Dr. Jerry D. Harrah

On the morning of April 11, 2015, the Reverend Dr. Jerry David Harrah, 78, of Hurricane, left this life and went to meet his Maker. He was preceded in death by his parents Lemon E. and Virgie Lowe Harrah, infant daughter Rebecca Lynn, infant grandson Bryant Gregory and brother Danny. Jerry is survived by his wife of 59 years and 10 months, Marlene Ashworth Harrah, children, Dr. Gregory Harrah (Mary), Nancy Salkeld (David), Dr. Jason Harrah(Lauren); grandchildren Patrick Salked (Helen), Benjamin Salked, Badyn Nettles and Sophia Harrah; brother Charles Harrah (Peggy), sister in-law Dianne Harrah, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Before accepting the call to the ministry of our Lord, he was employed by Northwestern Mutual Life Ins. Co. and United Airlines. After graduating from Union Theological Seminary he became an Associate Minister at First Presbyterian Church for 18 months and then answered a call from Teays Valley Presbyterian Church where he remained for 30 years. During this time he earned his D-Min from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and along with the membership of the church, Teays Valley Manor was built for the elderly and disabled. For most of his ministry he remained a member of the Committee on Aging for the Presbytery of WV. Six months after his retirement he became Supply Pastor of Kuhn Memorial Presbyterian Church in Barboursville, WV where he remained for 10 years. While there he was instrumental in restoring their original chapel and installing beautiful stained glass windows in the main sanctuary. He will be missed and remembered by many. Two of the things he loved most, were the Christmas season and his interaction with children during the ‘children’s sermonette’ during morning worship. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations in Jerry’s name to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital PO Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis TN 38148-0142, Shriners Hospital for Children, Office of Development 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa FL 33607 or WVU Children’s Hospital Development Office PO Box 8200 (ROC 117) Morgantown WV 26505. Funeral service for Dr. Harrah will be 2:00pm Tuesday at Kuhn Memorial Presbyterian Church, 955 Main Street, Barboursville WV 25504 with Rev. Kevin Channell and Rev. Patrick Ryan officiating. Burial will follow in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens, Cross Lanes. The family will receive friends on Monday from 6:00pm until 8:00pm at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane. Anyone wishing to leave an online condolence or memory may do so at: www.chapmanfuneralhomes.com Chapman Funeral Home, 3941 Teays Valley Road, Hurricane WV 25526 is honored to handle Rev. Dr. J. D. Harrah’s arrangements.

Dr. Jerry D. Harrah

December 23, 1936 - April 11, 2015