Basil McCracken

Wednesday, December 16, 1998

Basil McCracken

Member of Clayville United Methodist Church
Basil McCracken, 78, of Claysville, Donegal Township, died unexpectedly Monday, December 14, 1998, in an accident near his home.

He was born October 2, 1920, in Cameron, W.Va., a son of Basil Underwood and Nora Fletcher McCracken.
Mr. McCracken was a member of Claysville United Methodist Church, where he participated on church council, the Outreach Committee and the Pastor-Staff Relations Committee. He had previously held the office of trustee as well as numerous other offices and participated in the Claysville Association of Churches, which fosters relationships and interfaith services among member churches.
He served as a staff sergeant in the Air Force during World War II and served in the European Theater, where he participated in the Battle of the Bulge. He was awarded six Bronze stars and the Good Conduct Medal for his service.
Mr. McCracken was employed as a heavy equipment operator with Operating Engineers Local 66 for 50 years until his retirement. He then served as superintendent of Claysville Cemetery for eight years until retiring Dec. 1.
He was a member of Claysville James R. Hunt American Legion Post 639, Clayville Lodge 447, F.&A.M., Antique Auto Club of America, Antique Auto Club-Covered Bridge Region, a charter member of Washington County Antique Engine and Collectors Club, McGuffey Senior Citizen Center and a charter member of Washington Flyers Club.
Mr. McCracken enjoyed working with steam engines, learning about steam powered trains and flying.
He served two times on Claysville-Donegal Joint Municipal Authority and was known for playing Santa Claus for local children for more than 30 years.
On October 25, 1969, in Claysville United Methodist Church, he married, Martha Kuhn, who survives and was also previously married March 21, 1942, in Glen Dale, W.Va., to Betty Chase McCarrell of Hickory, who survives.
Also surviving are four sons, Basil Frederick McCracken of Anawan, Ill., William Byron McCracken of Hickory, Robert Clark McCracken of Nashville, Tenn., and Fred Kuhn of Claysville; two daughters, Bonnie Bitz and Beverly Sloane, both of Claysville; two brothers, Rolland McCracken of Senecaville, Ohio, and Keith Adrian McCracken of Cameron, W.Va.; three sisters, Juanita McCracken of Canonsburg, Anna Lucy McCracken of Washington, D.C., and Wanda Frazee of Lone Pine; 13 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.