Joe Dean Michael, Conservation Advocate, Dies at 85

Joe Dean Michael, 85, of Vienna, West Virginia, previously of Berkeley Springs, West Viginia, died January 8, 2015 at Camden Clark Medical Center in Parkersburg, West Virginia.

Michael was born January 5, 1930 in Berkeley Springs, son of the late Ernest Cecil and Maxine Hovermale Michael.

He was a member of Union Chapel United Methodist Church and was active in many organizations including the Eastern Panhandle Conservation District, West Virginia State Conservation Committee, Morgan County Planning Commission, Cacapon State Park Foundation, and Masonic Lodge No 88.

Michael worked for the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources and the Wood County Sheriff’s Department. He retired in 1987 from AGA Gas.

Michael is survived by his wife of 48 years, Marilyn Hicks Michael, two sons, Dr. Joel Michael of Suffolk, Virginia, Jeffrey Michael of Manhattan Beach, California, three daughters, Diane (Dennis) Heavin of Carmel, Indiana, Donna Kelley of Romney, West Virginia, and Kristan (Norman) Bailey of Parkersburg, West Virginia, six grandchildren — Lauren (Greg) Gentry, Charles “Chip” (Sarah) Parsons, Jillyn Parsons, Hannah Bailey, Logan Bailey and Evan Michael — a sister Mary Smith, of Middletown, Maryland and a sister-in-law Twila Andrews of Berkeley Springs.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by two brothers, Frederick Michael and Thomas Stephens, a son, Anthony “Tommy” Michael and a brother-in-law, Warren Smith.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 17 at 1 pm at Union Chapel United Methodist Church, 10123 Valley Road, Berkeley Springs, West Virginia – with Pastor Mike Leedom officiating.

Visitation will be from 11 am until time of the service at the church.

A Graveside service will be held at Mt. Zion Baptist Church Cemetery in Mineral Wells, West Virginia at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the Cacapon Park Foundation, 818 Cacapon Lodge Drive, Berkeley Springs, West Virginia 25411, Union Chapel United Methodist Church, 10123 Valley Road, Berkeley Springs, WV or the Mt Zion Baptist Church, 2226 Elizabeth Pike, Mineral Wells, West Virginia 26150.

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