KINGWOOD — For 24 years Charles R. “Bud” Whetsell held the office of Preston County Assessor. But he is also remembered as a leader in his community.
Whetsell, 85, of Kingwood, died Monday.
He was elected assessor when his father-in-law, Arlie Davis, retired.
When Whetsell retired in 2000, his chief deputy, Terri Funk Sypolt, was elected to the position.
“Charles R. ‘Bud’ Whetsell was a great man, was an awesome family man and a leader in his church and community. He served the people by holding public office,” Sypolt said.
She said Whetsell was always ready to help when he could.
“He joked that the middle initial ‘R’ stood for ready. He was always ready to lend a helping hand,” Sypolt said. “His motto — ‘humble enough to say please, grateful enough to say thank you’ — tells you he treated people with respect. Outside of family, no one has played a bigger part in my life and in my career than Bud Whetsell.”
Whetsell was a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church in Kingwood, where he was a choir and quartet member, and a member of the Beatty Methodist Church in the Whetsell Settlement.
Dr. Fred Conley and Whetsell sang together in the Wesley United Methodist Church quartet for more than 35 years.
“We had a wonderful time. Bud was a good man, a man of integrity. I cherished him as a friend,” Conley said.
In 2001, Whetsell served as Preston County Buckwheat Festival General Chairman. He also served as lieutenant governor of the Kiwanis Club and chairman of the Republican Party of Preston County.
Friends and family will be received at the Rotruck- Lobb Kingwood Chapel 2-8 p.m. Oct. 28, and in the funeral home chapel from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral at 11 a.m Oct. 29, with the Rev. Joe Lamm officiating.
Social distancing and masks are required.
The family requests any memorial donations be made to the United Methodist Church Choir at 107 W. High St., Kingwood, WV 26537.
TWEET@DominionPostWV
