Stephen Besco

May 25, 1950 — Dec. 26, 2019

Stephen Anthony Besco, passed away, Thursday, Dec. 26, 2019.

Stephen was born May 25, 1950 and was the son of the late Phillip and Marcella (Ervin) Besco. Steve married Glenna (Carmon) Besco on Oct. 3, 1970. The couple shared a happy marriage of 49 years, and together had two sons, Eric (Mildred) Besco, of Orange Park, Florida, and Ryan (Jennifer) Besco, of Pedro.

Steve is survived by one sister, Pamela Fitzpatrick, of Richmond, Virginia; three grandsons, Joseph, Wyatt and Jason Besco, all of Pedro; and one special granddaughter, Chelsie Schneider, of Orange Park, Florida.

Steve was preceded in death by his sister, Myra Kay Besco.

Steve retired from AK Steel after 26 years of service. He then worked at Meridian Automotive in Jackson, and at Bellefonte Hospital for five years. Steve was a volunteer firefighter for 23 years with the Elizabeth Township Volunteer Fire Department, where he served as assistant chief and treasurer.

Steve was presented with his 25-year certificate and pin from Ohio Priory #18 Knight of the York Cross of Honour. Worshipful Brother Steve is a 1991 Past Master and 35-year member of Lawrence Lodge #198 F&AM, 1987 Past High Priest of Lagrange Chapter #68 Royal Arch Masons, 1990 Past Illustrious Master of Ohio Council #92 Royal and Select Masons and 1992 Past Eminent Commander of Ironton Commandery #45 Knights Templar. Worshipful Brother Steve is also a member of Charles A. Brown Chapter #81 Knight Masons.

Steve was a former member of Central Christian Church, where he served as deacon for many years. He was also a member of Lawrence Church in Pedro.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m. today at Phillips Funeral Home, 1004 S. Seventh St., Ironton, with Rev. Tim Maddy officiating. Burial will follow in Highland Memorial Gardens. Visitation was Monday at the funeral home, with Masonic Rites service under the direction of Lawrence Lodge #198.

To offer the Besco family condolences, please visit: www.phillipsfuneralhome.net

Charles Watson

Charles Capper Watson, 76, of South Point, died Saturday, Dec. 28, 2019 at St. Mary’s Medical Center, Huntington, West Virginia.

Funeral service will be conducted 2 p.m. today at Hall Funeral Home and Crematory, Proctorville, with Pastor Tony Schneider officiating.  Private burial will take place in Perkins Ridge Cemetery, Willow Wood, Ohio.  Visitation will be held 1 to 2 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ehallfuneralhome.com.

Laura Garish

Laura Morrison Garish, 45, of Chesapeake, died Thursday, Dec. 26, 2019.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. today at Slack and Wallace Funeral Home, South Point.  Friends may visit one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.  Burial will follow at Highland Memorial Gardens, South Point.

Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.slackandwallace.com.    

Paul Ward Jr.

Paul Wilson Ward, Jr., 80, of Huntington, West Virginia, died Thursday, Dec. 26, 2019 at Cabell Huntington Hospital, Huntington.

No services will be held.  Hall Funeral Home and Crematory, Proctorville, Ohio is assisting the family with arrangements.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ehallfuneralhome.com.