officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow in Franklin Memorial Park. The family would like to say a special thank you to Carilion Hospice of Franklin County, Home Health Care and the many caregivers that gave their time and care during Billy's illness. The family will receive friends Saturday, 6 to 8 and Sunday, 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Flora Funeral Service, South Main Street, Rocky Mount. on December 7, 2002.¹

     Peggy Lorn Poff was buried at Sunset Memorial Park, 2901 West Hundred Road, Chester, Chesterfield Co., Virginia.⁸ She was born on June 30, 1934 at Boones Mill, Franklin Co., Virginia.^8,9 As of August 6, 1954,her married name was Walters.⁵ She married Billy Dalton Walters on August 6, 1954.^1,2,3,4,8,5 Peggy Lorn Poff died on August 4, 2013 at Virginia at age 79.⁸ She Peggy L. Walters went to be with her heavenly father on Sunday, August 4, 2013. Although she was taken from us suddenly, we know she is rejoicing with her Lord and those who've gone on before. Peggy will be celebrating her 59th wedding anniversary in heaven with her beloved husband, Billy D. Walters. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She had the ability to always bring a smile to the faces of those around her. Born in Boones Mill, Peggy was a longtime resident of Chester, where she and her husband, Billy, started Chester Body Shop, which remains a family business today. Peggy leaves to cherish her memories her dear sons, Rick L. Walters (Tammy), and Timothy W. Walters; grandchildren, Rebecca S. Calhoun (John), Jason R. Walters (Alicia), Jonathan T. Walters (Hillary); and one sweet great-grandson, Ashden Levi Calhoun. Peggy is also survived by her precious sisters, Margaret Howfager, Everlene Altice, Marlene Moore, Barbara Bradford (Roger), Carolyn Blackwell (Robert); sister-in-law, Joan Poff; and many nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends beginning at 9 a.m. on Saturday, August 10, 2013, followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. at the Chester Chapel of J. T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home & Cremation Service. Entombment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park. on August 7, 2013.⁸

     Billy Dalton Walters was buried at Sunset Memorial Park, 2901 West Hundred Road, Chester, Chesterfield Co., Virginia.¹ He was born on April 29, 1934 at Roanoke, Virginia.^2,1 He married Peggy Lorn Poff, daughter of Grifton Andy Poff and Effie Lee Brown, on August 6, 1954.^3,4,5,6,7,8 Billy Dalton Walters died on July 21, 2008 at Chester, Chesterfield Co., Virginia, at age 74.^2,1 He WALTERS, Billy Dalton, 74, of Chester, Va., passed away peacefully at home Monday, July 21, 2008. He was born in Roanoke, Va. on April 29, 1934, the son of the late Witt and Perdine Walters. Billy was a Navy veteran and a 33rd degree Mason with Chester Lodge #94. Billy Walters was the founder and president of Chester Body Shop in Chester, Va., which has been in business since 1970. He was a loving husband to wife, Peggy Walters; and devoted father to sons, Rick Walters and wife, Tammy, and Timothy Walters. He was also a proud grandfather to granddaughter, Rebecca Calhoun and husband, John; as well as to grandsons, Jason and Jonathan Walters. He is also survived by brother, Dean Walters and wife, Vicki, of Richmond, Va. He was preceded in death by twin brother, Bobby Walters; brother, Carlton Walters; and sister, Shirley Thompson, all of Roanoke, Va. The family will receive friends at the Chesterfield Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 23, 2008 from 6 to 9 p.m. Funeral services will be held there on Thursday, July 24, 2008 at 1 p.m. with interment following in Sunset Memorial Park. on July 23, 2008.¹

     His Social Security Number was 230-60-3848.³ Ronald Eugene "Ronnie" Turner was buried at Franklin Memorial Park, Virgil Goode Highway, Rocky Mount, Franklin Co., Virginia.¹ He was born on August 29, 1946 at Roanoke, Virginia.^3,2,4 He married Barbara Ann Poff, daughter of Grifton Andy Poff and Effie Lee Brown, on December 5, 1970 at Roanoke, Virginia.^1,5,6,2 Ronald Eugene "Ronnie" Turner died on September 21, 1997 at Boones Mill, Franklin Co., Virginia, at age 51.^1,4 He TURNER, Ronald Eugene, ("Ronnie"), 51, of Boones Mill, went to be with the Lord Sunday, September 21, 1997. He attended the Roanoke Congregational Holiness Church and was preceded in death by his parents, Clifton Hurst and Jessie Turner and his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Grifton A. and Effie B. Poff. Surviving are his wife, Barbara P. Turner; children, Ronald Cliff Turner and Rhonda Sue Turner, both of the home; his brothers and sisters-in-law, William E. and Claudine Turner, Maurice C. Turner, Boones Mill, Harold E. and Emily Turner, Gloucester; sisters and brother-in-law, Mildred T. and Roscoe Meador, Evelyn T. Shockley, Roanoke; one half brother and his wife, Robert L. and Merle Pearson, Bradonton, Fla. Also surviving are his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Margaret and Sam Hofawger, King, N.C., Everlene and Billy Altice, Molly ``Mama"" Moore, Rocky Mount, Peggy and Billy Walters, Chester, Carolyn and James Conner, Roanoke, Joan Poff, Vinton; and a number of nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted from Flora Funeral Chapel, 11 a.m. Wednesday, with Rev. John Wilson officiating. Interment will follow in Franklin Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at Flora Funeral Service from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday and other times at the home of Ronnie's brother, Maurice Turner. Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service, S. Main St., Rocky Mount, Va. on September 22, 1997.¹

     Leonard Oakley "Oak" Howard was buried at Franklin Memorial Park, Virgil Goode Highway, Rocky Mount, Franklin Co., Virginia.^3,7 His Social Security Number was 228-38-2142.⁸ He was born on March 11, 1929 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.^1,3,5,8 He married Geneva Gwendolene "Gwen" Poff, daughter of Millard Oliver Poff Sr. and Ruby Gaye Vest, on February 14, 1953 at Montgomery Co., Virginia.^1,9,2,3,4,10 Leonard Oakley "Oak" Howard died on May 31, 2008 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 79.^3,6,8 He Leonard Oakley Howard, age 79, of Roanoke passed away on May 31, 2008 after a brave battle with cancer. A devoted husband and father, Oak was born March 11, 1929. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hugh and Ollie H. Howard, brothers, Lloyd and Rufus Howard, sisters, Geraldine Lavers, Elizabeth Sutphin and Elsie Epperly. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Gwendolene Poff Howard; three sons and daughters-in-law, Larry R. Howard, Kelly and Lisa Howard and Tony and Ronda Howard. Also surviving are grandchildren, Tara Howard, Cris and wife, Casey Howard, Michael and Amanda Watson, Zacharey and wife, Jessica Watson; four great-grandchildren, Isaac and Caleb Howard, Briona and Michael Watson; brothers, and sister-in-laws, Hugh Edward and Judith Howard and Jessie and Peggy Howard, Albert Howard; sister-in-law, Viola Howard; sisters and brother-in-laws, Dorothy Howard, Edith and Rifton Light, Mabel and Wayne Dulaney and many supportive in-laws, nieces and nephews; and a very special friend, Karen Nimmo. Interment will follow at Franklin Memorial Park. on June 3, 2008.³

     Tommy Jimmy Jackson Thomas Sr. married Josephine Ethyleen Poff, daughter of Millard Oliver Poff Sr. and Ruby Gaye Vest.^1,2,4,3 Tommy Jimmy Jackson Thomas Sr. was buried at Mount Olivet Cemetery, 35045 Loves Mill Road, Glade Spring, Washington Co., Virginia.^5,3 His Social Security Number was 229-58-4058.⁶ He was born on September 21, 1946 at Virginia; His death certificate has a birth date of Sep 20, 1946.^3,6,7 He died on March 15, 1987 at Abingdon, Washington Co., Virginia, at age 40.^5,3

     Walter Coles Gowen was buried at Mineral Springs Baptist Church Cemetery, 997 Norwood Road, Gladstone, Nelson Co., Virginia.^4,5 He was born on June 21, 1889 at Nelson Co., Virginia.^2,4,5,6 He married Rhoda Victoria "Rodhie" Tyree, daughter of Joseph Marshall Tyree and Georgianna Tyree, circa 1914.^7,8,9,5 Walter Coles Gowen died on October 21, 1948 at Lynchburg, Virginia, at age 59.^4,5