Obituary

Charles Chalk Gilkerson
(December 19, 1922 - June 27,2011)

Charles H. Gilkerson, 88, of Prichard, West Virginia, went home to the Lord on Monday June 27, 2011 at the VA Hospital in Huntington. Chalk as he was known to friends, was born on December 19, 1922 in Wayne County, West Virginia, the son of Frank and Minnie Gilkerson. He is survived by his sisters Dorothy Lycan of Prichard and Jean McComas of Wooster, Ohio. His brothers, Dick, Claude and Herb preceded him in death. In WWII Chalk served as a staff sergeant in the AWS1 Marine night fighters unit stationed in the Pacific Theater. Returning home he farmed and worked at A.K. Steel, until he retired in 1983. Chalk is survived by Betty Collinsworth Gilkerson, his wife of 64 years, and their four children and their spouses: Sharon (Roger) Mitchell of Prichard, WV, Randy (Dee) Gilkerson of Morehead, KY, Bonnie (Don) Madden of Winter Park, FL and Doug (Renee) Gilkerson of Prestonsburg, KY. Chalk and Betty have eight grandchildren; Shannon, Toby, Beth, Josh, Kinsey, Doug, Katie and Clint; eight great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. A family visitation and public viewing will be held on Saturday July 2, from 6 to 8 pm at the Reger Funeral Home in Huntington. The Reverend Danny Heaberlin and Pastor Dennis Ashworth will conduct the funeral service at the Reger Funeral Chapel at 2 pm on Sunday July 3 and internment will take place at Davis Cemetery in Prichard, WV immediately thereafter. The family has requested donations be made to the Smith Memorial United Methodist Church, Prichard, WV 25555, in lieu of flowers. Condolences may be made to the family.  American Legion Post 16 of Kenova will be conducting military graveside rites.