Homer Chester "Burrhead" Ludwig, 79 - Elizabeth

(06/07/2008)
Homer Chester "Burrhead" Ludwig, 79 of Elizabeth, West Virginia, passed away Friday June 6, 2008 after a short illness.

He was born in Sandyville, WV, July 23, 1928 the son of the late McKinley and Genieve (Morgan) Ludwig.

He was a 1947 graduate of Wirt County High School, and served in the US Navy aboard the USS Wright (CVL) from 1947 to 1950. He was a member and trustee of the Elizabeth Baptist Church, he retired from the Boilermakers in 1990, he received his 55 year pin from the Boilermakers Union #667 Winfield, WV.

Mr. Ludwig was a member of the Elizabeth Eastern Stars #113, from whom he received his 50 year pin, was treasurer and Past Master of Wirt Masonic Lodge #82, Scottish Rites, American Legion Post #55, and was a member of the Jr. Order of American Mechanics. He was a former member of the Elizabeth Jaycees, the Elizabeth Volunteer Fire Department, Elizabeth Town Council, founder of the Oak Hill and Center Hill school reunions, member of the Roane County, Calhoun County and Wirt County Historical Societies.

He was awarded the West Virginia Hero Award March 2, 2000, was selected by the local historical society for his tireless efforts to preserve the history of Wirt County Schools (History of one room schools in Wirt County).

Chester helped with the Band Boosters, the Athletic Association and helped put up the first electric score board at the Wirt County High football field. he was a GAP volunteer at Elizabeth Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia Ludwig, of 57 years; son, Mark (Robin) Ludwig of Newark, WV; daughter Suellen (Michael) Calebaugh of Elizabeth; 6 grandchildren, Lt. Commander Laurie (Pete) Basabe of Oceanside, CA, Daniel (Lisa) Ludwig of Elizabeth, Natalie (Rob) Casto of Barboursville, WV, David Calebaugh (and friend, Megan Stickley) of Elizabeth, Zach Gohn and Amanda Gohn of Newark; great grandchildren, Trinity and Connor Casto of Barboursville, extended family, Rodney and Beth Settles of Elizabeth and Sarah, David, Marian, and Luke Smith of Elizabeth; and his cousins.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Monday, June 9 at the Elizabeth Baptist Church, with Rev. Mark McCloy officiating. Masonic graveside service, with interment in the K of P Cemetery of Elizabeth, WV.

Friends may call at the funeral home Sunday, June 8, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. and at the church Monday from 10 a.m. until time of the service.

Memorial donations can be made to GAP (God Answers Pray) Elizabeth Baptist Church.

Arrangements by Matheny-Whited Funeral Home of Elizabeth. WV