Richard Backus Obituary - Death Notice and Service Information

LOCATION

Huntington, West Virginia

Richard Grant Backus, 79, of Huntington, WV., loving husband of Jean Weed Backus; dear brother of Walter Merle Backus, Jr. and Ann Woodall; devoted father of Richard Grant Backus II and Renee Tot Hosey; cherished grandfather of Amy Elizabeth Backus, Richard Grant Backus III, Bradley Tucker Backus and Betty Tot Hosey; passed from this life to greater glory Monday, December 15, 2003 at St. Mary’s Medical Center. He was born October 9, 1924 in Logan, WV a son of Walter Merle Backus and Gertrude Tot Tucker Backus. He was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his first wife, Betty Glazer Backus; a daughter, Rebecca Grant and a brother James Robert Backus. A veteran of WWII, he served with the U.S. Army’s 102nd Ozark Division in the European Theater where he was a recipient of a Purple Heart. A life long resident of Huntington, he managed Roger’s Jewelers for forty-seven years before his retirement in 1987. He was a Freemason and was raised a Master Mason in Cabell Huntington Lodge #152 where he also presided as Worshipful Master. His Masonic service covered over fifty years. A kind and gentle man, he filled his later years with a never-ending passion for genealogy and a good round of golf. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him. Friends will received from 1-2:30 Pm on Friday at Trinity Episcopal Church followed by the funeral service at 2:30 PM with Rev. Kevin Kelly officiating. Interment will follow in Woodmere Memorial Park. Friends may visit the online register book @www.beardfuneralhome.com.

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Dear Tot & Richie: We were very saddened to hear of the recent death of your father. We had no idea he was that ill. Since Don's mother, Erna, passed away we lost contact with everyone. Mary Katherine (Glazier) Henderson e-mailed us Friday to tell of George Glazier's death & mentioned Richard's death. Our sincere sympathy to both of you and your families. I'm sure he's happy to be reunited with his Bett that he so deeply loved and missed. Richard was always a kind & mannerly gentleman and...

Don & Phyllis Glazier

December 29, 2003 | South Charleston, WV

Dear Rich and Tot, My heart is heavy
and I am so sorry that my dear brother is no longer with us. Bob will be there to welcome him. I miss
Bob so much but life goes on. Mike
and Scott join me in sympathy to
you and the family. Our love, FG

Florence Gay Backus

December 28, 2003 | Logan, WV

I met Mr. Backus in the mid-1950s, when as a student at Marsahll I worked two successive Christmas seasons as a sales clerk at Rogers Jewelers. Mr. Backus was credit manager at the time. I remember him as a friendly and decent man who welcomed me to the Rogers family and taught me a great deal about the jewelry business. Although I do not recall ever meeting a member of his family, I offer each of them my sincere condolences upon their loss.

Edward D. Hagan

December 24, 2003 | Jacksonville, FL

Renee, I'm so very sorry about your dad's recent illness and passing. He was always so kind to me, as was your mother, and I'll always remember him. Even though many years have passed since you and I have "grown up," you are my first best friend, who always welcomed me into your home and whose parents made me feel "at home" in your house. You are still dear to me, in my heart, and my sympathy is with you at this sad time. With love, Terri Ann

Terri Ann (Daugherty) Foglesong

December 21, 2003 | Athens, OH

Richard Grant Backus

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