Obituary of Chester Muth

Chester William Muth passed away February 17, 2012 at Ruby Memorial Hospital after suffering an acute illness. Born of humble beginnings and raised in a time of simple virtues, Chet lived a life of grace, loyalty, charity, steadfastness, and devotion. He lived a life guided by an unerring compass of Christian faith. He will be enormously missed by all his life touched. Chet was born on May 23, 1922 near Antioch, Monroe Co, Ohio, the son of William A. Muth and Hilda (Shai) Muth. Chet attended public schools and graduated valedictorian of his high school class in 1939. He graduated from Ohio University in 1943 with a B.S. degree in chemistry. During World War II he worked on the Manhattan project in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. He completed a PhD in organic chemistry at Ohio State University in 1949 before joining the chemistry faculty at WVU in 1949 where he remained until his retirement after more than forty years. Among his most significant achievements at WVU was guiding the renovation of Clark Hall in the 1980âs. After retirement he also assisted his daughter Susan in the operation of her China based import-export business.United in marriage to Sarah Ann Sweasey in 1949, he and Sarah raised a family of five children in Morgantown. He was a devoted husband, father, and doting grandfather. He is survived by Sarah as well as children Susan (Closter, NJ), Bill (Corvallis, OR), Sandra (Chapel Hill, NC), Carolyn Dilcher (Huntington, WV) and Julie (Waynesburg, PA). He has seven grandchildren Lauren and Jennifer Hou (Susan), Brian and Courtney Dilcher (Carolyn), Sarah Austin (Sandra), and Kimberly and Heather Muth (Bill). Chet was an avid gardener and an avid WVU and Ohio State University sports fan. He was ever generous with his time and talents in all aspects of his life. He was a devoted and active member of Wesley United Methodist Church. His life was not without adversity, and it was his Christian faith, his gentle nature and quiet determination, and his inherent optimism that carried him through. He will be forever an inspiration. Family and friends will be received at Hastings Funeral Home, 153 Spruce St., Morgantown, WV on Sunday, February 19 from 5-7 PM and again at Wesley United Methodist Church, 503 North High St., Morgantown, WV on Monday, February 20 from 10AM until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 AM with Reverend Michael Atkinson officiating. Following the funeral service, Mr. Muthâs family will honor his wishes for cremation.