John S. Courrier, 62, of Springfield, WV,  passed away on Wednesday, July 10, 2008 at home surrounded by his loved ones.                                         
John was born on December 11, l945 in Keyser, WV, son of the late Ernest Adolf and Willie Inez (Smith) Courier.  John was an electrician having retired from IBEW Local 307 in Cumberland, MD.   He completed his apprenticeship in 1972 and worked for the union for 35 years.   John graduated  from Keyser High School in 1963.  He was a player on the Keyser High School State Championship Football Team of 1962-1963 and was also on the 1961 wrestling team and track team winning first place in relay, running the  one mile.     After high school he joined the Navy serving from 1963-1965.  His home base was Norfolk, VA. and he served in France, England, Denmark and Cuba.
John is a lifetime member of American Legion Post #52, Piedmont, WV and a member of the Men’s Auxiliary, Oldtown VFW Post 9851.  He was a former member of the Cresaptown Eagles and the Keyser Moose.  John enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and fishing.  He was an avid reader and enjoyed traveling.  He took trips to  Las Vegas or Atlantic City where he  had been known to gamble a bit.
John is survived by his loving companion, Velma Smith of 9 years, Springfield, WV; one son:  John S. Courrier, Jr. and wife, Angie, Keyser, WV; two daughters:  Clarissa Markle and husband, Dennis, Keyser, WV, Melissa Robin and friend, Bryan, Ft. Ashby, WV; sister,  Neva Taylor, and husband, Reeves, Keyser, WV; two brothers,  James Courrier, and wife, Dina, Keyser, WV and  Ernest Courrier and wife, Connie, Williamsburg, VA; ten Grandchildren:  Ashley, Jodi, Daniel, Chasity, Whitney, Erica, Madison, William, Haley, and Lilley and three Great-Grandchildren:  Mathew, Ria, and McKinley May.
He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
John’s wishes were that his body be donated to WVU School of Medicine and Science.  John said, “By donating my body it may help someone find a cure for cancer.”
A memorial service will be conducted at the McCoole VFW on Wednesday, July 16th at 7:00 p.m.  Memorials may be made to the Hospice of the Panhandle, 122 Waverly Court, Martinsburg, WV 25401.
Inquiries may be directed to the Shaffer Funeral Home, Inc., Romney, W.Va.