Obituary of Howard Jesse Johns

Howard Jesse Johns, 77, of Buckhannon, WV, passed away January 31, 2018 at his home after a brave battle with glioblastoma. He was born July 27, 1940 in Arlington WV, a son of the late William Jesse Johns and Opal Malinda McCartney Johns. He is survived by his wife, Sheila Kay Smith Johns; three children, Cindy Lou Johns Brown of Hampton, VA, Cecilia Johns Verdoliva of Pittsburgh, PA and Matthew Johns of Houston, PA; three grandchildren; two sisters, Frances Johns Stewart of Denver, NC and Dorothy Johns Koert of Buckhannon; two brothers Nelson Johns of Buckhannon and Michael Johns of Nitro, WV and three uncles, Kermit McCartney of Buckhannon and Delbert and Cecil McCartney both of Crawford, WV. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brother Harold Johns. Howard and his brother, Nelson, owned Johns Brothers, Inc, Rite-Way Heating and Plumbing, and Applegate Farms Development until his retirement in June 2008. Howard was a Veteran of the U. S. Air Force and a member of Masonic Lodge #81 of Rock Cave. He was appointed to fill a temporary post on the Upshur County Board of Education in 2012. Howard was interested in hit and miss engines, classic cars and traveling. He was always willing to help others, often not charging for work he performed. He was a talented craftsman and could design, build or repair almost anything. Friends will be received Saturday, February 3, 2018 from 1 PM to 3 PM at the Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held immediately following at 3 PM with the Rev. Holt Poling officiating. The Upshur County Honor Guard will conduct military honors at the funeral home. Rock Cave Lodge #81 A.F. & A.M. will conduct masonic rites at a later date. In honoring Mr. Johns wishes, he will be cremated. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.polingstclair.com. Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.