Obituary of Harry Shaffer Scott

Harry Shaffer Scott, 96, of Morgantown, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Feb.12, 2014, at Sundale Palliative Care Unit. Harry was born in Reedsville on June 27, 1917, the son of the late Harry J. Scott and Persis (Shaffer) Scott. He was a lifelong resident of Morgantown, growing up in the Greenmont and First Ward areas. Harry married Bessie DeWitt on July 21, 1940. They celebrated their 65th anniversary shortly before her death in 2005. He is survived by his daughters, Sherry Smith and Harriet Colebank and husband Phil all of Morgantown. He was the proud grandfather of Chris Smith of Chesapeake Beach, MD, Beth Colebank and companion David Andes of Dayton, OH, Craig Colebank and wife Patty Loy Colebank and Laura Lee Partington and husband Nicholas all of Morgantown. He was a loving great-grandfather to Christopher and Shane Smith, Alex and Trent Knouse, Yasmine and Willow Colebank and Wren Partington. He is also survived by a sister, Mary E. Och of Wheeling, a brother, Robert L. Scott Sr. of Brownsville, PA and many nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his wife and parents, Harry was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Brook Ann Colebank, a brother, James O. Scott and a sister, Eleanor J. Scott. Harry graduated from Morgantown High School in 1935. He immediately began his career as a bookkeeper/accountant and served in that capacity until forming Bowers and Scott Insurance and Accounting with the late Delbert M. Bowers Sr. in 1954. He retired from that firm in 1968 and was self-employed, doing tax work and small business accounts. He served as a corporal in the U. S. National Guard 201st Infantry Howitzer Company from prior to his high school graduation until the mid 1940s. Harry was active throughout his life in community organizations. He was a 76 year member of the Monongalia Lodge No. 10 of the I.O.O.F. He belonged to its O.F.E. No. 14 Encampment and served as auditor of the lodge for over 50 years. He was a former member of the Morgantown Kiwanis, serving on the Board of Directors of Friendship Manor and was also on the Board of Directors of Sundale Nursing Home. Harry was instrumental in the formation of the first public service district in the Cheat Lake/Union District area and was on the planning committee for the construction of Cheat Lake Junior High School. He was active in PTA and Band Boosters throughout his daughters' school years. At the time of his death, Harry was the oldest member of Woodland United Methodist Church, where he served as treasurer for many years. He had previously served in most leadership positions at Tyrone United Methodist Church, formerly Mt. Union No. 1., until moving from that area. A memorial service in Harry Scott's honor will be held Sunday, March 9, 2014, at 2 o'clock, at Woodland UMC on the Mileground, with the Rev. Edward Craft officiating. A private burial commitment service will be held prior to that date. No flowers are requested. Donations in Harry's memory may be made to Woodland UMC Snack Pack Program, 1846 Mileground Road, Morgantown, WV 26505 or to Tyrone UMC, 586 Tyrone Road, Morgantown, WV 26508. The family wishes to thank the staffs of Sundale Palliative Care Unit, Ruby Memorial Hospital 9W, Madison Rehabilitation Center and Healthsouth Rehabilitation Hospital for the loving care they provided to Harry and his family. Hastings Funeral Home of Morgantown is in charge of the arrangements. Send condolences online @hastingsfuneralhome.com