Paul Eugene Zirkle, 83, of Sumerco, Lincoln County, born April 3, 1927 in Brounland, Kanawha County, died Thursday, January 20, 2011 at Hubbard Hospice House in Charleston, with complications of Alzheimer’s and cancer.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John N. And Gladys Taylor Zirkle; grandparents, Charlie and Cora Mae Pauley Taylor of Brounland, who raised him; step-mother, Marie Zirkle.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years as of Dec. 31, 2010, Mayme Keeling Zirkle, and in that union they had two sons, Timothy Eugene of Houston, TX and Mark Anthony of Sumerco.
Also survived by one sister, Joyce Bailey of Alum Creek and her children, Butch Zirkle of Louisiana, Ronnie Bailey of Roane Co., Anita Parrish of Elkview and David Bailey of South Carolina. Step-sister, Jean Nunn of Parkersburg and her children.
Paul served in the U.S. Navy during WWII for 1 ½ years; worked at FMC and then enlisted once again for 4 years during the Korean Conflict and was honorably discharged in 1954. Once discharged he went back to work as a machinist for FMC and retired after 37 years. While employed by FMC he was involved in the UMW and Steel Workers Unions until retirement; while in the union he served as a representative for the company. He was also the president of the SOAR until his illness forced him to retire. He was a lifetime member of the Benny Padella VFW Post 4768 of Alum Creek, where he served two terms as Commander. Paul was a Christian; and avid sportsman, who loved fishing and hunting in the WV mountains. He enjoyed bowling and participated in several leagues in the Kanawha Valley.
Funeral service will be 3:00 pm Sunday, January 23, 2011 at Curry Funeral Home, 2097 Childress Road, Alum Creek with Pastor Frank Chapman officiating. Burial will be at Lively Cemetery Sod. with Military Graveside Rites conducted by the Benny Padilla VFW Post 4768. Family and friends will gather 2 hours prior to the service at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Hospice Care, 1606 Kanawha Blvd., W., Charleston, WV 25312.