Remembering and honoring dad

To the Editor,

On Saturday, June 6, my sister, brother, oldest grandson and I watched our dear father pass peacefully into eternal life. His name was Clarence "Bud" Frey and he lived at Pettit Heights, Beech Bottom, W.Va.

We are grateful daddy did not suffer, he led a faithful Christian life and lived a happy life for 86 years. We are so very blessed.

He was one of the most positive people you would ever feel privileged to meet.

He faced many adversities over his lifetime. He had some bad times in his childhood, was a Prisoner of War (World War II) in Germany, but the sight of one eye (due to a stroke in 1969), had many surgeries, but through it all, was not bitter or angry.

He and mom were married 64 years on May 31, 2009. The family of 24 were able to celebrate and have lunch together at Melman's. He was a good provider for his wife and three children. He was especially proud of his seven grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.

He cherished his church family, his Weirton Steel Railroad buddies, his P.O.W. friends and neighbors. He never met a stranger without a smile and hello to all. He worked at Weirton Steel Co. as a railroad engineer and later taught classes at Half Moon. Known to those as "The Colonel."

How he enjoyed sharing stories of the job he so enjoyed. He loved his country, "Wild and Wonderful West Virginia," and living in Brooke County.

Dad would be the one to say "We all make mistakes, but learn from it - be better, forgive and forget." His advice would be to love God and your neighbor as yourself.

In his golden years, people would ask, "How are you?" His reply - "I'm doing O.K. - for a recycled teenager." He was loved by all and will be truly missed. We were happy and proud to call him our father. This Sunday we will honor his memory. Our hearts will hurt and we will cry many tears.

We promised to take good care of mom and keep our family together as always. We will strive to serve God and love him all the days ahead, until we meet again in heaven is our prayer.

With our heartfelt love and gratitude,

Carolyn Cost Thomas

Weirton, W.Va.