Paul Edward Channell, 93, a resident of Elkins, passed from this life Saturday, September 27, 2014 at Good Samaritan Society of Barbour County. He was born Thursday, June 2, 1921 in Huttonsville, a son of the late Grady Channell and Bessie Rosencrance Channell. On February 3, 1942 in Oakland, MD, he married the former Gladys L. Coontz who preceded him in death in 2012. Left to cherish Paul’s memory are four children, Edward Channell and wife Kitty of Ijamsville, MD, Judith Ann Helmick and husband Roy of Cumberland, MD, Ronald Channell and wife Vivian of Philippi and son Donald Channell and wife Pam of Belington, eight grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren and sister-in-law Florence Spivey of Greensboro, NC. Preceding Paul in death besides his parents and wife were six siblings, Bobby and Richard Channell, Beulah Ferguson, Virginia Shipman, Betty Gainer, and Pauline Corrick, his twin. Paul attended the schools of Randolph County and was a graduate of Coalton High School. He served with the Army’s 424 Infantry Division in the European Theater during World War II in the Argonne Forest and the Battle of the Bulge. He was retired from the Western Maryland Railroad where he had held various positions, the last as yard master in Elkins. He loved fishing, hunting, and camping. Both he and Gladys loved dancing, and they formed the Elkins Promenaders square dancers in the 1950s and traveled around the state to perform. Later they organized the Recyclers square dancing group at the Randolph County Senior Center, where they also participated in many other activities. In later years Paul and Gladys enjoyed camping in their motor home. He taught himself how to play the guitar and spent many hours playing and singing at home. Paul was very active for many years as a member of AF&AM Lodge 108, Royal Arch, the Shriners where he was often a clown in local parades, Knights Templar, American Legion Post 0029, the Commandery, Elks and a life member of Laurel Mountain VFW Post 410. Paul’s request for cremation was honored. A graveside memorial service will be held Thursday, October 2, 2014 at 1:00P in Sugar Creek United Methodist Church Cemetery near Belington. Rev. Gary Thomas will officiate and inurnment will follow. The family suggests that memorial contributions may be made in Paul’s memory to Mountain Hospice 1600 Crim Ave Belington 26250.
