Eugene W. Mcpherson

Eugene W. McPherson, 91, of Parkersburg and formerly of Washington, WV, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2017 at The Wyngate Assisted Living Facility, surrounded by his family. Mr. McPherson was born on September 22, 1925, at Rockport, West Virginia, the son of Harry C. McPherson and Tenna Pfalzgraf McPherson.He retired from E. I. DuPont Company after a 32 year career with them and was then a builder/contractor in the Mid-Ohio Valley for more than 20 years.He was a charter member of the Washington Lions Club and a life-time member of the American Legion. Mr. McPherson served in World War II with the U.S. Army in the 325th Medical Battalion, Company C, as a medical technician, serving in both Germany and France and was awarded The Bronze Star Medal. In May of 2009, he was a recipient of the John D. Rockefeller IV Award for his many years of work with the Alzheimer’s Association.He was instrumental in forming the very first Alzheimer’s support group in Wood County.He was also a member of the group that secured the first Alzheimer’s Demonstration Grant in West Virginia. His proudest moment came just 5 days after celebrating his 91st birthday, when he was honored for his service to his country during WWII and presented with his high school diploma from Parkersburg High School.Thousands of young men in his generation were unable to complete their education due to their military service during World War II.His diploma was made available through a Department of Veterans Assistance program to allow WWII, Korean War and Vietnam War Veterans to receive a high school diploma. He is survived by his children, Linda (Robert) Brownfield and Sandra (William) Brown of Parkersburg; Daniel (Sherry) McPherson, Terri (Kenneth) Allman and Carole (Jeff) Cooper, all of Washington, WV; fourteen grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.He is also survived by his brother, Ted L. McPherson, of Washington, WV, a special cousin, Vivian Pfalzgraf Guthrie of Parkersburg and very special friend, Charlotte Stuart of Washington, WV. In addition to his parents, Mr. McPherson was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Betty Mills McPherson, in 2007; brothers Carl A. McPherson, Ralph L. McPherson, and Harry C. McPherson, Jr.; and sisters, Selesta McPherson, Thelma Miller and Alma Byrd. The family would like to thank the staff of The Wyngate Assisted Living Facility, including Owen the four-legged angel who spend countless hours sleeping on his bed and Amedisys for their loving and professional care of our father.He came to love them as part of his extended ‘family’. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 21, 2017 at the Washington United Methodist Church with Reverend Dr. Thomas D. McDowell officiating. Interment with full military rites by American Legion Post 15 will follow at Sunset Memory Gardens. Viewing for Mr. McPherson will be 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at Vaughan Funeral Home and 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday at the church.