Obituary of Eugene Friel

Eugene Arthur Friel, 80, of Cheat Lake, Morgantown, departed peacefully from this world on Thursday,July 22, 2010 at his residence. Gene was looking forward to the next step of his journey and joining his family whohave gone on before him.He was born on July 9, 1930, in Marlinton, WV, a son of the late Arthur S. Friel and Hulda Sharp Friel.Gene was a 1949 graduate of Marlinton High School, and entered Davis and Elkins College in the fall with the ROTC and graduated with an Engineering Degree. After graduation he went active duty with the United States Air Force. During this time he also attended MIT gaining a specialization in meteorology. He achieved the rank of Captain. After the military he began his civilian life working with the US Geological Survey (USGS). While working with USGS he attended Arizona State University studying in Hydrology. He retired from there after 32years of service. Later on Gene worked several years with FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) in mitigation. He also worked with Harmon Paving as a flagger on a paving crew. He was a member of the Dunbar Lodge Order of the Eastern Star, Dunbar Lodge Masons, the National Riffle Association, Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, the Shriners (Beni Kedem Temple of Charleston WV), The American Legion, and the Governorâs Golden Mountaineer Program.Gene Friel was a loving, caring, devoted family man as well as an outstanding member in the community. Hewas often referred to as âone of the greatest men Iâve ever knownâ as well as âthe nicest man you could ever meet.âHe is survived by a daughter, Ellen (Ellie) Loraine and her husband, J. Lewis Friel, of Wilmington, NC a son,Eddie Michael Friel of Galveston, IN grandsons, Erick Anthony of Kokomo, IN Evan Michaell of Morgantown,WV Tim Koon and wife, Kristi of Fairmont, WV and Tom Koon and wife, Shalane of Morgantown, WV. He alsohad three four-legged furry grandchildren, Shelby, Samson, and Vesta. Gene had four great-grandchildren, Chelby Elizabeth, Kylin (Katie) Eve, Emily Michele and Erick Joeseph âEJâ two brothers, Ernest and Gatha Friel, Elmer and Gwennie Friel, both from Marlinton, WV and two sisters, Eleanor and George Mears, of Leicester, NC Evileneand Roy Beverage of Marlinton, WV.He was preceded by his wife of 50 years, Phyllis Carol (Sacks) Friel and one brother, Everett WayneFriel.Friends may call at Hastings Funeral Home on Monday, July 26, 2010, from 3 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. and atthe VanReenen Funeral Home in Marlinton, WV on Wednesday, July 28, 2010, from 3 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m., and on Thursday, July 29, 2010 from noon until 1 p.m. service at VanReenen Funeral Home, with the Rev. Robert Mann officiating. Interment will follow in the Fairview Cemetery in Marlinton.