All Obituaries

Erma M. Black, 78, of Oakland died on Thursday, July 9, 2020, at Dennett Road Manor. Born on November 23, 1941, in Horse Shoe Run, WV, she was the daughter of the late Randall and Jenny (Bennett) Garrett. Erma is survived by a sister, Vonda Mullenax; a brother, Floyd Garrett; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Harold A. Black, Sr.; a son, Harold A. Black, Jr.; a sister, Palma Garrett; and brothers, George and Roy Garrett. A...

Frederic Francis Chesley, Jr., 81, of Mtn. Lake Park passed away on Monday, July 6, 2020, at home. He was the son of Frederic F. Chesley and Nelle Thornton Offutt; grandson of Charles Elwood Offutt and Nanienne Norton Thomasson, and Willoughby Sprigg Chesley and Marie Louise Holtzman. He was born in Washington, DC on April 27, 1939, but by the time he was six, the family had moved to Syracuse, NY. He attended Syracuse Central High and Syracuse University, graduating with a degree in...

Janet Ruth Geer, age 81, of Mountain Lake Park, formerly of Kitzmiller, passed away on Friday, July 3, 2020 at Cortland Acres. Born on December 29, 1938, in Short Run, MD, she was the daughter of the late E. Milo Wilson and Thelma F. Harvey. Janet was born at home on a small farm and had pet lambs growing up. After graduating from Elk Garden High School, Janet took a job for a short time in Baltimore. She returned to her home on Short Run to marry Sonny Geer who had been courting her for...

John Eugene Sturm, 89, of Mountain Lake Park, died on Wednesday, June 24, 2020 at the Garrett Regional Medical Center.   Born on August 28, 1930, in Clemtown, WV, he was the son of the late Alva Earl and Isora Jane (Murphy) Sturm.  He was a graduate of Philippi High School Class of 1948.   John was a veteran of the United States Air Force, having served during the Korean Conflict.  Following his discharge, he worked for the B&O Railroad,...

Shirley A. Bowman, age 81, of Crellin, passed away on Wednesday, June 24, 2020 at Dennett Road Manor. Born on April 19, 1939 in Crellin, she was the daughter of the late Elmer and Julie Shaffer. Shirley was a graduate of Southern High School and was employed by First United Bank and Trust as a switchboard operator. She was actively involved in church life at Crellin United Brethern In Christ. Shirley sang in the choir and also volunteered to perform administrative duties for Sunday School....

William Melvin Evans, age 71, of Elk Garden, passed away on Wednesday, June 24, 2020 at UPMC Western Maryland. Born on November 25, 1948 in Cumberland, he was the son of the late Melvin and Mae Evans. Bill proudly served his country in the United States Navy and with the First Marine Division, First Medical Battalion during the Vietnam War. He was employed by Allegany Mining and Westvaco Fine Papers Division. Bill loved spending time working on the family farm and with the apples of his eye,...

C. Edward ”Ed” Bowser, Jr., age 84, of Oakland, MD passed away on Tuesday, June 23, 2020 at the WVU United Hospital Center, Bridgeport, WV after a brief illness. Born on November 11, 1935, in Cumberland, MD, was the son of the late Carlton E. and Violet (Foreman) Bowser. He graduated from Southern Garrett High School in 1955. He went on to attend Shenandoah Music Conservatory in Virginia. While attending, he earned his degree majoring in trumpet and minoring in...

Richard Lee “Rooster” Sharpless, age 73, of Oakland, passed away on Saturday, June 20, 2020 at his home.  Born on February 5, 1947 in Keyser, he was the son of the late Harold and Anna Jane Sharpless.  Rooster was a graduate of Southern High School and proudly served his country from 1966-1970 in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. He was stationed at Cam Ranh Air Force Base in Vietnam as a jet engine mechanic.  He was a retired large...

Dr. Barbara L. Leighton gave up her earthly vessel and entered eternal life on June 19, 2020. Barbara was born on November 6, 1955 to Dr. Herbert H. and Dorothy (Brock) Leighton.  Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Mark Salsgiver of Oakland, MD; a daughter Rachel Dowling and partner Daniel Reese of Munich, Germany; sisters, Cathy Boulter and husband Jeff of Lima, OH, and Ann Leighton of Oakland; a brother, Vernon Leighton and wife Lauren of Winona, MN; her...

Joyce "Joy" Thayer Cornish, 80, of Oakland, died on Wednesday, June 17, 2020, at her home. Born on June 28, 1939, in Oakland, she was the daughter of the late John "Pip" and Regina "Den" Thayer. Joy had attended beauty school in Morgantown and worked as a beautician. She was an extraordinary painter who also enjoyed travel, flowers and spending time with her friends and family. She was a faithful Christian who had attended both the Baptist and Episcopal churches...