Marshall Jennings Carper ’48

Marshall Jennings Carper, of Charleston, passed away on December 19, 2022. Born June 16, 1927, he was 95 years old.

Preceded in death by his parents, Lester Marshall Carper and Grace Jennings Carper, he is survived by his wife, Lois Fillmer Carper, to whom he was married only three days short of 71 years. He is also survived by his three children, David Wayne Carper and his wife, Carolyn Moore Carper, of Richmond, Va., Karen Grace Carper and her husband, Blair Kent Taylor, of Montrose, and Timothy Marshall Carper and his wife, Linda Miller Carper of Charleston; his grandchildren, Brian Christopher Talbott, M.D. (Siera) of Reno, Nev., Leah Elizabeth Talbott of Alameda, Calif., Kathleen Elizabeth Carper, Ph.D., of Roanoke, Va., and Andrew David Carper of Richmond, Va.; and his great-grandchildren, Jean Camille Talbott, Dashiell McDonald Talbott, and Zena Grace Talbott.

Born and raised in Bluefield, WV., Marshall grew up as the only child of Grace, a homemaker, and Lester, an accountant and assistant cashier at the Flattop National Bank. Active in scouting throughout his youth, Marshall achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in 1942, and graduated from Beaver High School in 1943 at age 16. He enrolled at Davidson College in North Carolina a mere five days after graduation, knowing he would be drafted at age 18 to serve in World War II.

Eager to have a choice of his branch of the military, Marshall enlisted in the Navy just before his 18th birthday. While in boot training in Chicago, the war ended, so he was sent to Japan to provide relief for the sailors who had been fighting the war. He spent nine months on three destroyer ships where he traveled the Yellow Sea.

After his tenure in the Navy, Marshall returned to Davidson College to finish his undergraduate education on schedule with his original class. He then attended and graduated from Medical College of Virginia in Richmond, Va., followed by an internship in Texas and a multi-specialty residency at what is now CAMC Memorial in Charleston. He decided to concentrate his medical career in general practice, opening his own private practice in Kanawha City in 1954. When the specialty of Family Medicine was established, he was elected a Charter Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), participating in its induction ceremony in New York City. In 1992, he was proclaimed a lifetime member by the Academy.

From a very young age, music was one of the joys of Marshall’s life. Raised in the Baptist church in Bluefield, he was a member of the church choir. He also sang in the Beaver High School a capella choir. In college, he joined the Davidson Male Chorus. Its music director also happened to be the choir director of a local Presbyterian church who recruited men from Davidson College and women from nearby Queen’s College to sing in the church choir. One particular Queen’s College soprano named Lois Fillmer caught his eye. This is how Marshall met his wife of nearly 71 years: through the love of music and church. It did not hurt that they were also both from West Virginia. Starting then, they sang together in choirs for well over 60 years.

Marshall was an avid barbershopper with the Kanawha Kordsmen barbershop chorus, where he sang bass for 39 years. He was also a member of one of the Kordsmen’s quartets, the Pitch Hitters. His large collection of tapes and CDs focused on his love for vocal music, Dixieland jazz, and big bands.

Church membership and commitment were always a large part of Marshall’s life. He was a member of Ruffner Memorial Presbyterian Church in Charleston for well over 65 years. He served as an elder, a church trustee, and on numerous committees. He was part of the early development and served on the Board of Directors of the Kanawha Pastoral Counseling Center, where he got to practice spiritual care.

After operating his private practice for nearly 20 years, Marshall was given the opportunity to train others in family medicine. Dr. Carl Tully recruited him in 1973 to join the Kanawha Valley Family Practice Center, which was begun to help train medical graduates in the specialty of Family Medicine. After Dr. Tully retired, Marshall was named the director and remained there for 17 years before retiring in 1992. He then continued working with students there for another 15 years at a weekly clinic before finally stepping down at age 80. The Marshall Carper Family Medicine Award was established in 2002 to recognize a West Virginia University medical student who exemplifies the best qualities of a Family Physician; this award was created in honor of Dr. Marshall J. Carper, the founding Chair of the Family Medicine Department at the WVU Charleston Division, and a doctor who exhibited excellence throughout his medical and teaching career.

In 1999, the West Virginia Chapter of the AAFP presented Marshall with the “Family Doc” award in recognition of “a lifetime of service as a dedicated family physician who has earned the continued respect of his patients and fellow physicians.”

The family will be forever grateful to his caregivers: Katy Greenlaw, Charlene Johnson, Sandy Pates, and Annie Sheely. Their love and care for Marshall allowed him to live in the comfort of his long-time home, enjoying his daily activities and time with Lois, his family and friends. The kind service and support of Kanawha HospiceCare of Charleston is also very much appreciated.

On Wednesday, Jan. 4, the family will receive family and friends at Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home, 1118 Virginia St., E. Charleston, from 5-7 p.m. Funeral Service will be at 12 noon, Thursday, Jan. 5 at Ruffner Memorial Presbyterian Church, Quarrier and Greenbrier streets, Charleston. Interment will follow at Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite charity in memory of Marshall.

Condolences may be shared with the family at: wwwbarlowbonsall.com.

Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home in Charleston is in charge of arrangements.

Christopher B. Walker Sr. ’48

On September 11th, 2022, in Jackson WY, surrounded by his loving family, Christopher Bland Walker Sr., sailed over the horizon, after attaining the ripe, prime number of 97.

Christopher was born July 25, 1925 in Lakeland, FLA, of John P. and Virginia Proctor Walker. He and his two brothers grew up on a farm in Collierville, TN, riding a mule to the school bus every morning.

During WWII he volunteered and spent a year in the Merchant Marines (one trip as mess boy on a freighter in the S. Pacific was enough for him), then two years in the Army Infantry, where he acquired a Combat Infantry Badge, a Purple Heart, with a final rank as Staff Sergeant in the 95th Division.

He received a B.S. from Davidson College in 1948 [valedictorian] and, three years later, a Ph.D. in Physics from M.I.T. in Cambridge, MA. After being awarded a Fullbright Fellowship Chris spent a year in Paris and then returned to M.I.T. as Instructor in the Physics Dept.; and then spent ten years doing research at the University of Chicago in the Institute for the Study of Metals. In February 1963 he accepted a Guggenheim Fellowship at the Harwell Atomic Energy Research Establishment in England for the next two years. Upon returning to the U.S. he took a Civil Service job as Research Physicist in the Army Materials & Mechanics Research Center in Watertown, Mass., where he studied x-ray crystallography for the next twenty years.

Although Chris lived in many interesting places he spent the majority of his life with his wife Helen ‘Nell’ McDill Walker (married in San Francisco ’61) living, working and raising their three sons: Chris Jr., Alex, and Bruce, at 22 Baskin Rd. in Lexington, Massachusetts. When not busy with the academic/research aspect of his life Chris enjoyed many hobbies and outdoor adventures with friends and family. Skiing in Vermont, the Alps of Europe, or in the Western Rockies, (primarily Jackson Hole, but rumor has it he met his beloved wife Nell by colliding with her on the slopes of Alta, UT). Sailing was also of great interest to Chris who, together with Nell, accompanied friends and family on different voyages primarily in the New England region, with occasional forays to further distant shores. We miss him and wish him a safe journey.

For a more detailed obituary please visit: https:// www.jhnewsand guide.com/valley/obituaries/walker-97-a-singing-scientist/article_fdcc0539-8cf4-51f4-ad41-698553766b5d.html

There will be a celebration of C.B.’s life at First Parish Church, Sunday October 30th at 2 pm.

He is survived by his brother Walter P. Walker (Mary-Francis), three loving sons Christopher Bland Walker Jr. (Heather Morrison), Alexander McDill Walker (Christine Warren) and Bruce Woodward Walker, grandsons Tenzing and Qiu Walker and many nieces and nephews.In lieu of flowers please donate to causes Chris supported: Doctors Without Borders: https://donate.doctorswithoutborders.org/secure/onetime-donate

Alzheimers Research: https://www.alz.org/get-involved now/ advocate/ research-funding Native American Rights Fund: https://www.narf.org/

Nature Conservancy: https://www.nature.org/en-us/

Homer Franklin Haworth ’48

Homer Franklin Haworth, Jr, passed away Monday, May 16, 2022 at Trinity Oaks in Salisbury, NC.

Born August 14, 1925 in High Point, NC, as the only child of Homer F Haworth Sr and Charlie Mae Cridlebaugh Haworth, he led a life of devotion and loyalty. First to Education; a BA at Davidson College and an MA at University of Michigan followed by a career as a highly decorated high school band director for 30 years. He served as presidents of both the NC Music Educators Association and the American School Band Directors Association and is in the NC Band Director’s Hall of Fame among other professional honors.

His second loyalty was to the US military; as a young man of Quaker upbringing, he controversially volunteered to enlist in the Navy and served as an ensign on the U.S.S. Gurke DD783. Military service in WWII made a deep impression on him, and was an experience that would instill in him discipline and honor and an unusual habit of navy showers for his entire life.

His third loyalty was to his church and family. He was a devoted Presbyterian and served as elder, deacon, choir director, and various other roles. He was a loving and doting husband to wife, Marjorie Ann Brown Haworth and awesome dad to his surviving children, daughters, Carlin Styers (Tom) of Albemarle, Ann Hatchett (Parker) of Salisbury, and Bryan Haworth (Julie) of Plano, Texas; grandchildren Anna Styers Decker (Ben), Carson C. Hatchett (Sarah), Corinne Haworth, Camille Haworth and Luke Haworth; and great- grandchildren Amelia Decker, Holly Decker and Harper Decker.

He was a bit of a perfectionist, especially when it came to his music. He was an accomplished trumpet player. He loved a good joke and was a great story-teller. And he was always generous with his time and talents for anyone in need.

A memorial service will be conducted at 10:30 AM Monday, May 23, 2022 at the Trinity Oaks chapel, and a graveside service will be at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, May 24, 2022 at Salisbury National Cemetery. Memorial may be made to the Trinity Oaks Employee Appreciation Fund, 728 Klumac Road, Salisbury, NC 28144.

Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Haworth Family. Online condolences may be made at www.Summersettfuneralhome.com.

Ira G. “Frosty” Darnell ’48

Ira Gideon Darnell Jr. was born on the frosty morning of December 5, 1925 to Elmore Culp and Ira Gideon Darnell in Charlotte. Nicknamed “Frosty” from then on, he died on a frosty Sunday morning, January 23, 2022 at the age of 96.

Frosty entered Davidson College in 1943, before transferring to the Navy V-12 officer candidate program at Emory University. He was commissioned in 1945 and reentered Davidson, graduating in 1948.

In 1945, Frosty married his childhood sweetheart, Carolyn Porter, both having grown up in Dilworth. He attended graduate school at UNC Chapel Hill. Frosty was called back to active duty in the Korean War, where he served aboard a destroyer, the USS Meredith, with the 6th Fleet from the North Sea to the Mediterranean.

Frosty was a financial executive for many years in public accounting and the textile and distribution industries, retiring as Vice President of B&H Foods. He served as a tax advisor into his 90’s. He and Carolyn were active members of Christ Lutheran Church from its earliest days for over 65 years and served in many roles over the years.

Frosty was a gentleman, deeply committed to his faith and family, and was guided by integrity and kindness. Carolyn, his inseparable companion of 76 years, survives him as well as their five children: Stephen Darnell and wife Janet of Raleigh, Deborah Ferrell and husband Brent of Shelby, David Darnell and wife Kim of Holmes Beach, Florida, Stuart Darnell and wife Kristin of Charlotte, and Susan Liebert and husband Richard of Alpharetta, Georgia, ten grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren.

Services will be private.

Memorial contributions may be made to Christ Lutheran Church, 4519 Providence Rd. 28226.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC; 28204 (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

Robert Amburn “Bob” Gourley ’48

Robert Amburn "Bob" Gourley '48

Saturday, September 4, 2021 saw the passing of another of the “Greatest Generation” World War II Veteran, Robert “Bob” Amburn Gourley of Marion, NC. Bob was born in Greer, SC on December 14, 1924 to the late James Lee Gourley and Nora Brooks Gourley.

He graduated from Marion High School in 1940 where he was selected for the Honor Society. He entered Davidson College in 1941, but World War II interrupted college. Bob enlisted in the Army Air Force and became a Fighter Pilot. He was stationed in Iwo Jima flying from Iwo to Japan. Bob attained the rank of Captain. After he was discharged from the Air Force, he continued to attend Davidson College graduating in 1948 with a BA in music. He taught music in Valdese for several years and then was associated with Marion Buick Company until retirement. Bob was Choir Director at First Presbyterian Church for 30 plus years. He was a Past Master of the Masonic Lodge and Past President of the Kiwanis Club and had 41 years perfect attendance. He was a member of the Marion Lake Club for about 70 years, where he enjoyed playing golf. Bob enjoyed going on many cruises with his family and friends visiting many countries.

Bob is preceded in death by his first wife, Kathryn Ballew Gourley and a brother James Lee Gourley, Jr.

He is survived by his second wife of 42 years, Edna Seaman Gourley; three children, Robert A. Gourley, Jr. (Cathy) of Newport News, VA, John B. Gourley (Debbie) of Greensboro, NC and Ellen G, Mitchell (Jeff) of Hickory, NC; eight grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

The family will receive friends at Westmoreland Funeral Home on Thursday, September 9, 2021 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Friday, September 10, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church conducted by Revs. George Hutchins and Robert Warren. Interment will follow the service at Oak Grove Cemetery with the United States Air Force providing military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church at 79 Academy St, Marion, NC, 28752

The family would like to thank Dr. Mark Burton for his care for these many years, and all the healthcare providers for the past several months.