Bert Hanlin, Sr.
(January 19, 1937 - July 6, 2012)

Bert Hanlin, Sr., 75, of Huntington, passed away peacefully at his home on July 6, 2012, surrounded by his wife, children and close family, after a brief illness. He was born on January 19, 1937, in Antioch, California to the late Anna Mae Stewart and Walter Hanlin, Sr. He was preceded in death by his step-father, Glen Stewart and great-granddaughter, Katelyn Ann Ireland. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Susie Ferda Hanlin, whom he adored and six children; Bert Hanlin, Jr., (Dreama), Peggy Boyd (David), Wayne Hanlin (Debra), Dennis Hanlin, Jane Harrell and Melissa Hughes (Gary) all of whom will miss him dearly. He is survived by twelve grandchildren, Bert Hanlin, Ill., (Brandy), Crystal Anderson (Brian), Jonathan, Mariah and David Michael Boyd, Sabrina Ireland (Mitchell), Wayne Hanlin, II., Jessica, Zachary, and Andrew Hanlin, Ashley Cremeans, Raymond Harrell, Jr., and Mackenzi Duty. Also seven great-grandchildren; Anthony and Taylor Hanlin, Skylar and Stella Anderson, Jacob and Hayley Ireland and Tania Cremeans. He is survived by two brothers, Walter Hanlin, Jr. (Ann) of Inverness, FL, and Dennis Hanlin (Sarah) of Greensboro, NC and many special nieces and nephews. Bert was proud to learn and loved the trade of being a shoe repairman since the age of 10. He learned the trade from his step-father. He worked and perfected his craft in several different shoe repair stores, until 1972, when he bought Lewis Bros. Shoe Shop in Huntington. He taught the trade to all three of his sons. He loved, enjoyed and appreciated his loyal customers and had many funny stories to tell along the way. He was especially fond of his friends at Unger Shoes in Ironton, Ohio. He never fully retired from his trade, working almost up to his last day. He was an expert at building up orthopedic shoes, which he did for the VA Hospital. During his 75 years, he never met a stranger, as he shared his kindness and sense of humor with everyone he encountered. He also enjoyed holidays, painting, antique cars, Nascar, camping, fishing, cooking and baking of which he shared generously. Visitation will be at Chapman’s Mortuary Huntington on Monday, July 9, 2012 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Funeral service will be conducted at 10:00 AM Tuesday July 10, 2012 at Chapman’s Mortuary, with Dallas Moore officiating. Graveside committal services at Ridgelawn Cemetery, Huntington immediately following. Our family would like to extend a special thank you to Frowde and Katherine Lockhardt and all those who prayed for him and helped us through this very difficult time.