William C. Church, 90, of McMechen, passed away on Thursday, October 27, 2016 in Wheeling Hospital. He was born in McMechen, WV on April 3, 1926 a son of the late Howard and Marie (Pyle) Church. He served his country during WWII in the United States Navy. He was a car man for CSX and retired after 43 years of service. William was a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans Post 117, Bellaire, OH; lifetime member of VFW Post 5; U.S. Navy Armed Guard; lifetime member of Fr. Flannagan Council 1907 of the K of C, Moundsville, 4th Degree Member; Msg. M. J. Coghain #1430 and the Knights of Columbus, Moundsville, WV.
He is survived by his wife, Evelyn M. (Pettini) Sicheri Church; step daughter, Barbara Ann Rager and her husband Joseph of San Antonio, TX and a step grandson, Brian Paul Rager also of San Antonio, TX.
He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Ann (Sparachane) Church in 1963; second wife, Erma V. (Renzella) Church in 1999; two daughters, Philomena Marie Church in 1964 and Carla Victoria Church in 1994; a sister, Mary Lewis and a brother, Robert R. Church.
A private entombment was held at the convenience of the family in Mt Calvary Cemetery.
On line condolences may be made through www.altmeyerfuneralhomes.com.
Evelyn and Family
So sorry to hear of your husband’s passing may God give you comfort and strengeth at this difficult time, just losing my mother I know how hard this is.
MY DEAREST BILL, MY MEMORIES OF YOU AND CARLA WILL STAY WITH ME ALWAYS, I LOVED ERMA TOO, AND WAS SO GLAD TO MEET YOUR PRESENT WIFE WHEN YOU CAME TO VISIT ME AND BROUGHT THE POINSETTIA , I HOPE YOU REMEMBER ME MRS. CHURCH I LIVED ON THE ISLAND YOU HAVE MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY IN THE LOSS OF YOUR LOVING HUSBAND
I always enjoyed my time with Bill. I feel grateful to have known such a fine man, and proud veteran. Thank you for your service to our country. My sympathies to Bills family.
We lived across the street from him for many years in McMechen. What a good man! He was a staple sitting out on his front porch. Also, had it not been for Carla, I probably would not have met my wife who came to their house often. Prayers for the whole family!
May the love of God surround you and your family during this difficult time,
May you come to know that the love of God is with you always,
May your memories of William C. Church, give you peace, comfort and strength…
Rest now in the arms of our Lord your mission on earth is complete.
I thank you for your service to our Country and my Freedom.
You will not be forgotten.
My thoughts
and prayers to the family of ….
US Navy WW II Veteran, William C. Church, is “A True American Hero” God Bless†
† Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 †
He was such a dedicated Veteran. I called him my “Flag Man”. He always had a large flagpole in his immaculate yard and anyone in the community of McMechen that needed a flag, such as City Hall or for a Soldier’s grave, he had many sizes of American Flags available to give out. He had such a big heart. He always gave his garbagemen, yardmen, mailman or anyone that did something for him, a bottle of water, or soft drink or something to eat and during the holidays, he always gave them an envelope with a card and money and never forget how important they were to him.
If City Hall, didn’t know something that had gone on many years ago or someone had a question about an event that occurred a longtime ago, they would call Dad Church or have that person get a hold of him.
He was the most organized man and everything he did was meticulous. He kept records of everything that he owned & did from the time he got out of the Navy, built his home, to just before he went into the hospital for the last time.
If someone ever did something he didn’t like, he was finished with them. He left no stone unturned. He told you like it was, whether you wanted to hear it or not. No one ever messed with Dad Church. He had quite a reputation in his town. If there was something that wasn’t right ,he would get right on the phone or go and visit the Chief of Police or Mayor. They all knew him well. I liked his, “Don’t Mess with Me Attitude”. I’m glad I got to know him well the last 11 years. We talked on the phone every Thursday, while my Mom went to get her hair done. He always made me laugh and had the greatest saying, I’d never heard before. I will miss him dearly. RIP Dad Church, “My Flag Man”.
Dad Church. You were always ready with a great story or a joke. Your weekly phone conversations always gave Barbara a lift. Thanks for all the ball caps and WVU clothes. You are a proud West Virginian. Proud to have known you. Will miss you very much. Things will never by quite the same in McMechan.
Joe