One of the last old-timers of the faded village of Apple Farm has died.

Rubert W. Stump, 80, of Glenville died Thursday at United Hospital Center, Clarksburg.

The Herald has written about Rube, calling him "a ball of fire." In recent years he made some of the finest porch swings you'll ever see. his life was crammed with adventure, business interests, hobbies and his beloved family.

The World War II veteran (pictured left as a young man) once had his own airplane to lift out of the local valleys, and was well-known for operating the Ford dealership in Glenville for about 20 years.

But woodworking was his life-long interest, beautifully crafted porch swings of all sizes, gun cabinets and ammunition boxes. He has made over 130 porch swings.

He loved talking about his old home place and his village.

It was last Wednesday, the day before he died, we spoke with him regarding an upcoming story by Kim Johnson, now being edited for Goldenseal.

Writer Johnson said it was a delight to spend time with Rube. "I am still in shock about his sudden death," she said.

He was laid to rest in Sand Ridge Cemetery yesterday.

We can re-visit his life, one more time, in an upcoming Goldenseal article.

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CLICK People, Humor & History feature Rube Stump