Van R. Thorn

Local business owner Van Richard (Dick) Thorn, 87, of Elizabeth, W.Va., passed away after an extended illness at Worthington Manor on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2009.

He was born in Akron, Ohio, the son of the late Van W. and Georgie (Blocker) Thorn. He was a 1941 graduate of Wirt County High School, served in the United States Navy in World War II, third generation owner of Dick's Market of Elizabeth, one of the founding members of the Big Red Markets, was the oldest living original member of the Elizabeth Baptist Church, a member of the Lions Club, a member of the Geritol Gang and a former football official.

Dick is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Betty Coe Thorn; six children, Van Richard (Rick) Thorn II and his wife, Midge, of Sutton, W.Va., Dean Thorn and his wife, Terrie, of Elizabeth, Greg Thorn and his wife, Rosella, of Elizabeth, Michelle Trantham and her husband, Doug, of Jacksonville, Fla., Doug Moore and his wife, Leslie, of Mineral Wells and Patrice Shears and her husband, Jeff, of Sandyville, W.Va.; sister, Donna Thorn of Arizona; 19 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Anne McCray Thorn; and two sisters, Jean Thorn Pepper and Martha Thorn Swanson.

The family would like to say a very special thank you to the staff at Worthington Manor, for their kind compassionate care.

Service will be 1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 9, 2009, at Matheny Whited Funeral Home, Elizabeth, with the Rev. Mark McCloy officiating. Interment will be at the K of P Cemetery of Elizabeth. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Sunday and from 9 a.m. until time of service Monday at the funeral home.

Memorial donations can be made to the Elizabeth Baptist Church or the Wirt County Fair Association.