Paul Berkshire
Paul Howard Berkshire, 80, of Strasburg, died August 2, 2011, at Aultman Hospital, Canton, following a five-month battle with myasthenia gravis disease.
A son of the late William and Agnes Berkshire, Paul was born July 15, 1931, in Weston, W.Va. He graduated from Morgantown High School and entered into the U.S. Air Force, where he served his country during the Korean War and was called to serve tours of duty in Guam and California.
Following his discharge, Paul attended West Virginia University. He began a career with the Dover Chemical Corporation in 1965. Paul faithfully served the company, and in 2007, following 42 years of service, he retired as vice president of manufacturing.
Paul was a lifelong fan and supporter of WVU athletics and followed Mountaineer football religiously. He was a longtime season ticket holder and a member of the WVU Athletic Club. Additionally, he was a familiar face at the Tuscarawas County YMCA, where he had held a membership for the past 35 years and attended the facility almost daily.
Paul leaves behind his beloved wife, Karen L. Berkshire, whom he married Sept. 2, 1967; son, John M. (Lynn) Hooks of Cheyenne, Wyo.; daughter, Tammy (Jack) Blackledge of Bakersville, N.C.; brother, William (Thelma) Berkshire of Morgantown, W.Va.; sister, Erma Massey of Painesville; grandchildren, Amy (Carl) Sommers of Bolivar, MSgt. Jodi (Shasta) Hooks of Cheyenne, Wyo., and Leah Blackledge of Bakersville, N.C.; great-grandchildren, Jamie and Amber Hooks of Cheyenne, Wyo.; numerous nieces and nephews; and his beloved cat, Miss Marsha.
He was preceded in death by a sister and brother-in-law, Phyllis and Charles Skinner; brother-in-law, Willis “Red” Massey; his mother-in-law, Mildred Zimmerman; son, Keith McIntosh; and great-granddaughter, Breanna.
A celebration of Paul’s life was held August 6, at the Geib Funeral Center, Dover, with Pastor LuAnn Youngman officiating. Burial was in Dover Burial Park.
Those unable to attend may send the family personal condolences by signing his online guest registry at http://www.geibcares.com.
Family requests memorial contributions in Paul’s name be directed to the Salvation Army, 809 Emmet Ave. NW, New Philadelphia 44663; or the Cats-N-Us Shelter, P.O. Box 832, New Philadelphia 44663.
A son of the late William and Agnes Berkshire, Paul was born July 15, 1931, in Weston, W.Va. He graduated from Morgantown High School and entered into the U.S. Air Force, where he served his country during the Korean War and was called to serve tours of duty in Guam and California.
Following his discharge, Paul attended West Virginia University. He began a career with the Dover Chemical Corporation in 1965. Paul faithfully served the company, and in 2007, following 42 years of service, he retired as vice president of manufacturing.
Paul was a lifelong fan and supporter of WVU athletics and followed Mountaineer football religiously. He was a longtime season ticket holder and a member of the WVU Athletic Club. Additionally, he was a familiar face at the Tuscarawas County YMCA, where he had held a membership for the past 35 years and attended the facility almost daily.
Paul leaves behind his beloved wife, Karen L. Berkshire, whom he married Sept. 2, 1967; son, John M. (Lynn) Hooks of Cheyenne, Wyo.; daughter, Tammy (Jack) Blackledge of Bakersville, N.C.; brother, William (Thelma) Berkshire of Morgantown, W.Va.; sister, Erma Massey of Painesville; grandchildren, Amy (Carl) Sommers of Bolivar, MSgt. Jodi (Shasta) Hooks of Cheyenne, Wyo., and Leah Blackledge of Bakersville, N.C.; great-grandchildren, Jamie and Amber Hooks of Cheyenne, Wyo.; numerous nieces and nephews; and his beloved cat, Miss Marsha.
He was preceded in death by a sister and brother-in-law, Phyllis and Charles Skinner; brother-in-law, Willis “Red” Massey; his mother-in-law, Mildred Zimmerman; son, Keith McIntosh; and great-granddaughter, Breanna.
A celebration of Paul’s life was held August 6, at the Geib Funeral Center, Dover, with Pastor LuAnn Youngman officiating. Burial was in Dover Burial Park.
Those unable to attend may send the family personal condolences by signing his online guest registry at http://www.geibcares.com.
Family requests memorial contributions in Paul’s name be directed to the Salvation Army, 809 Emmet Ave. NW, New Philadelphia 44663; or the Cats-N-Us Shelter, P.O. Box 832, New Philadelphia 44663.
Published: August 9, 2011
