Howard Merle Metheny, 81, passed away peacefully May 1, 2021, in his family’s home in Brunswick, Ga., surrounded by loved ones. Howard was born June 27, 1939, in Howesville, to the late Dolly Marie and Arlington Donald Metheny. He was the third of four sons.
He will be missed by many, especially his wife of 61 years, Barbara, and his children: daughter, Kimberly Trujillo, of Morgantown, and son, Timothy Metheny (Sherry), of Brunswick, Ga. Howard was a proud grandfather to two granddaughters, Danni Neeld (Josh) and Kayla Melvin (Max); one grandson, Travis Trujillo; and three great-grandchildren, Maci Kaye Neeld, Ella Harper and Berkley Elaine Melvin. He was a beloved brother to Everett Metheny (Beverly), of Ridgely, sister-in-law, Betty Metheny, of Tunnelton, Peggy Metheny, of Terra Alta, and Virginia Dewitt, of Newburg.
In addition to his parents, Howard was preceded in death by a sister, Elva Laurie; two brothers, Donald Duwaine and Earnest Delano Metheny; a sister-in-law, Naomi Hershman; brothers-in-law, Carl Hershman and Darrell Dewitt; and a daughter-in-law, Marcia Kaye Metheny.
Howard enjoyed working and serving his community. He retired from Clear Mountain Bank after 44 years. He began his career as a teller at The Terra Alta Bank and worked his way up to president. Howard stayed on with the bank following the merger with Bruceton Bank to form Clear Mountain Bank where he served as a board member up to the time of his passing. Howard was a longtime member of the Rotary Club and was active in starting the Terra Alta Library and served on the Library Board. He was a former mayor of Terra Alta, as well as a founding member of Faith United Methodist Church, where he was a trustee and served numerous capacities in the church.
In addition to spending time with his family, Howard enjoyed hunting and always looked forward to the fall hunting season and spending time in the woods. He loved sports, especially attending local high school and youth games when he could and enjoyed watching his beloved team, the WVU Mountaineers, no matter which sport. Howard’s greatest passion was working on his property where the woods and stream brought him peace.
The book of Proverbs tells us that those who honor God and live by his laws will leave behind a memorable legacy. While Howard will leave a void in our family that will never be filled, there are plenty of fond memories because of the life he chose to live serving our Lord, his family and community.
The celebration of Howard’s life will take place at Lakeside United Methodist Church, 5572 New Jesup Highway, Brunswick, Ga., at 10 a.m., Thursday, May 13, with a service and interment to follow in his home town of Terra Alta, at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his memory to: Faith United Methodist Church, 7241 Cranesville Rd., Terra Alta, WV, 26764; The Terra Alta Library, 701B E State Ave., Terra Alta, WV, 26764; or Hospice of the Golden Isles, 1692 Glynco Parkway, Brunswick, GA, 31525.
