Robert “Bob” Lee Phares Jr., 77, a resident of St. Albans and for the past nine months Elkins, passed from this life Saturday, August 2, 2014 at Elkins Rehabilitation and Care Center. Robert was born Friday, November 20, 1936 in Valley Bend, the only son of the late Robert Lee Phares Sr. and Eva Scott Phares. He was married to the former Judith Ann Pritt who preceded him in death in 2013. Left to cherish his memory is one son, Michael Lee Phares of PA, two sisters, Joyce Phares Gumm of Valley Bend and Jane Phares Howell and husband Dennis of Elkins, two nephews Kenny Gumm and wife Denise of Valley Bend and Scott Howell and wife Amanda of Spelter, and several great nieces and great nephews. Preceding Bob in death besides his parents and his wife was one nephew, Mark Edward Gumm, brother in law, Junior “June” Gumm, mother in law, Thelma Long Pritt Stokes, father in law, Herb Pritt and grandparents in law, Clarence and Laura Pritt. Bob attended the schools of Randolph County and was a graduate of Tygarts Valley High School. He had served in the U.S. Air Force and was retired from the Air National Guard and Union Carbide. Robert’s request for cremation was honored. A memorial service will be held at the Beverly United Methodist Church Thursday, August 7, 2014 at 11:00am and inurnment will follow in the Mill Creek Cemetery.
