Obituary of William Holbert Van Voorhis

William Holbert Van Voorhis, 88, of Morgantown, passed away Thursday, December 19, 2013 at Ruby Memorial Hospital. He was born September 5, 1925, son of the late John R. and Mabel Holbert Van Voorhis. Bill grew up in Fort Martin and attended the one-room school located in that community. He was a 1943 graduate of Morgantown High School and graduated from West Virginia University with a degree in Physical Education. Immediately following graduation he joined the Army, serving in the 3rd Infantry Division. He was stationed in Korea during the Korean conflict from June 1951 until February 1952. He was a proud lifetime member of V.F.W. Post 9916. He farmed with his father for many years, raising Hereford cattle. In 1988 he retired after working for several years for the West Virginia Department of Highways. Bill's special interests were bowling, golfing, hunting, fishing and spending time at his cabin in Hampshire County, WV. Bill was a member of the Fort Martin United Methodist Church and attended on a regular basis until his recent illness. He was a long-time member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, joining in Taylortown, PA and later transferring to the Monongalia Lodge No. 10 in Morgantown. He was a member of Bethlehem Shrine #2, WSOJ, serving several terms as Watchman of Shepherds. He also held membership in Joseph W. Summers Lodge No. 173, A.F.&A.M, Morgantown Commandery No. 18, Knights Templar, Morgantown Commandry No. 30 and Osiris Shriners A.A.O.N.M.S. He is survived by his wife Ann Wade Van Voorhis, with whom he recently celebrated their 59th anniversary, and four sons; William H. II, of McHenry, MD John F. of Morgantown, Kenneth A. (Becca) of Clover, SC, and Gary W. (Lee-Ellen) of North East, MD. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Kathryn, Anna, Jesse and Grace Van Voorhis of South Carolina and Holly and Sabrina Van Voorhis of Maryland and a brother-in-law, Richard B. (Glenda) Wade of Williamsburg, VA. Family and friends will be received at Hastings Funeral Home, 153 Spruce St., Morgantown on Friday, Dec. 20, from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. Visitation will continue on Saturday, Dec. 21 from 10:00 a.m until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Alan F. Flaitz officiating. In honoring his wishes, Bill will be cremated. Inurnment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers it is requested that donations be made to the Fort Martin United Methodist Church, 124 Davis Heights Road, Maidsville, WV 26541. Send condolences online at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com