Robert L. Harness

HARNESS, Robert L., 87, of Pleasant Valley, Cameron, W.Va., died Saturday, December 10, 2011 at Ohio Valley Medical Center, Wheeling, W.Va.
He was born January 7, 1924 in Jenkins Holler, Moorefield, W.Va. the son of the late John Phillip and Myrtle Crites Harness. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his sister, Catherine Shirey.
Surviving are his wife of 48 years Marian Eileen Lyons Harness; a daughter, Bonnie Dennis Barlow of New Market, Va.; a son, John E. Harness of Pleasant Valley; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; a sister-in-law, Namoi Lyons of Moundsville, W.Va.; and a special niece, Mary Jim Andenora of Wheeling, W.Va.
Mr. Harness was retired from Allied Chemical and was a guard at the Moundsville Penitentiary for a number of years and maintained “Old Sparky”.
He was a lifetime member of the Marshall County Fair and the Marshall County Livestock Club; and honorary member and supporter of the Cameron FFA; past President of the Marshall County Historical Society; and a member of the Limestone Senior Citizens. He was also an avid antique collector.
Mr. Harness joined the Army at the age of sixteen and he became a Buck Sergeant and a Paratrooper of the famous U.S. Army 82nd Airborne.
Bob had a tremendous love for his country and the American Flag. To Bob, the Flag not only stood for our freedom, it represented all of those that have given the ultimate price. He was a great Patriot.
He was a member of the Beeler’s Station Christian Church. After the closing of his church, Bob attended several other churches until he was no longer able to attend.
All that knew Bob knew he was a “walking” Book of Knowledge” and will be missed by many.
Friends will be received from 4:00-8:00 p.m., Monday, December 12, 2011 at the Altmeyer Funeral Home, Lutes & Kirby-Vance Chapel, 118 Grant Avenue, Moundsville, W.Va. where services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 13, 2011, with Pastor Jim Higginson officiating. Interment will follow at the Limestone Cemetery. The Moundsville Honor Guard will conduct a Military Graveside Service.
Memorial contributions can be made to Wolf Run Presbyterian Church, Cameron, W.Va. 26033 or the Temple Baptist Church, 2nd Street, Moundsville, W.Va. 26041.
On-line condolences can be made to the family at altmeyer.com.