Gene Werner Alkire, 77, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Nov. 26, 2015 at the Charleston Area Medical Center. He was born March 30, 1938 in Parkersburg, a son of the late Harley Alkire and Valta (Haynes) Alkire.

 

Gene is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Rachel Anne (Shamblin) Alkire of Charleston, WV. Gene is lovingly remembered by sons Michael (Sandy) Alkire of Butler, PA, Todd (Meghan) Alkire of Canton, OH, and Sean (Alana) Alkire of Ellicott City, MD; grandchildren; Zachary, Benjamin, Matthew, Anna, Trey, Austin, Leah, Caden, Jace; and sister Joann Wagner of Lexington, NC. 

 

In addition to his parents, Gene is preceded in death by his sons Boy Alkire and Doug Alkire; siblings James Alkire, Eleanor Johnson, and Loretta Johnson.

 

Gene’s legacy will live on not only through his family but also through the countless lives he has touched as an educator. His 36-year career as a teacher and coach would include stops at Gilmer County, Tyler County, Parkersburg Catholic, Washington Irving, and Robert C. Byrd High Schools. The majority of Gene’s career would be spent as driver’s education instructor, head football coach, and head wrestling coach at Washington Irving High School. 

 

The family will receive friends at the Davis-Weaver Funeral Home, 329 East Main Street, Clarksburg, WV 26301 on Monday, Nov. 30, 2015 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Funeral services for Gene will be Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2015 at 11am, at Davis-Weaver Funeral Home with Pastor Brian L. Seders presiding. A reception will take place immediately following at Duff Street United Methodist Church, 400 Duff Ave., Clarksburg, WV 26301.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to CAMC Children’s Cancer Center, 800 Pennsylvania Ave. Charleston, WV 26302.