Harold Dean Fankell Sr.

May 23, 1939 - April 28, 2019

Harold “Pete” Fankell, age 79, of Oak Hill, WV, passed away Sunday, April 28, 2019 at Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, WV. Born on May 23, 1939, he was the son of the late Clifford and Lyda (Shaffer) Fankell. Pete was a 1959 graduate of Collins High School. He was retired from the Kroger Company after forty years of service, last working as the assistant manager at the Smithers location. He was a member of the Jones Avenue First Church of God in Oak Hill, and a member of the Oak Hill Volunteer Fire Department for many years. Mr. Fankell liked the simple life and loved the outdoors; enjoying hunting when he was younger. He was also a fan of NASCAR and football, especially the WVU Mountaineers and Pittsburgh Steelers. His passion though, was listening to music (he loved southern gospel,) often traveling to many gospel concerts when he was able. A great man and a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who, on December 30, 1961, stood before God, his family, and friends as he vowed to Mary Sue Merritt “to love, honor, and cherish til death do us part.” He faithfully honored his commitment for 57 years. He is preceded in death by many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Mary Sue Fankell; son, Dean Fankell; daughters, Crystal Calvert and Jennifer Paul; granddaughter, Ashley Calvert; great-granddaughter, Bethany Smith; and sister, Nina Shockey. The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the medical and nursing staffs at BARH and Ruby Memorial hospitals for their kind and compassionate care. Funeral Service will be 11:00 am Saturday, May 4, 2019 at Tyree Funeral Home in Oak Hill with Pastor Kevin Shelton and Rev. Patricia Franklin officiating. Burial will follow at High Lawn Memorial Park in Oak Hill. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 pm Friday, May 3, 2019 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Jones Avenue First Church of God Building Fund, P.O. Box 104, Oak Hill, WV 25901-0104. Online condolences may be sent at www.tyreefuneralhome.com Arrangements were made by Tyree Funeral Home, Oak Hill.