John Frank Kukura

John Frank Kukura, age 80, of St. Albans, died peacefully on March 6, 2018. John was born in Casper, WY, and was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, June Marie Chambers Kukura, and his parents, John and Mary Kukura, infant daughter Rose Ellen, and many other relatives and friends. John, a very caring, loving father and husband, enjoyed buying gifts as well as keeping up with the news and current events. A particular personal passion was loving and caring for animals, especially cats, but also feeding birds which also it seems, pleased the cats. He was a licensed ham radio operator, who also enjoyed hunting and fishing. He loved attending the grandchildren’s soccer, basketball, and football games, swimming meets, and tournaments with Mom. John volunteered over many years with community groups and organizations including the Community Music Association, the West Virginia Symphony, Boy Scouts of America, and midget league football. Dad received his B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering from the South Dakota School of Mines, was a member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, and was a commissioned officer for Occupational Health Division offices, Public Health Service in Salt Lake City, Utah. After getting married in Utah, Mom and Dad moved to West Virginia where he worked for more than 40 years in the area chemical plants as a chemical engineer. Originally a Carbider, he then worked for other companies including Rhone-Poulenc, Aventis CropScience, CDI, Kvaerner, and Augusta Engineering. John, father of six, is survived by offspring and grandchildren: daughter: Mary and Bob Straw, and their children Brendan and Emer; son: John and Kelli Hill Kukura, their children Katelin and John Cole; daughter: Anne and Roger Burdette, their children Roger and Andrew; daughter: Kathryn Sayre and daughter Kristen; daughter Alicia and Rick Miles, their children Colin, Morgan, Evan, and Ian; and son: Michael. John is also survived by his sister: Barbara Kumpf, and sister-in-laws Claire and Jim Stanley, Anne and Craig Swanson, nieces and nephews, all of their families, and special friends. We had fun family vacations over the years, will always remember the cars, especially the blue Volkswagen full of kids, and the blue van crossing the country and getting stuck in snow, and the best steaks ever. The family gives many thanks for the care and attention given to him by the loving assistants, nurses, and staff at Broadmore Assisted Living. We, the family, also wish to give a special recognition of gratitude to daughter, sister and favorite nurse, Alicia, for her extra care and help over the past several years. In lieu of flowers, we suggest donations to the Kanawha-Charleston animal shelter or St. Francis of Assisi School. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated, at 11:00am Saturday, March 10 at St. Francis Church, 1023 6th Avenue, St. Albans. Visitation will be from 9-11am, Saturday at the church. Burial will be at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Scott Depot. You may share memories of John on his tribute page by visiting ChapmanFuneralHomes.com Bartlett-Chapman Funeral Home, family-owned and located at 409 Sixth Avenue, St. Albans is honored to serve the Kukura family.