The Wayne County News • WEEKEND, OCTOBER 14 & 15, 2017 7A

Obituaries

his own estimate he won the New Hampshire primary (and, from there, the Republican nomination) “because New Hampshire is a drug-infested den.” Now it turns out that, as with most everything else he promised, he had no plan.

He dumped the task on his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, who is ill-equipped to handle it. He named an opioid commission and then ignored or dithered on its most important recommendations. Just this week, the commission chairman, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R), scolded Trump for failing to officially declare the opioid crisis a national emergency.

Worse, Trump is doing his best to roll back what little is being done to fight the epidemic, proposing or backing cuts to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Health and Human Services and the Medicaid program and eliminating the help provided to addicts under Obamacare.

That Trump has no plan is unsurprising. He had no plan to replace Obamacare, no infrastructure plan, no tax plan, no foreign policy. But inaction on opioids is particularly ruinous, as the overdoses kill more people than car accidents and more than AIDS killed at its peak. In lieu of a plan, Trump has threatened to arrest more peo-ple, suggested kids say no to drugs, and sent the first lady to West Virginia on Tuesday to tour an opioid addiction center for infants.

No wonder lawmakers are singing the blues. “Calamity,” “Epidemic” and “Emergency” were their tunes Wednesday. House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi (Calif.), making a rare appearance before a committee, spoke of the “savage daily toll on the American people.”

There is much they could do if they had a cooperative administra-tion: restrictions on prescription quantities, training for prescribers, better treatments for addiction, alternative painkillers, reduced wait-ing times for treatment. Instead, with GOP threats to Medicaid and the like, things are headed in the other direction.

With this grim outlook, the members of Congress from both parties chose to reprise some of their greatest hits from the past — congratulating themselves on legislation such as the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act and the 21st Century Cures Act, enacted during the Obama administration. This was good policy but insufficient: All of $1 billion has been granted to the states under the Cures Act — or 0.0003 percent of annual federal spending.

The money the lawmakers boasted of — $6 million for this state, $125,000 for that program — sounded like off-notes after the des-perate (and true) dirges they sang for their constituents. The opioid epidemic is a tragedy. This response is a farce.

Dana Milbank is a syndicated columnist. You can follow him on Twitter, @Milbank.

was rare to hear a commentator say a discouraging word about the protests, let alone warn that the NFL was stumbling into Trump’s political kill box.

It is true that, after Trump got involved, the polling on the protests showed the public more evenly divided. This doesn’t have equal significance: If you’re Donald Trump and at 40 percent or below in the polls, a 50/50 issue works for you; if you are the NFL and trying to appeal to a broad audience, a 50/50 issue is a disaster for you.

The NFL misunderstood its own nature. It’s not just that it is a game that should be a respite from political and social contention; as a quasi-national festival, it should be identified with a certain baseline of patriotism (the national anthem, the enormous American flags on the field before games, the military flyovers, etc.). Colin Kaepernick cracked this image, and Donald Trump drove a wedge through it.

It is much too early to know what the 2020 landscape will look like, but if Trump wins again, it will surely have something to do with a dynamic like the one that played out with the NFL. Trump will cause an unthinking overreaction by Democrats on a culture issue or issues, and the party will be wrong-footed by the insularity of its own political and media ecosystem.

What most repulses Democrats about Trump, his status as a nationalistic culture warrior, is what they most need to take heed of. If Hillary Clinton during the campaign had said, politely, that Colin Kaepernick should stand during the anthem, it might have been enough of a signal of old-school patriotism to working-class voters to put her over the top. Three more years of Trump will presumably make it even harder for the next Democratic nominee to tack to the center on a few cultural hot buttons.

The NFL’s agony is the Democrats’ peril.

an interest in seeing this band of criminals arm itself with nuclear weapons and missiles,’ Trump said, referring to the regime of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. ‘The United States has great strength and patience, but if it is forced to defend itself or its allies, we will have no choice but to totally destroy North Korea.’”

“‘Rocket Man is on a suicide mission for himself and for his regime,’ he continued, using his new favorite nickname for Kim. Trump clearly believes that using this kind of belligerent rhetoric to threaten North Korea is the best way to get Kim to back down.”

Is the president correct in his thinking? In my opinion, Trump is not capable or competent to deal with either confrontation.

Milt Hankins is a theologian, former pastor and local author. His website is columnistwithaview.com.

Mackey Akley of Chesapeake,

Ohio, formerly of Kenova

Mackey “Doc” Akley, loving husband, father, and grandfather of Chesapeake, Ohio, and formerly of Kenova, West Virginia, went home to be with the Lord Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2017. Mac was born in Lawrence County, Ohio and graduated from Rome High School. He was a retired super-visor with American Water Company, an Army veteran who served in the Korean War, a for-mer member of the Huntington Area Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Kenova Police Civil Service Commission, served as president of the Utility Local Union, and was an active member of the Kellogg Independent Holiness Church of God. He was predeceased by his wife Alma “Patty” Akley, daughter Sharon Kay Akley and step-son Christopher Gue. He is survived by his loving wife Manya Akley; sisters Grace Williams and Helen Freeman; step-daughter Jacqueline Perdue and husband Harold; step-son Adam Gue; granddaughter Natalie Bevins and husband Tom; grandson Don Michael Perdue and wife Pamela; great-grandchildren Whitley Mayo and husband Dakota Stanley, Lacey Bevins, Savannah Thomas and husband Kasey, and Madison, Jordan and Aiden Perdue; great- great-grandchildren Kaleigh and Paxton Mayo; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and close family members. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, October 14 at Hall Funeral Home, Proctorville, Ohio. Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Sunday, October 15, at the funeral home, by Pastor Roger Mooney. Burial will follow at the Rome Cemetery, Proctorville, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, family requests donations be made to Kellogg Independent Holiness Church of God, P.O. Box 9433, Huntington, WV 25704. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.timeformemory.com/hall.

Loretta Sue Carter of Wayne

Loretta Sue Carter, 62, of Wayne, W.Va., passed away Thursday, October 12, 2017, at home. Born March 24, 1955, at Huntington, W.Va., Loretta worked at Huntington Health and Rehabilitation Center and was a member of the Beulah Freewill Baptist Church. Her father, Charles Edward Yates, preceded her in death along with her son, Calvin Edward Carter; brother Charles Yates; twin sister Gretta Yates; several uncles and aunts, including Clinton Yates, Charles Hubbard, Helen Yates; and niece Sarah. She leaves behind her husband Calvin Carter, with whom she shared 43 won-derful years; her mother Elizabeth Yates of Kenova, W.Va.; one daughter, Jennifer Dill; her grandson Robert Dill; her brothers and sisters Dan Bills of Salt Rock, W.Va., Tony Yates of Kenova, W.Va., Barbara Yates of Kenova, Tammy (George) Hale of Ceredo, W.Va., Greg (Larissa) Yates of Kenova, Hershel Yates of Kenova, Glenn (Terri) Yates of Huntington, Phyllis (Muss) Carter of Ceredo, Billy (Susie) Yates of Ceredo, Lillian Remak of Cheyenne, Wyoming; her aunt Elsie Hubbard of Barboursville, W.Va.; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Monday, October 16, 2017 at Johnson Tiller Funeral Home with Pastor Johnny Harris officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Vernon Cemetery. Friends may call after 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home.

James F. Cornwell

formerly of Lavalatte

James F. Cornwell, age 84 years, formerly of Lavalatte, W.Va., passed away at home in Silver Spring, Md., on June 10, 2017. He was born March 10, 1933, in Wayne, W.Va., son of the late Albert and Elsie Crockett Cornwell. On December 23, 1957, he married Dorothy Jean Smith, who preceded him in death on January 25, 2005. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Albert “Doug” and John David Cornwell. He is survived by two daughters, Kay Cornwell of Rockville, Md., and Kimberly Cornwell of Silver Spring, Md., two brothers, Harold of Buena Vista, Va., and Billy Jack of Huntington, W.Va.; and two sisters, Virginia Jefferson of Lawrenceburg, Ky., and Joyce Dixon of Huntington, W.Va. Mr. Cornwell retired from the Navy after 20 years of service and was a member of the first graduating class of Physician Assistants at Alderson-Broaddus College, Philippi, W.Va. He worked as a physician assistant for a private physician in Buckhannon, W.Va., and later for DuPont in Wilmington, Delaware, prior to retiring to Silver Spring, Md. In his retirement, he enjoyed bowling and reading and served as a deacon in Ashton Baptist Church, Olney, Md. Mr. Cornwell and his wife were inurned with military honors in Arlington National Cemetery on October 3, 2017. There will be a family memorial service at a later date in Huntington, W.Va.

Roger D. Clay of East Lynn Roger D. Clay, 68, of East Lynn, W.Va., son of the late Mary

and Ancil Clay, passed away Wednesday, October 11, 2017. Private burial will be held at the Ancil Clay Cemetery. Johnson Tiller Funeral Home is honored to serve the Clay family.

Pearl Jean Holland Mathis of Wayne Pearl Jean Holland Mathis,

85 of Wayne, W.Va., left this world, Wednesday, October 11, 2017, following a long ill-ness. She was born April 18, 1932, at Genoa , W.Va., to the late George Holland and Laura Fields Holland. Pearl had seven sisters and six brothers. In 1952, Pearl married Clarence B. Mathis of Wayne, and was a lov-ing wife for more than 65 years. She was the precious mother of Teresa, Brad, Laura, Mark, Mike, Jennifer and Arletta. She adored her 11 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren, who loved to visit and enjoy her home cooked meals. She was a homemaker who loved gardening, and put much effort into having the most beautiful begonias every summer. Pearl ’s life was dedicated to her husband, children and church. The family would like to thank the TCU unit at Heritage Center and Hospice of Huntington for their loving support and care of their dear mother. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, October 14, 2017, at the Antioch Old Regular Baptist Church, Craig Road, Wayne, where she was a lifelong member. There will be a private burial at the Mathis Cemetery. Friends may call after 6 p.m. Friday at Johnson Tiller Funeral Home.

Gene Autry SimpkinsGene Autry Simpkins, 76, passed away on October 9, 2017, in

Huntington, W.Va. He was born on July 29, 1941, to the late Elsie Baker. Gene was a member of the Wayne County Coon Club. He leaves behind to mourn his loss Tonya Sowder, whom he took in at a young age and became her hero, allowing her to be a kid she longed to be as a child. Even though Gene was not her biological father, he was her father at heart. Thank you to the best dad, grandpa and great-grandpa we could have ever asked for in our lives. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Justin Lee Carter, Alicia Meece, Molly Sowder (Drew Maxey), Emily Sowder, Ryan Sowder; great-grandchildren, Braxton Carter, Levi Rowe; special friends, Nancy Janey, Greg Sowder and Mike Ward; a host of family and friends. There was a visitation at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12, at Ceredo-Kenova Funeral Home. Burial followed at Spring Valley Memory Gardens. Online condolences may be expressed to family at www.ceredo-kenovafuneralhome.com.

Frederick Wendell Hite of Kenova Frederick Wendell Hite, 77, of Kenova, WV passed away at

his home Monday, October 9, 2017. He was born September 26, 1940 in Westmoreland, WV; a son of the late Alfred Hite and Ethel (Casey) Hite. Frederick is preceded in death by 8 brother and sis-ters. He leaves behind to mourn his loss his loving wife, Phyllis Jean Hite, his children; Richard Lee Hite, Fred Hite Jr.(Tonya), and Johnny Hite (Margie) , 2 Siblings, 6 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Also a sister in law and good friend, Pat Ward. He will be cremated by Tri-State Cremation Society and there will be no services at this time. Online condolences may be expressed to family at www.ceredo-kenovafuneralhome.com.

Mary Elizabeth Stepp of Crum

Mary Elizabeth (Liz) Stepp 69, of Crum, West Virginia passed away on Sunday, October 8, 2017, at Three Rivers Medical Center in Louisa, Kentucky. She was born on November 17, 1947, to the late William Thomas Spaulding and Ethel Dove Hicks Spaulding. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by three brothers, Thomas Spaulding, Ervin Spaulding and Virgil Mack Spaulding and one sister, Margaret Mollett.

Mary is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Donald Gary Stepp Sr., one son, Donald Gary Stepp Jr of Barboursville, WV, and one granddaughter, Journey Elizabeth Avitim Stepp. She also leaves behind, seven sisters, Oretha Chambers of Port St. Lucie, FL, Eula Chaffins of Ft. Gay, WV, Irene Moore of Kermit, WV, Wanda Marcum of Mallory, WV, Della Robinson of Inez, KY, Donna Justice of McAndrews, KY and Sabrina Spaulding of Johns Creek, KY along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Mary was a longtime member of the Golden Springs Freewill Baptist Church where she sang in the choir.

Funeral services will be held at the Warfield Chapel of the Callaham Funeral Home in Warfield, KY on Wednesday, October 11, 2017, at 12:00 pm with Ken Allen officiating. Burial will follow at the Stepp-James Cemetery. Friends may visit at the chapel on Tuesday, October 10, 2017, from 6:00-9:00 pm. Arrangements are under the direction of the Callaham Funeral Home, Inez, KY.

DEATHS from Page 5A

LOWRY from Page 5A

HANKINS from Page 5A

OBIT POLICY – It is the policy of The Wayne County News to run obituaries FREE. However there are a few guidelines. All obituaries must come from a funeral home and be the ‘official’ obituary. We do not take submissions directly from the families. This is to avoid any conflict between factions of families. If you would like to run an obituary from out of state please contact the funeral home that handled the arrangements and have them send it to us via email to editor@waynecountynews.com

A GLORIOUS SEND-OFFA formal “visitation” provides friends and family of the deceased with theopportunity to pay their last respects and help them come to grips with theirloss. This custom has roots in the Irish “wake,” which is the well-knowntradition of giving the deceased a glorious send-off. While viewings once tookplace at the home of the deceased, today the funeral home is the preferredlocation, one or two days before the funeral. This viewing can be less formalthan the funeral and provides family and friends with an opportunity toreminisce about the deceased loved one. To personalize the viewing, weencourage playing music and displaying photographs that were meaningfulto the deceased.

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MORRIS FUNERAL HOME1345 Rt. 152, Wayne, WV 304-272-5171

www.morrisfuneralhome.com

D.C. Morris, Lic.

A funeral can and should be as unique as the life that is being celebrated.Personalizing a funeral or memorial service can be therapeutic--it gives youand your family something to concentrate on as you relive memories. It’s alsowelcomed by family and friends. To learn more about our services, please give usa call. We invite you to tour our tastefully appointed facility, where we havebeen servingWayne County with compassion since 1932.

“As a well spent day brings happy sleep, so life well usedbrings happy death.”~ Leonardo DaVinci