W. Vernon “Bud” Smith, Jr.

W. Vernon “Bud” Smith, Jr., 81, of Glen Dale, WV, passed away Wednesday, April 27, 2016 at his home.

He was born April 13, 1935, a son of the late W. Vernon Smith, Sr. and Elizabeth Chison Smith. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a loving wife, Donna Koontz Smith in 2007. He died and was reunited with her on what would have been their 59th wedding anniversary. He was also preceded by his brothers, Roger F. Smith and David W. Smith.

Bud graduated in 1953 from Wheeling Central Catholic High School and served in the U.S. Army Reserves for six years. He was also a graduate of the West Virginia School of Banking. Throughout his professional career, he was active in banking, government and real estate.

He was the retired president of Marshall County Thrift and Loan Company in Moundsville and also was the managing partner for Glen Dale Manor, Inc.

From 1979 to 1989, Bud served as the chairman of the Marshall County Republican Party and as a member of the West Virginia Republican State Executive Committee. During the first administration of Gov. Arch A. Moore, he served as an inspector for the West Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Commission. Moore later appointed him to the West Virginia Board of Banking Examiners. In Moore’s third term Bud served as an investigator for the West Virginia Workers’ Compensation Fund. In 1962, he was a Republican candidate for the West Virginia House of Delegates.

Surviving are his three children, a son, William “Buddy” Smith and his wife Eileen of Moundsville and their children, Maribeth, Katie, Philip, Elizabeth and Christine; a daughter, Diane Delp and her husband Keith of Canal Winchester, OH and their children, Ashley Whitlatch and her husband Justin, Christopher and Matthew; and a son, Paul Smith of Wheeling. He is also survived by a sister, Sara Walters and her husband John of Moundsville; sisters-in-law, Gussie Smith and Eleanor Smith of Wheeling and a brother-in-law, Ronnie Koontz of Glen Dale; as well as several nieces and nephews.

There will be no visitation. Friends and family are invited to attend a Memorial Mass at 11am Tuesday, May 10, 2016 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 610 Jefferson Avenue, Moundsville, with the Rev. Douglas Ondeck as celebrant. A luncheon will immediately follow in the church basement.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bishop Donahue High School, 325 Logan St., McMechen, WV 26040.

Personal condolences may be offered to the family at www. altmeyer.com.