Wesley Layman Carper, 84 of the Meadow Creek area of Craig County, died at his home on December 1, 2018. He was preceded in death by his parents; Ran and Elizabeth Reynolds Carper.
He is survived by his wife and best friend of 64 years, Patricia Wright Carper; children; Phillip Wesley Carper, New Castle, Mary Ellen Carper, Claudville; David Lyndell Carper, Roanoke; Grand-children Randy and Heather Burge, Claudville; Sara and Will Koger, Canton, Georgia; Beth and Coty Carter, Vinton; Great -grandchildren Colten Carter, Wesley Burge, and Conner Carter; Siblings; Jerry and Bonnie Carper, New Castle and Roberta Cuzzetto, Gig Harbor, WA., In-laws; Murrell Wright, Spotsylvania, Audrey Milne, Valrico, FL., Jean and Bobby Hodges, Rocky Mt., Linda and James Martin, South Hill, Frances and Freddie Kidd of LaCrosse; Peggy Crawley, Raleigh; Rachel Wright, Staunton; and Shirley Wright of Chester and dozens of nieces, nephews and cousins – every one of them.
Wesley was a member of Chestnut Grove Church and attended New Castle United Methodist Church for many years where he was active in youth work. Wes was a graduate of Ferrum College. He served in the U.S. Air Force with the Aircraft and Warning Division, 685th Radar Squadron; worked for Douglas Aircraft Company on the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico and retired from General Electric after 34 years of service.
Wes was an avid reader of history, educating himself far beyond his formal education. Wes enjoyed working with his tractors and equipment and considered himself to be a conservor of what God had permitted him to do. He considered it a vacation day if he could mow his fields. Wes was also an active volunteer in the community, leaving his footprints wherever he went. He served on the Board of Trustees of Huffman Memorial Cemetery for 36 years; was a member of New Castle Volunteer Fire Department when he lived in New Castle and was a Life Member of the Craig County Historical Society for 31 years.
The family wishes to thank Good Samaritan Hospice for their service, local caregivers and the many family friends who have been so supportive during his last difficult days as well as the VFW Post 4491 for providing military rites. Funeral Services will be held 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 5, at Paitsel Funeral Home with Jim Morris officiating. Interment will follow at Huffman Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. as well as 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, December 4, at Paitsel Funeral Home. Arrangements by Paitsel Funeral Home. www.paitselfh.com
