Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Ernest Delano Metheny, 81, of Terra Alta, completed his journey in this life to join his Lord and Savior on Feb. 26, 2020.
Ernest was born May 28, 1938, in Howesville, to the late Dolly Marie and Arlington Donald Metheny. He was the second of their four sons.
Ernest served in the United States Army in 1958, Army Reserves in 1961 and completed a tour of duty in Germany. Upon completion, he returned to Terra Alta where he married the “prettiest girl he ever laid eyes on,” Ida Faye (Peggy) Metheny, and together they had four children.
He answered the Lord’s call to serve when he attended the Winchester Music Conservatory, West Virginia Wesleyan, and seminary in Washington, D.C. became a Methodist minister in 1974. Ernest served many Methodist parishes across West Virginia during his calling through preaching, teaching and leading many to the good word. He served the following churches: Wardensville, Stonewood, Short Gap, Burlington, Upper Tract, Fairmont, Clarksburg, Shady Spring and Sutton where he retired in 2000.
He came out of retirement upon returning to Terra Alta, serving at Trinity, Corinth and Freeland United Methodist churches, as well as Otterbein. His resume as God’s humble servant in addition to preaching included having presided over many weddings, baptisms, christenings, and funerals.
Ernie had many talents and hobbies, including chalk drawings, woodworking, gardening, fishing and deer hunting. He was a great storyteller and an avid reader, daily reading the Bible, newspapers and a good history book. He also enjoyed watching Westerns, The History Channel, and the WVU Mountaineers.
Ernie is survived by his wife, Peggy and four children: Gary (Christine) Metheny, of Fairmont; Kevin Metheny; Lisa (Chuck LaRue) Carpenter; and E. Bradley Metheny, all of Terra Alta; grandchildren: Lakin Thomas, Brittany Prunty and Hunter Carpenter, of Terra Alta, and Brett Metheny, of Richmond, Va.; great-grandsons: Treyton and Jaxon, of Terra Alta; brothers: Howard (Barbara) Metheny, of Terra Alta; Everett (Beverly) Metheny of Ridgeley, and sister-in-law Betty Metheny, of Tunnelton; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Elva Laurie; and a brother, Donald Duwaine.
Ernest had requested his body to be given to West Virginia University for further medical study, and then returned to his family for interment at a later date.
A celebration of life gathering will be held at Arthur H. Wright Funeral Home, Terra Alta from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Saturday and from noon on Sunday, March 1, until the 2 p.m. time of memorial service with the Rev. Eric Beeman and Pastor Daniel Fulton officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to Faith Church, Corinth Church or Otterbein Church.
Condolences:
www.arthurwrightfuneralhome.com
