George Bernard Shawver, 83, of Hurricane, formerly of Charleston, went home to be with his Lord on Friday, August 29, 2008 after a short illness.

He had a great love for his family first and enjoyed God's outdoor creations and celebrating life.

He was born in Nallen, WV on March 21, 1925 to the late Blanche and Clarence E. Shawver. He was raised in Clay County and was a 1944 graduate of Clay County High School.

He was retired from Union Carbide with 40 years of service and was a US Navy veteran having service in WW II. Mr. Shawver was a devoted member of Starcher Baptist Church for 55 years, serving on the Deacon Board, Board of Trustees, and was a member of the choir and sang bass in the Starcher Quartet. He also served as a leader with the Boy Scouts of America.

He was preceded in death by an infant son, James Edwin, two infant brothers, sisters, Virginia Taylor, Thelma Thumm, Helen Bowden and Margaret Golliday and by brothers, Robert "Bob" and Clarence "Bus" Shawver.

George is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Betty Nida Shawver, loving children, Cindy and Gary Ray of Parkersburg, Judy Gunter and George Grayiel of Hurricane and Lisa Sargent of Garner, NC; his precious grandchildren, Amy and Mark Bloomfield of Oak Hill, Emily and Jeff Haynes of Charleston, Hilary Davis of Hurricane, Adam and Amanda Ray of Beckley and Jared, Brandon, Abbie and Josie Sargent of Raleigh, NC; great grandchildren, Derek and Nathan Bloomfield, Isabele and Leila Davis and Eli Haynes; niece, Evelyn "Punkie" McClean of Homestead, Fla. and nephew, Bill Jordan and his wife, Norma of Georgetown, Fla. Mr. Shawver is also survived by many other family and a host of friends who are left to cherish his memory.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m., Monday, September 1, at Starcher Baptist Church, 2624 6th Avenue, Charleston, with the Rev. Tom Moore and the Rev. Doyle Smith officiating. Burial with military rites will take place at 11 a.m., Tuesday, September 2, at Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens.

Friends may call two hours prior to the service Monday, September 1, at Starcher Baptist Church.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to HospiceCare of Dunbar for all their support and compassion, especially Lori Carter, whom he considered his special nurse and friend.

The family suggests donations to HospiceCare, 1143 Dunbar Avenue, Dunbar, WV 25064 or to Starcher Baptist Church, 2624 6th Avenue, Charleston, WV 25312.

Arrangements are in the care of Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.