Richard Marks, 83, a longtime Maryland resident, died Dec. 15, 2015.Mr. Marks was born in Charleston to a West Virginia pioneer family, and grew up in Dunbar. He was a U.S. Army veteran and a former employee of both the Central Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency, from which he retired in July 1989. He subsequently taught a wide variety of subjects at colleges and authored several books and more than 300 articles of genealogical and historic interest. He was also a frequent contributor of books and historic items to various museums and libraries.He was a graduate of the University of Charleston, Marshall University and George Washington University, and did post-graduate studies at American University. He established endowed scholarships at the University of Charleston and Marshall University and provided for scholarships at George Washington University and the University of Arizona.Mr. Marks is survived by his daughter, Tereza Marks Glenn; sister, Carolyn Abbott; and brother, Benton Marks.Service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 2, at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar, with the Rev. Sharyn Abbott officiating. Burial will follow at Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens.Friends may call one hour prior to the service at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar - See more at: http://www.wvgazettemail.com/Obituaries?obitDate=2015-12-29#312299991
Mr. Marks was a member of the Roane County Historical Society, Inc. since 2009. We extend our sincere sympathy to his family.

The regular monthly meeting of the Roane County Historical Society was held on November 19, 2015 at 7 p.m. at the Roane County Library. The meeting was called to order by President Rick Greathouse, opening prayer was given by Carol Board-Westfall and the pledge of allegiance was recited by all.
The minutes of the October 22nd meeting were read by Recording Secretary, Susan Tucker and approved as read.
Carol Board-Westfall, Treasurer, gave a financial report of income and expenses of the past month. The present balance is $13,760.38.
Linda Cottrell-Liss, Corresponding Secretary, reported on correspondence from (1) Chris DiMattei, an architect from Massachusetts, who is seeking pictures and information regarding the Phillip C. Adams Family House (now the John H. Taylor Funeral Home). Mr. DiMattei indicates that he has much to share about the design of the house built in about 1897. (2) Email from Aaron Roberts who is doing research on the Robey Theater. Aaron is a student at Marshall University. (3) Email from Dianne Sinning of the Malcolm County, Michigan Genealogy Group who has two shoe boxes of obituaries from 1987 & 1992 to offer to the R.C.H.S. (4) Email from Judith Knight who is doing research on Wm. & Elizabeth Young Naylor family. Linda also reported that membership is now at 213.
OLD BUSINESS:
Ralph Nester Picture Collection: Susan Tucker reported she has a picture grouping ready to be hung in the lower level of the Roane County Library but the large painting that holds that space has not been removed. Mary Fury, Librarian, is working to get the painting relocated.
6th Annual Essay Scholarship: Linda Cottrell-Liss, Essay Scholarship chairperson, has made the required guidelines and applications available to the Roane County High School counselor to be presented to the senior students in January. The $1,000 Scholarship is presented annually to a Senior student who writes the best essay on their Roane County family history. The scholarship is open to home-schooled, Christian school or seniors at the Roane County High.
NEW BUSINESS:
2016 History Hero: The Roane County Historical Society wishes to nominate our society President, Richard I. “Rick” Greathouse, as a 2016 History Hero. The statewide recognition is sponsored by the West Virginia Division of Culture & History and honors West Virginians who have had dedicated service to their nominating organization’s programs or recent significant contributions to their state & local history. Those nominees receiving the award will be honored at February 2016 ceremonies and at History Day at the Legislature.
The meeting closed with refreshments being served. Those present were Susan Tucker, Carol Board-Westfall, Bernard and Patty Wyatt, Phyllis and Luther Jarvis, Johanna Nutter, Dean and Pat Combs, Bonita Schreckengost, Vicki Knight, Carl Paxton, Linda Cottrell Liss, Rick Greathouse, Stephen Hughes and guests Brenda Cottrell Dorsey, Wanda Carpenter, and Daniel Pridemore.
The next meeting of the Roane County Historical Society will be held on Thursday, December 17th at 7 p.m. at the Roane County Library. This is one week early due to the Christmas holiday. Members are urged to attend this last meeting for 2015 and guests are always welcome. The Society will not meet during the months of January & February 2016. Those interested in more information about Society activities please contact Linda Cottrell Liss at WVRoots@aol.com

The Roane County Historical Society, Inc. will hold its regular monthly meeting at the Roane County Library, Thursday, November 19th at 7:00 p.m. [one week early due to the Thanksgiving holiday]. Mark your calendar and plan to attend as we are winding up business for the 2015 year. The December meeting is one week earlier also due to the Christmas holiday. That will be our last meeting until March 2016. Note: We will be putting together a new Surname & Membership Directory for mailing in early January. If you have any address, email, contact info, etc changes please send to WVRoots@aol.com as soon as possible. Thanks, Linda

DENVER RAY GANDEE, SR.
13 Oct 1923 - 15 Oct 2015
We are saddened to learn of the death 15 Oct 2015 of our long-time friend, distinguished WW II veteran and fellow member of the Roane County Historical Society, Denver Ray Gandee, Sr. We extend our sincere sympathy to his family and friends. He was a former resident of Roane County, residing at the Parkersburg Care Center, and most recently did an interview for Roane County's documentary film for the "Journey Into the Wild & Wonderful" series produced by Wayne Worth and also did a video on his WW II experiences. You can see those videos on our Face Book page or visit the Journey into the Wild & Wonderful website.

REMINDER: The Roane County Historical Society will hold its regular monthly meeting on Thursday, October 22nd, 7 p.m. at the Roane County library. Make plans to attend...we just have this meeting and two others (Nov-Dec) left for this year. We do not meet during the months of Jan-Feb due to the uncertainty of Winter weather.