Joseph Lewis Valach

Joseph Lewis Valach, age 92, of East Water Street, Pocahontas, VA, died on Saturday, January 3, 2015 at Bluefield Regional Medical Center. Born on August 3, 1922 in Pageton, WV, he was a son of the late Vendel and Katherine Sabo Valach. He had lived in Pocahontas for the past 18 years, was a retired coal miner and a member of the UMWA. In addition, he also worked and retired from US Steel and the WV Dept. of Corrections. He was a US Marine Veteran having served in the WWII South Pacific Theater. He was a member of the AF&AM Bramwell Masonic Lodge #45 as well as a life member of the Pageton VFW. His hobbies included watching westerns, collecting coins and various items, and most of all playing with his great grandchildren. He was of the Protestant Faith. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife and the mother of his children, Lois Calfee Valach; brothers, Mike, Johnnie, and Frank Valach; sisters, Mary Fodor, Julia Sage, and Emma Bozoti; grandchild, Joshua Valach; and great-grandchildren, Jonathan Whalen and Jayden Valach. Survivors include: Wife: Patsy Crockett Valach of the home Children: Patty Butler and Donald of Huntsville, AL Robert Valach and Mary of Princeton, WV Jo Ann Webb and Alan of Princeton, WV Crockett “Pat” Murphy and Sandy of North Tazewell, VA Diana Hewitt and Art of Pocahontas, VA Tim Murphy and Nancy of Calhoun, GA Grandchildren: Teresa Butler Whalen and Lee Donnie Butler and Tina Joseph Valach and Kristi Steven Valach Suzzette Valach Dellinger and Jarod America Valach Dunn and Keith Charity Valach Bishop and Daniel Jeremy Webb and Cheri Krista Murphy and Laura Michael Murphy and Katie Brittany Murphy and Austin Richardson Laura Murphy Presley and Shaun Great-Grandchildren: Ashley Phillips and Adam Caroline Whalen Eli Butler Kaleb Dunn KayLeigh Dunn Joseph Valach Noah Valach Abrianna Bishop MaKaylah Bishop Calianna Webb Ayden Herod Shannon Murphy Ava Presley Hadley Chase Murphy Great-Great-Grandchild: Hayden Phillips Special Nephew and caregiver: Ted Valach Several Nephews and Nieces Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 6, 2015 at 3:00 PM at the Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell with Dr. Darrell Hunley officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Princeton, WV. Masonic Rites will be performed by the Bramwell AF&AM Lodge #45. He will also be honored with Military Graveside Honors presented by the Mercer County Honor Guard. Friends may call on Monday evening from 6-8 PM at the funeral home. The family is accepting online condolences at www.cravens-shires.com. The Cravens-Shires Funeral Home, 3431 Coal Heritage Road, Bluefield, WV is in charge of arrangements.