EMERSON PATRICK “CHIP” PHARES, age 52 years, a resident of Elkins, WV departed this life Sunday morning, May 1, 2011 at his home following a courageous battle with cancer surrounded by his family and friends.
He was born Thursday, December 4, 1958 in Washington Court House, OH a son of the late Emerson Phares, Jr. and Patsy Gladwell “Pat” Phares, who survives at Elkins. On May 28, 1988 at Elkins, WV he was married to the former LeEllen Hall, who survives. Together they raised two daughters, Ali Chandler Phares, 20, a student at West Virginia University; and Megan Engel Phares, 19, Elkins; one brother, Rexell Robert Phares and wife Michelle, Elkins; one sister, Janet L. Phares, Staunton, VA; his mother in law, Judy O’Donnell, Buckhannon; one brother in law, Renny Hall, II, Buckhannon; one niece, Jocelyn Phares, Morgantown; and three nephews, Conor Phares, Morgantown; Tyler Hall; and Dylan Hall, both of Buckhannon.
Preceding him in death is his father in law, Renny Hall.
He was a graduate of Elkins High School with the Class of 1977, where he was a member of the Football, Baseball and Track Teams. He attended Concord College and was a graduate of Davis & Elkins College with the Class of 1981. He attended the National Hardwood Lumber Inspection Training School in Memphis, TN graduating with the Class of 1981. From 1981 to 1985 he worked in sales for Emerson Phares Lumber Company, Inc. of Elkins and in 1986, he became the President and General Manager of the firm until 2009.
Phares was a devoted husband and father as well as a keen outdoorsman who enjoyed skiing and was a member of the Grace Episcopal Church.
Chip’s request for cremation was honored. The family will receive friends at the Lohr & Barb Funeral Home of Elkins from 4 to 6 PM, Friday, May 6, 2011 at which time a eulogy will be held with the Rev. Fred Bird as the celebrant. The family suggests that expressions of sympathy be in the form of contributions to Hospice Care Corporation, 169 Diamond Street, Elkins, WV 26241.
