Person Page - 616

     John Lamar Beckner was buried at South Florida National Cemetery, 6501 S. State Road 7, Lake Worth, Palm Beach Co., Florida.^10,6,3 He was born on November 8, 1922 at Roanoke, Virginia.^{10,6,11,1,3,4} He married Mary Elizabeth Maple on April 1, 1947 at Washington, D.C..^12,6,2,3 John Lamar Beckner died on April 3, 2013 at West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Co., Florida, at age 90.^10,11,6,3 He John L. Beckner, age 90, born in Roanoke VA, November 8, 1922, to Carl and Mamie Beckner, died April 3, 2013, in West Palm Beach, FL. He joined the Federal Bureau of Investigation in 1941. He served in the US Navy from 1943-1946 serving aboard the USS Dixie and returned to the FBI headquarters in Washington where he worked for nearly 40 years. He married Mary Maple on April 7, 1947 and was a wonderful father to their six children: John, Michael who preceded him in death, David (Deborah), Donna Lavery (Randy), Greg (Jeri) and Kenneth (Diane). He has seven grandchildren, Karen, Anna, Michael, John, Isaac, Chandler, and Autumn, three great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers and sisters. Interment at South Florida National Cemetery. on April 5, 2013.⁶

     Mary Elizabeth Maple was buried at South Florida National Cemetery, 6501 S. State Road 7, Lake Worth, Palm Beach Co., Florida.^1,3,4 She was born on April 23, 1924 at Pennsylvania.^3,5,4 She married John Lamar Beckner, son of Carl Donald Beckner and Mamie Virginia Sowder, on April 1, 1947 at Washington, D.C..^1,6,2,4 As of April 1, 1947,her married name was Beckner.² Mary Elizabeth Maple died on September 4, 2013 at West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Co., Florida, at age 89.^1,3,4 She Mary Maple Beckner, age 89, of Royal Palm Beach, FL, passed away September 04, 2013 of pancreatic cancer. Married for 66 years to John L. Beckner on April 07, 1947. She was a Secular Franciscan, Member Daughters of the American Revolution Halpatikee Chapter, Valedictorian 1942 class of Catholic Central High School in Steubenville, OH. In her life she worked for the FBI, as a decorator and Washington Post. Mother to six: John, Michael, David (Deborah), Donna (Randy Lavery), Greg (Jeri) and Kenneth (Diane); seven grandchildren, Karen, Anna, Michael, John, Isaac, Chandler and Autumn; five great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by her husband, John L. Beckner and son, Michael Beckner. Interment will be at South Florida National Cemetery, Lake Worth, FL on September 7, 2013.¹

     His Social Security Number was 218-56-3343.⁴ Michael Bruce Beckner married Donna Ann Auldridge.⁵ Michael Bruce Beckner was born on January 14, 1950 at Hyattsville, Prince George's Co., Maryland.^4,1 He died on September 3, 1981 at age 31; Died in an automobile accident.⁵

     Anthony Thrash Sowder was buried at Giles W. Huff Cemetery (also known as Sowder-King Cemetery), Floyd Co., Virginia.² He was born on June 16, 1898 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,2 He died on January 20, 1899 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^1,2

     Her Social Security Number was 225-72-0725.¹⁰ Annie Lee Sowder was buried at Sunset Cemetery, 501 South Franklin Street, Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^10,1,2 She was born on September 29, 1884 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^11,10,1,8 She died on January 5, 1984 at Shawsville, Montgomery Co., Virginia, at age 99.^10,1 She Annie Lee Sowder, 99, died Thursday, January 5, 1984, in the Meadowbrook Nursing Home, Shawsville. She is survived by a nephew, the Rev. Eugene Sowder, Christiansburg; and a great-nephew, James E. Sowder, Blacksburg. Burial in Sunset Cemetery. on January 6, 1984.²

     Ralph Sowder was buried at Sunset Cemetery, 501 South Franklin Street, Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.¹ He was born on August 17, 1888 at Walnut Cove, Stokes Co., North Carolina; His WWI Draft Registration card has a birth year of 1889.^7,1,6 He married Maud Jeanette East on November 30, 1910 at Patrick Co., Virginia.^8,6 Ralph Sowder died on March 8, 1930 at Montgomery Co., Virginia, at age 41.¹

     Maud Jeanette East was buried at Sunset Cemetery, 501 South Franklin Street, Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^1,2 Her Social Security Number was 225-72-0624.⁴ She was born on September 29, 1889 at Virginia.^1,5,4,2 She married Ralph Sowder, son of Jacob Rush "Jack" Sowder and Mary Laurice West, on November 30, 1910 at Patrick Co., Virginia.^2,3 As of November 30, 1910,her married name was Sowder.³ Maud Jeanette East died on December 22, 1983 at Shawsville, Montgomery Co., Virginia, at age 94.^1,2

     His Social Security Number was 223-24-1226.⁸ Rev. Eugene Sowder was buried at Sunset Cemetery, 501 South Franklin Street, Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.¹ He was born on October 14, 1913 at Patrick Co., Virginia; His obituary has a birth date of Oct 12, 1913.^1,4,5,6 He married Annie Mae Lawson on December 21, 1940 at Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.^4,9,10 Rev. Eugene Sowder married Helen Anna Marshall Ph.D. on July 25, 1987 at Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia.⁴ Rev. Eugene Sowder died on November 26, 2004 at Christiansburg, Montgomery Co., Virginia, at age 91.¹ He Rev. Eugene Sowder, 91, of Christiansburg, died Friday, November 26, 2004 at his residence on Roundhill Drive. He was born October 12, 1913 in Patrick County, Va. Rev. Sowder was an alumnus of Emory & Henry College, a college he deeply loved, and was ordained into the ministry of the Methodist church on October 12, 1952 in Norfolk, Va. He served churches in Virginia through his initial retirement and following retirement he continued serving as minister in Bent Mountain, Va. Over the past decade, Rev. Sowder spoke on many occasions and for many different circumstances in the Virginia Conference. Rev. Sowder has been attending St. Paul United Methodist Church here since retirement, serving occasionally as Minister of Visitation in the middle 1980s and serving in the "Joy Singers" senior citizens choir to Nursing homes. He was deeply interested in history, especially as it was integrated into the Christian life and faith. Always an avid student of the Bible and church history, he continued in mid-week Bible studies at St. Paul, occasionally serving as the leader. His hobbies included gardening and horticulture, where he devoted countless loving hours to two homes in Christiansburg, one with his beloved wife, Helen, and one in which he had previously lived before their marriage in 1987. His interests involved Board membership at Warm Hearth, president of AARP (where he taught driving to Senior Citizens) volunteering under his wife Helen's leadership in "The Social Club," an extension of the Mental Health Association. Rev. Sowder is survived by his wife, Helen; a son, Jim Sowder of his first marriage to Annie Mae, now deceased. Also surviving are grandsons Brett A. Sowder, Loyd E. Sowder, James Adam Sowder; and one granddaughter, Aimee B. E. Sowder; great-grandchildren, Jarrett Alan Sowder, Anthony James Willard, Jacob Mckinley Willard and Samantha Elaine Sowder. Burial will follow in Sunset Cemetery. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, neighbors and church, but now rests securely in the Hands of God. on November 28, 2004.¹

     Garnett Elizabeth Hodges was buried at Evergreen Burial Park, 1307 Summit Ave SW, Roanoke, Virginia.³ She was born on January 24, 1913 at Rocky Mount, Franklin Co., Virginia.^2,3,5,4 She married Andrew Lewis Conner, son of Valentine Thrash Conner and Kate Elma "Hatta" Tice, on November 19, 1941 at Roanoke, Virginia.^1,2 As of November 19, 1941,her married name was Conner.² Garnett Elizabeth Hodges died on April 15, 2001 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 88.^3,5,6 She SPICKARD, Garnet Hodges, of Roanoke, joined the Lord peacefully on Easter Sunday, April 15, 2001. She will be missed by many friends and acquaintances. She was born in Rocky Mount, Va. She graduated from Longwood College. She enjoyed her many years as a teacher at North Cross School. She was a lifelong member of South Roanoke United Methodist Church. She was also a member of the Magic City Garden Club. She will be best remembered for her love of the piano and ballroom dancing. She could recall and play hundreds of piano songs as she volunteered her time playing at many retirement and nursing homes. She is preceded in death by her husband, Elwood W. Spickard. She is survived by her two sisters, Nelda Hodges, Roanoke, Evelyn H. Kirk, Alexandria; and many nieces and nephews. The family would like to express their appreciation for the kindness by the staff and residents of Ridgewood Gardens, especially her friend, Geneva Darraugh. Garnet was loved by her two devoted sisters, Evelyn and Nelda, who cared for her during her final days. on April 17, 2001.⁵

     Ethel Mae Furrow was buried at Sherwood Burial Park, 1045 Lynchburg Turnpike, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.³ She was born on October 30, 1914 at Roanoke Co., Virginia.^2,3 She married James Edgar Cochran on June 10, 1937.^2,3 As of June 10, 1937,her married name was Cochran.² Ethel Mae Furrow died on March 7, 1967 at Radford, Virginia, at age 52.³

     Homer Willie Manning Homer W. Manning, Apr 19, 1937 - Oct 9, 2024. Homer W. Manning, 87, of Roanoke, VA, passed away on Wednesday, October 9, 2024. Homer was a beloved husband and father. Homer's dedication to his family began at a very early age as a result of his father's death in World War II. As the oldest of the children, he helped his mother with daily chores and also delivered the Roanoke Newspaper before and after elementary school in a close by neighborhood. As a teenager, he worked after school at Roanoke Dairy. As a young man he served in the Naval Reserves and also began his working career in the grocery business. He married at age 19 and became a father at age 21. Homer retired from Mick-or-Mack, a local grocery store chain with over 40 years of service; and retired again from Harris Teeter with over 10 years of service. Homer was always close with his siblings and loved to spend time visiting with his extended family and his spouse's family. Homer also loved his furry family dachshunds: Samantha, Buttons, Sophie and Skylar. Homer was preceded in death by his first wife of 45 years, Barbara Hodges Manning; parents, Alton Lemon Manning and Thelma Bartlett Manning; stepfather, Gordon W. Manning Sr; brothers, Thomas G. Manning, and Gordon W. Manning Jr; and sisters, Darlene Honaker, Evelyn Dehart Harris, and Brenda Manning. Homer is survived by his daughter, Kathryn Manning (Marvin L. Foster); his wife of 22 years, Nella Williams Manning; stepsons, David Williams (Lisa), Phillip Williams (Heidi), Paul Williams (Annette) and their families; sisters, Arlene Honaker and Cindy Owens (Richard); sister-in-law, Mary D. Manning; and several nieces and nephews. Interment will follow the service at Sherwood Memorial Park in Salem, VA.¹⁰ He was buried at Sherwood Burial Park, 1045 Lynchburg Turnpike, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.¹⁰ He was born on April 19, 1937 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^7,12,10 He married Barbara Jean Hodges on October 13, 1956 at Roanoke, Virginia.^6,13,10 Homer Willie Manning married Nella Glen Deacon on March 30, 2002 at Roanoke, Virginia.⁶ Homer Willie Manning died on October 9, 2024 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 87.¹⁰

     Thomas Gordon Manning Thomas Gordon Manning, 80, of Roanoke, Va., beloved husband and father passed away on Monday, May 13, 2024. He retired from AMP INC. and Damon Company. Thomas was preceded in death by parents, Alton Lemon Manning and Thelma Bartlett Manning; stepfather, Gordon W. Manning Sr; brother, Gordon W. Manning Jr; and sisters, Darlene Honaker, Evelyn Harris, Brenda Manning. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mary Dillon Manning; two daughters and son-in-law, Jennifer Manning and Angela and Tony Whitley; brother, Homer W. Manning and wife, Nella; sisters, Arlene Honaker, and Cindy Owens and husband, Richard; and several nieces and nephews. A Graveside Service will be held at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens.⁶ He was buried at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, 5737 Airport Road NW, Roanoke, Virginia.⁶ He was born on November 26, 1943 at Roanoke, Virginia.^4,5 He married Mary Elizabeth Dillon on January 2, 1965 at Roanoke, Virginia.^5,6 Thomas Gordon Manning died on May 13, 2024 at Roanoke, Virginia, at age 80.⁶

     Evelyn Jean Manning Evelyn DeHart Harris, 74, of 468 Gemstone Lane passed away on Saturday, April 16, 2016 at her residence. Mrs. Harris was born in Roanoke, VA on May 19, 1941, a daughter of the late, Alton Lemon Manning and Thelma Barlett Manning. She was raised by her step father, Gordon Willie Manning, Sr., after her father was killed in service in WWII. Mrs. Harris was a homemaker and was of the Baptist faith. She was first married to George Robert DeHart, later after his passing she married, Jerry Wayne Harris, who survives of the residence. Survivors in addition to her husband include two daughters, Deborah DeHart Wright (Jettie); Brenda DeHart Millard (Vince); two step-daughters, Lisa Harris Ober; Beth Harris Keefer (Derick); siblings, Homer Manning (Nella), Thomas Manning (Mary), Arlene Honaker and Cindy Owens (Buddy); grandchildren, Chad Wright (Erin), Baylee Millard, Chris Millard, Zach Ober and Matt Ober; and great grandchildren, David Wright, Madison Wright, Brelynn Bolden and Alycia Millard. In addition to her parents and first husband, she was predeceased by a daughter, Teri DeHart Saunders; and siblings, Gordon Manning, Jr., Darlene Honaker and Brenda Manning. Interment will follow in Danville Memorial Gardens.³ She was buried at Danville Memorial Gardens, Danville, Virginia.^3,9 Her married name was Harris. She married Jerry Wayne Harris.^1,2,7,5,3,10 Evelyn Jean Manning was born on May 19, 1941 at Roanoke, Virginia.^3,11 As of August 11, 1956,her married name was DeHart.⁴ She married George Robert DeHart on August 11, 1956 at Chester Co., South Carolina.^3,4 Evelyn Jean Manning died on August 16, 2016 at Danville, Virginia, at age 75.³

     Darlene Dale Manning was buried at Sherwood Burial Park, 1045 Lynchburg Turnpike, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.³ Her Social Security Number was 229-54-8048.¹¹ She was born on February 16, 1940 at Floyd Co., Virginia.^3,11,4,12 As of April 28, 1961,her married name was Honaker.⁵ She married Paul Leonard Honaker Sr. on April 28, 1961 at Roanoke, Virginia.^3,5 Darlene Dale Manning and Paul Leonard Honaker Sr. were divorced on December 1, 1977 at Roanoke, Virginia.¹³ Darlene Dale Manning died on October 18, 2012 at Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia, at age 72.^3,11,14,12 She Darlene Manning Honaker, 72, of Roanoke went to be with the Lord on Thursday, October 18, 2012. She was born in Floyd County to Alton L. Manning (killed in World War II) and Thelma Bartlett Manning (2010). She was also preceded in death by the father of her children, Paul Honaker Sr. (2002); a sister, Brenda Joyce Manning; a brother, G.W. Manning Jr; and her stepdad, Gordon W. Manning Sr. Surviving are her son, Paul (Debbie) Honaker Jr., of Vinton; and daughter, Teresa (David) Burnett, of Roanoke; one granddaughter, Patricia (Brian) Alley, of Stewartsville; and one stepgranddaughter, Chrystal (Keith) Mattson, of SML. Darlene is also survived by two brothers, Homer (Nella) Manning and Thomas (Mary) Manning, both of Roanoke; three sisters, Evelyn (Jerry) Harris, of Danville, Arlene Honaker, Cindy (Richard) Owens, of Salem; many nieces and nephews too numerous to mention, many friends and extended family. Darlene was of Baptist faith and a very special person, always wanting to help someone, when she had so little herself. The family wishes to thank the doctors and staff on the 6th floor of Lewis Gale Hospital for their care and concern. Memorial services will be held in the Chapel at Sherwood Memorial Park. on October 20, 2012.³

     His Social Security Number was 226-01-5262.⁵ Robert Clarence Wimmer Sr. was buried at Sherwood Burial Park, 1045 Lynchburg Turnpike, Salem, Roanoke Co., Virginia.³ He was born on December 17, 1900 at Roanoke, Virginia.^5,3 He married Willie Mae Rusher circa 1924.^2,3 Robert Clarence Wimmer Sr. died on August 31, 1976 at age 75.³

     Ruford Harry Wimmer was buried at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Four Mile Fork, Spotsylvania Co., Virginia.² His Social Security Number was 223-22-8857.⁷ He married Mary Grace Coleman.⁸ Ruford Harry Wimmer was born on October 15, 1904 at Roanoke, Virginia.^7,2,3 He died on August 15, 1989 at Fredericksburg, Virginia, at age 84.^7,1,2