Obituary of Dale Lee Karickhoff

Dale Lee Karickhoff Dale Lee Karickhoff, age 83, of Buckhannon, WV, departed this life on September 18, 2016, at Mon General Hospital in Morgantown, WV, following an extended illness. He was born September 5, 1933, in Buckhannon, WV, the son of the late Carroll Lewis Karickhoff and Ida Virginia Westfall-Karickhoff. He was united in marriage to Mary Lee West on December 14, 1957, who survives. They had three children who survive, son, Bryan Jay Karickhoff (wife – Terry); daughter, Debra Kay Smith (husband - Rob); and son, Steven Carroll Karickhoff (wife – Lorrie); all of Buckhannon. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Stacy Karickhoff and Lisa Karickhoff (daughters of Bryan Jay and Terry); and Robbie Smith and Krendy Smith (son and daughter of Debra Kay and Rob) all of Buckhannon, and his sister, Evelyn Ida Knabenshue (husband - Johnie Knabenshue) of Buckhannon, one neice, Johnna C. “Cookie” Lowther, and three nephews, J. Michael Knabenshue, T. Patrick Knabenshue, and Timothy K. Knabenshue, all of Buckhannon. He graduated from Buckhannon Upshur High School Class of 1951. After graduation he served his country during the Korean Conflict. He worked for PPG Industries in Stonewood, WV, for 20 years and BethEnergy Mines, Inc., Mine 108 near Hodgesville, WV, from which he retired after 20 years. He was a past president of UMWA Local 1938, and remained actively involved with the union after his retirement. He belonged to the Fraternal Order of Eagles No. 4357, Moose Lodge No. 598, and Elks Lodge No. 1736, all of Buckhannon. He was a 32nd Degree Mason and a proud member of the Franklin Lodge No. 7 A.F. & A.M., in Buckhannon, for over 50 years. He loved hunting, fishing, and camping, especially taking trips to Canada with his sons, nephews, and his brother-in-law, Johnie Knabenshue, who he loved like a brother. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends and listening to country music. He was a proud sponsor of the Rockin’ Country Boys “RCB” Band for many years and enjoyed following the band to various functions around the area. He was a gracious and humble man who never met a stranger, and was eager to extend a helping hand to all of those in need. He will be greatly missed but will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew him. Friends will be received Wednesday, September 21, 2016 from 5-9 PM at the Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held 10 AM Thursday at the funeral home with the Rev. Donald Butcher officiating. Burial will follow in the Heavner Cemetery in Buckhannon, WV. The Franklin Lodge # 7 A.F. & A.M. will conduct masonic rites at the graveside. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.polingstclair.com. Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.