Gerald Deer

Jan. 21, 1933–June 22, 2020

 

Gerald “Jerry” Homer Deer (Sham), died peacefully on June 22, 2020, at Cabell Huntington Hospital in Huntington, West Virginia.

 

He was born on Jan. 21, 1933, to the late Fred and Alberta Deer.

 

Along with his parents, he was proceeded in death by his brothers, Freddie Deer, Carroll Deer and Patrick Deer; wife, Naomi Herald Deer; daughter, Vicki Lynn Deer Allen; son, Gerald A. Deer; and grandsons, Eric A. Deer and James “Heath” Deer.

 

Jerry’s living family include two granddaughters, Bethany Reed and Allison Brooks, of Columbus; grandsons, Jeremy Lee Deer (primary caregiver), of Ironton, and Josh Deer, of Naples, Florida; great-grandsons, Landon and Levi Deer, of Ironton; and great-granddaughter, Claire.

 

If you truly knew Jerry, you know Jerry’s love was his fiddle. Jerry learned to play the fiddle by ear at 15 years old.

 

Jerry was surrounded by his family with the love of playing music. His father, Fred, played country music early in Jerry’s life.

His first job as a teenager was at the Crystal Ice Company, in Ironton, where he worked for several years.

 

Shortly after this, the Deer Brothers pursued their dream of country music with Jerry on the fiddle, Freddie, guitar and lead singer, and nephew Bobby, bass player. Together they formed the Deer Brothers Band and played on the radio, television and many programs around the Tri-State area.

 

During this time, Jerry met a cute little blonde named, Naomi Herald, whom he married and had two children, Vicki and Jerry. At this time, they chose to move to Springfield. This is where he met and played music with his childhood friend, Bobby Bare.

 

Shortly after this, Jerry and Naomi decided to move back to Ironton. This is when he started working at the Sement Solvay Plant for 29 years. During this time, he played with local musicians such as Hylo Brown and Tiny Wellman and traveled around the U.S. living his dream, music, and appeared as star fiddler on WSAZ’s “Saturday Night Jamboree.”

 

After retirement, he enjoyed playing music, gardening and spending time with his family.

 

He loved being a husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle and his family loved him.

 

If you ever spent time with our grandfather, you know that he was an honorable, respected, respectful, loving, talented, provider for his family and a true believer in God.

 

The funeral will be at O’Keefe Baker Funeral Home in Ironton, on Friday. Visitation is from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., funeral following with Dave Schug officiating. Final resting place will be at Pine Grove Cemetery.

 

Due to COVID-19, if you feel uncomfortable being in large crowds, please bring a mask.

 

 

Louis Weinfurtner

Dec. 22, 1939–June 22, 2020

 

Louis “Tony” Anthony Weinfurtner, 80, of Ironton, passed away Monday, June 22, 2020, at King’s Daughters Medical Center in Ashland, Kentucky.

 

The Ashland, Kentucky native was born Dec. 22, 1939, the son of the late Frank and Agatha Manley Weinfurtner.

 

He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Brenda (Hannon) Weinfurtner.

 

Tony received his Associates Degree from the University of Kentucky and was a former salesman for Mid Valley Supply Company, where he retired from in 2002.

 

He is a United States Army veteran and a member of Beech Street Christian Church in Ashland, Kentucky.

 

He owned The Motorcycle Store in Ironton. He enjoyed tinkering with cars and motorcycles in his free time. He also loved golfing, bowling, coaching softball, and the UK Wildcats.

 

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three sons, Louis “Tony” (Karen) Weinfurtner, of Burlington, Kentucky, Andy Weinfurtner, of Russell, Kentucky, and Bobby (Kara) Cleary, of Ironton; two daughters, Leigh Ann (Doug) Romer, of Lexington, South Carolina and Brennan Lewis, of Ironton; two brothers, Francis “Butch” (Paula) Weinfurtner, of Grayson, Kentucky and Mike (Leigh Ann) Weinfurtner, of Ashland, Kentucky; and 11 grandchildren

 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by, a brother, Kevin Weinfurtner

 

Memorial services will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.

 

To offer condolences, please visit www.phillipsfuneralhome.net.

 

 

Bradley Markins

Dec. 12, 1969–June 19, 2020

Bradley Scott Markins, age 50, of Ironton, died in an automobile accident near Bucksnort, Tennessee on Friday, June 19, 2020.

Born Dec. 12, 1969 in Ironton, Brad was a lifelong member of Central Christian Church, where he was baptized on April 7, 1985.

 

He graduated with honors from Ironton High School in 1988, having played basketball, baseball, track and cross country. As a senior, he received the Allied Signal Award for excellence in math and science. He attended Ohio University in Athens and earned a Bachelor of Science, summa cum laude, in 1992, as well as a Master’s of Science in 1994, both in mathematics.

Employed since 1996 as a pension consultant at retirement plan management firm Benefit Plans Services, Inc., in Huntington, West Virginia, Brad held the position of vice president. He was a member of the American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries and held several exam-based professional designations conferred by that organization including QPA, QKA and ERPA. Brad was also an adjunct professor of mathematics and taught courses over the years at both Marshall University and Ohio University Southern Campus.

Brad was a devoted father and grandfather, and his primary passion was spending time with his children and grandchild. He was an avid sports fan and had an extraordinary knowledge of and appreciation for contemporary music.

 

He was a food aficionado who sought out great food wherever he went. He enjoyed playing poker and any game of chance that allowed him to practice his command of arithmetic. He was a student of great books, cinema and television, enjoyed running and coached many seasons of youth basketball and baseball.

Brad was preceded in death by his father, David E. Markins.

 

He is survived by his partner, Nancy K. Miller; mother, Sandy Bradley Markins Cloran; stepfather, Lou Cloran; brother, Ryan (Kathy) Markins; the mother of his children and former spouse, Noel Vass Smith; daughter, Ali (Kyle) Hankins; son, Conor (Lexi) Markins; special nephews, David and Dylan Markins; niece, Lacy (Norman) Carter; grandson, Ayden Hankins; three stepsisters and two step-brothers. He also will be missed by countless friends and his beloved dog, Kali.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday at Tracy Brammer-Monroe Funeral Home, 518 S. Sixth St., Ironton, with Pastor Steve Harvey officiating. Burial will follow in Woodland Cemetery. Visitation for friends and family will be 11 a.m.–1 p.m., at the funeral home.

 

To offer the Markins family online condolences, please visit www.tracybrammerfh.com.

 

Kenneth Dishman

Kenneth Dishman, 86, of Chesapeake, died on Sunday, June 21, 2020, at Sanctuary of Ohio Valley, Ironton.

 

Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Hall Funeral Home and Crematory, Proctorville.

 

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

 

 

Bobby Waddle

Bobby Waddle, 69, of Coal Grove, died Saturday, June 20, 2020, at a local nursing home facility.

 

Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Friday at Phillips Funeral Home, 1004 S. Seventh St., Ironton, with Rev. Jim Beals officiating. Burial will follow in Zoar Cemetery and visitation for family and friends will be Friday 1 p.m. until time of the service at the funeral home.

 

To offer the Waddle family online condolences, please visit www.phillipsfuenralhome.net.

 

Robert Garner Jr.

Robert A. Garner Jr., 81, of Proctorville, died on Monday, June 22, 2020, at The Emogene Dolin Jones Hospice House of Huntington, Huntington, West Virginia.

 

He is survived by his wife, Nancy Garner.

 

Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at New Hope United Methodist Church, Proctorville.

 

Hall Funeral Home and Crematory, Proctorville, is assisting the family with arrangements.

 

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