Mose Arthur Napier

Mose Arthur Napier, 79. of Ceredo, WV, was reunited with June, his wife of 56 years and love of his life, in the presence of our Lord on Thursday, July 21, 2011. He was born October 14, 1931, to the late William K. and Ethel Mae Napier at Ceredo, WV. He was a graduate of Ceredo-Kenova High School after which he proudly served his country with the U. S. Army, receiving an honorable discharge after being stationed in Korea and Japan. He then attended Marshall College and earned B. A. and Master Degrees in education. He was an educator and administrator for the Wayne Co, WV, school system. He taught at Buffalo High School and was assistant principal then principal of same. He became assistant superintendent of Wayne Co. Schools before becoming superintendent in 1974. Before retiring in 1988, he returned to the classroom to teach at Ceredo-Kenova High School as teaching was his first love during his time as an educator. In 1969, he became Mayor of Ceredo. During his 40 yr. reign as mayor his vision for the future brought growth to the town in the form of business and industry, beautification, historical importance, government, and population. One can appreciate his love for his hometown through reading his book, The History of Ceredo, and through his writings and editing of The New Crescent, a revival of Ceredo�s original newspaper, The Crescent. His lifelong dedication to Ceredo was recognized in 2000 when the U. S. Rt. 60 bridge over Twelvepole Creek at the east end of the town was re-built and named �The Mose A. Napier Bridge�. He was a member from childhood and deacon emeritus of First Baptist Church of Ceredo. He was a member of the Rotary Club and the Masonic Lodge. Last fall he earned lifetime membership in the Masonic Lodge after being a member of Crescent Lodge #32 for 50 years, during which time he served a term as Worshipful Master. As well as his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a grandson, William Napier Miranda; a brother, William K. Napier; and 5 sisters, Lorraine Norris, Virginia Muncy, Lillian Porter, Shirley Craig, and Dorothy Napier. Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Dr. Sherrie Napier Miranda and Steven Nelson, a very special granddaughter, Sarah Ann Miranda, of Huntington, WV; a son and daughter-in-law, Philip A. and Elisabeth Napier, a very special former daughter-in-law, Cynthia Agee Napier, and 3 very special grandsons, Alexander, Grant, and Clark Napier, all of Canberra, Australia; a sister and brother-in-law, Ruth �Johnny� and Bill Wild, of Dayton, OH; several brothers-in-laws and sisters-in-law; many nieces and nephews. During the 10 months and 10 days between his death and that of his wife, June, he was excellently and lovingly cared for in his home by very special caregivers, Barbara Robertson, Crystal Perkins, Sonya Freize, Melinda Jones, Melissa Gayheart, Sierra Freize; and former caregivers, Jada Keesee, Pearl Shepard, April Robertson, and Erika Ramey; and his faithful dog, Mindy. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m., Tuesday, July 26, 2011, at First Baptist Church of Ceredo with Pastor Rodney Hale officiating. Military and Masonic honors with be conducted at the graveside at time of burial in the Crescent Hill Cemetery, Ceredo, WV. Visitation will be at First Baptist Church of Ceredo on Monday, July 25, 2011, from 3-5 p.m. and 7-9 pm. The family requests expressions of sympathy be made by donation to Hospice of Huntington. These may be made at the church. Mose will be remembered for the positive impact he had on the lives of many through education, government, church, and family.