Obituary of Stephen James Bodnar, Jr.

Stephen James Bodnar, Jr. of Man, WV, age 92, left this earthly life on July 22, 2019.  He was born in Man, WV on Feb.1, 1927 and resided his entire life in that beloved Southern Coalfield town. He was born to Hungarian and Czechoslovakian immigrants, who later became American citizens.  He is preceded by his lovely wife, Geraldine, his father Stephen Bodnar, Sr., mother Pearl (Piroska) Molnar Bodnar and brother Robert (Bob).

He graduated from Man High School in 1945, but entered the U.S. Marine Corps in March 1945, reported to Parris Island, Beaufort, SC and was unable to attend commencement ceremonies with his class later that May. He was never deployed to foreign land and did not face combat action. Yet, he returned to his hometown and felt obligated to earn his place, because of what others had sacrificed. The opportunity for him to carry on, because they could not. That was evidenced by his efforts to help build the community and strengthen our nation by becoming a miner and doing the best he could for himself and those around him. He was a man that truly believed in Family and Country.

And then one afternoon… while stretched out reading comic books (he had to catch up from just being out of the military! ) he noticed a beautiful girl walking down the driveway to the garage apartment his parents owned adjacent to their house. This girl who was obviously not from the area was visiting a female friend upstairs.  Of course he said “Hey where ya going?” Naturally he made her acquaintance and as they say, “the rest is history.”  Geraldine Hicks became his wife in 1950. They chose to make their home across that driveway from his parents and there they remained. This was a love story that was shared for 68 years until her passing in July 2018. 

He was a mechanic by trade and we are told, a great one. He was employed by Amherst Coal Company, Fanco tipple, for decades. After working 47 years in the coal industry, many coworkers affectionately nicknamed him “Old Man.” There was never a time that Steve went anywhere, that he didn’t stop to have a conversation with others.  He remembered everyone, their kids, their grandkids, and was sure to make someone feel special by asking about them.  He embraced his hometown, and it embraced him right back!

One small glimpse of his character is revealed during a time period right after his elderly father (Poppy) became widowed.  Steve observed his dad raking the leaves in the yard nearly all day, each day. This activity filled his day after losing his wife.  At the end of the evening, Poppy would pile the leaves neatly under a tree. At nightfall, Steve would sneak outside and spread the pile all over the lawn.

A family man one might ask? Steve was Ward Cleaver!  He involved himself in every activity which his family chose to participate. When his boys were in Boy Scouts, he assisted in any way he could. He was the president of the Man Little League for many years. He volunteered numerous hours to the town of Man. He was the proud “Gampaw” to five grandchildren. He loved boating, camping, water skiing, a delicious steak, a good western, football and his family.  Family first.

His absence will be greatly felt. We are honored that he was our dad, father in law, grandpa, and uncle. We know that we had the best!  His loving sons are: S. George Bodnar and wife, Tammi Vickers, and their children Sarah and  S. Matthew all of Charleston;  David P. Bodnar and wife, Angel Corns, their children, Olivia of Columbia, MD, Madalyn and S. Trent of Sissonville. He is also survived by a loving niece, Susan, of Boulder, CO and special nephew, Mike, of Beckley. Additional surviving family members are the loving and loyal nieces and nephews from Geraldine’s side of the family who made countless trips from many miles away to visit.  Always bringing joy, love and their family to Steve and Geraldine. 

The family sends a heartfelt and gracious “Thank You” to his caregivers:  Trish, Danielle, Natalie, Jackie Marie, Charlotte and Cecilia for the many hours of care and concern.  They were there for both of them in good times and dark times quite often sacrificing being away from their own loved ones.  These ladies and many others do the work of God by comforting the elderly when they need help or just someone there to listen.

Too many to list are the nurses, doctors and other caregivers who blessed Steve with their care.  They deserve credit also.  They know who they are because you could never forget Steve if you met him.  Likewise, if you made a good impression he would never forget you!

Steve was a member of Bruce McDonald Memorial United Methodist Church, where services will be held Saturday, July 27th. Visitation will be held 1:30-2:30 and the funeral service will begin at 2:30. Nephew, Owen Martin, Jr., from TN and Rev. Terry Stone will officiate the service.  Burial will follow at Highland Memory Gardens. Pallbearers are: George, David, Trent, and Matthew Bodnar, and Ridge Cook. Honorary pallbearers are: Jimmy Blankenship and Gilman Burgess.

In lieu of flowers, you may send donations to Bruce McDonald Memorial United Methodist Church, 104 E. McDonald Ave., Man, WV 25635 or to Dignity Hospice & Home Health, 557 Main Street, Chapmanville, WV 25508.

Krantz-McNeely Funeral Home, Man, WV is assisting the family and is in charge of arrangements. krantzmcneelyfuneralhome.com