Thomas J. Carney 86 - Elizabeth

(05/14/2016)
Thomas J. Carney 86, of Elizabeth WV, passed away Friday May 13, 2016 at Marietta Memorial Hospital.

Tom was born in Nichols, Iowa, December 13, 1929 the son of the late Lee A. and Frances (Wagner) Carney.

He graduated from Nichols High School In 1947, and enlisted in the United States Army in 1948 serving in active duty until 1952, including a tour in the Korean War with the 101st Signal Battalion.

He enlisted in the Army Reserve while employed by Northwestern Bell Telephone Co. from 1952-1959 at Marion and Anamosa Iowa, and reentered active service in 1959. Tours of duty included Ft. Hood TX, France, Washington DC, Korea, DOD Communications Agency-Arlington VA, Vietnam, Ft. Monmuth NJ, Pentagon, NATD Pentagon. He retired in 1978 with an accumulated 28 years service as a Master Sergeant.

He received several awards and recognition's including, Good Conduct Metal, (6th Award) Meritorious Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal (1OLC), United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal (2nd Bronze Star) Korean War Service Medal, Allied Forces Expedition Medal, Army Commendations Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam National Commendation Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Vietnam Signal Badge, and 3 Overseas Bars. After retiring from the service Tom relocated to West Virginia (Wirt County) and was a heating, AC and refrigeration contractor until 1990. He was a member of Wirt Masonic Lodge #82-A.F.&A.M and was a past Master.

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Patricia (Boyce) Carney; children, Deborah Benson (Pete) of Eugene OR, Johnny Nemeth (Ronni) of Elizabeth WV, Debbie Nemeth of Texas, Phil Nemeth of Elizabeth, and Maria Hutchinson (Greg) of Elizabeth; grandchildren, Nyle Duncan (Seth) of Takoma Park MD, Sean McFarlane of Wilksbury PA, Chase Burke (Hyon) Austin TX, Dustin Burke (Veronica) of Austin TX, Cheyenne Gamage (Rosh) Sydney Australia, Shawni Hill (Brent), JT Nemeth, George Nemeth all of Elizabeth; great grandchildren, Ainsleigh, Siobhan and Mackenna Duncan of Takoma Park MD, Logan McFarlane of Wilksbury PA, Gaby and Lily Burke of Austin TX; 1 sister, Evelyn Carney Winters; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents he was preceded by the first love of his life, Bernice (McAlhoney) Carney in 1976; 1 brother, Lee Arthur Carney Jr.

Services will be 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at Matheny Whited Funeral Home of Elizabeth WV with Rev. John Watkins officiating. Visitation will be Monday, May 16, 2016 from 4-8 p.m. and 1 hour prior to the service on Tuesday. Interment will be at K of P Cemetery of Elizabeth WV, with full military and Masonic graveside rites.