Obituary of Edwin Humphreys

Edwin Byron Humphreys, 96, of Morgantown, passed away Monday, January 10, 2011 at Port St. Lucie, Fl.Born in Fairchance, Fayette County, PA on July 27, 1914, he was the son of the late Ewing Brown and Carrie Edna (Miller) Humphreys. A graduate of Morgantown High School, he attended the School of Engineering at West Virginia University.Mr. Humphreys served in the 165th U. S. Army Reinforcement Battalion. Later, he was re-assigned to the U. S. Army 8th air corps. His military service, from October 1943 through December 1945, was in England and France.Upon returning home, he resumed his previous employment with the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers. During that period, one of his responsibilities was functioning as Office Engineer for construction of the Clarksburg VA Hospital. In 1955 he became a civilian employee of the U. S. Navy Facilities Engineering Command, Department of Family Housing. At his retirement in 1970, he received a Letter of Commendation from his supervising Admiral for his outstanding work in eliminating inadequate Housing for Navy personnel.Mr. Humphreysâ enjoyed times spent with his second cousin, Donald M. Miller II and his wife, Rush, at their home in Uniontown, PA and in Morgantown. Also, he delighted in his role as the much loved âUncle Edâ to his wifeâs many nieces and nephews. He was a most welcome participant at family events. Recently, he enjoyed the Shaffer family reunion at Broadford Park in Oakland, MD., involving 30 to 40 relatives.Mr. Humphreys was deeply absorbed by his Christian faith. Throughout his life, his free time was devoted to church and church activities. He was a member of Spruce Street United Methodist Church by transfer in 1973 from Kensington, MD. In his church life in Maryland and West Virginia, he served in numerous capacities such as Board Member of the Trustees Committee, Chair of the Stewardship Committee and adult class teacher.Mr. Humphreys was a member of Gideons International from 1960. He was a fifty-year member of the Masonic Lodge, Hermon #6 in Clarksburg, WV. He was a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason. He was also a fifty year member of the Huntington Chapter of the Eastern Star. He is survived by a wealth of nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews as well as some great-greats. Mr. Humphreys was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 57 years, Elva Mary Shaffer Humphreys. Family and friends will be received at Spruce St. United Methodist Church, 386 Spruce St., Morgantown, WV on Tuesday, January 18 from 10 AM until the time of the funeral service at 11 AM with Rev. Dr. John E. Allen officiating. Interment will follow in East Oak Grove Cemetery. A Masonic graveside service will be held at the cemetery. The family wishes to thank his nephew, Wade Shaffer, of Hagerstown, MD nieces, Delores Burns and Barbara Shaffer of Oakland, MD for their telephone contacts, frequent visits and loving attention. Send condolences online at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com.