CRAIGSVILLE – Ernest Harold Via, 85, died Tuesday evening, July 9, 2013 at the home of his son, Wayne Via, in Churchville.
He was born in Craigsville, Virginia on September 24, 1927 to the late William B. Via and Lettie Mays Via.
Mr. Via retired from the United States Army as a Staff Sergeant after serving more than 22 years of service. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam, a tour in Korea, two tours in Germany, and was a Bronze Star recipient. He worked at Staunton Correctional Center where he retired after 15 years. Mr. Via loved the outdoors, professional wrestling, and was an avid NASCAR fan. He was a proud life member of the Craigsville VFW.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Bruce W. Via; and three sisters, Margaret Wayne Via, Dolly Carson Via, and Mildred Wayne Via.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Genevieve Barkley Via; two sons, Harold Wayne Via & wife Marlo of Churchville, Virginia and Ricky Lee Via & wife Debbie of Stuarts Draft, Virginia; three sisters, Shirley Via Furr of Southern Pines, North Carolina, Hilda Via Persinger of Churchville, and Brenda Via Hedrick of Harrisonburg, Virginia; three brothers, Bobby Via of Stuarts Draft, Raymond Via and William “Billy” Via, both of Craigsville; four grandsons, Kenny Via of Churchville, Billy Via of Staunton, Chris Via of Stuarts Draft, and Scottie Via of Luray, Virginia; four great grandchildren; a number of nieces and nephews; and a special friend, Melissa Woods.
A funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, July 13, 2013 at Little River Church of the Brethren with Pastors Mike Herring, Lloyd Via, and Kevin Persinger officiating. Interment will follow at Craigsville Community Cemetery. Pallbearers will be William Hostetter, Wayne Martin, Glen Alphin, Wyatt Sours, Donald Ingram and Darrel Via. Honorary pallbearers will be his nieces, nephews, and friends.
The family will receive friends Friday evening, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., at Craigsville Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Shenandoah, P.O. Box 215, Fishersville, Virginia 22939. Online condolences may be submitted at www.mclaughlinandyoung.com
I knew and worked with Harold Via for many years. We even took turns driving to work. He was one of the best men I have ever met. I am glad that I had the opportunity to know Harold Via. Rest high on that mountain, your work on earth is done.
Raymond and Billy,
Sorry to read about the passing of your brother. As a fellow retired veteran, I salute him.
Regards,
Larry Anderson
Sorry to hear of the passing of your husband, father, grandfather. I remember Mr. Via (Harold) from living in Craigsville for so many years. May the Lord keep all in the palm of his hands.
Thanks so much from the Via Family
Via family, so sorry to see this in the paper. Sending prayers to the family.We know it is hard to lose a family member. May god be with you all.
Lee Desper and Michelle Desper
Larry and BARBARA INGRAM.
I am so sorry, Mrs. Via, for the loss of your husband. I always enjoyed working with the two of you and you both seemed so in love and such a joy to each other, as well as those around you. I still have the Christmas wreath you gave me and I cannot believe it has been 16 years since then!
I am so grateful for Mr. Via’s military service and thankful for my freedom. The one thing that gives us comfort in these times is knowing that we will all meet again. There will be no war, no sickness, no sadness. “When we all get to Heaven, what a day of rejoicing it will be! When we all see Jesus we’ll sing and shout the victory!”
Love in Christ
Martha (Sheffer) Paxton