Obituary of John Zar Beerbower

John Zar Beerbower, 90, of Terra Alta died Wednesday December 7, 2022 at his home. He was born February 20, 1932, at the family farmhouse at Glade Farms, WV. He was the 5th generation on the Beerbower Farm. He was the son of the late Ernest and Mary (Kelly) Beerbower. He grew up on the farm and learned honesty, work ethics and about God from his parents. He graduated from Bruceton High School the class of 1950. He was awarded the FFA Chapter State Farm Degree and the American Farmers Degree at Kansas City. He raised registered Angus cattle, dairy cows, sheep, and hogs. John joined the 201 National Guards at Camp Dawson to serve his country. In 1958, he married Barbara Wotring and they had one child, a son, Kevin Allen born in 1963. John sold the farm in 1968, moved to Terra Alta and worked for Clem Teets Oil Co., Kerm Teets Sawmill Equipment, Daugherty Coal Co., Interstate Lumber Co., and retired from Allegheny Wood Products in 2002. He loved raising a big garden each year, cutting wood, and working on his lawn. He and Barbara spent winters in FL where he had a beautiful variety of citrus trees which kept him busy during the 29 winters there. He attended the Terra Alta Church of the Nazarene. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son Kevin in 1990, his sister and brother-in-law Florence and William Umbel, Jr., nephew W.K. Umbel, III, special cousins, Richard Kelly and Ralph Beerbower, aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends. John is survived by his wife of 64 years, Barbara, cousins, nephews, nieces, friends, and church family. Per his wish, there will be no public services. Arthur H. Wright Funeral Home, Terra Alta is providing guidance to the Beerbower family. Condolences may be extended to the family at www.arthurhwrightfuneralhome.com