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1925 - 2014
 Frederick James Altizer, 88, of Barbousville, passed away at home on Thursday, January 16th 2014. Born and raised on a farm along Mud River Road in Barboursville, he was at points in his life a farmer, athlete, soldier, and civil engineer, but first and foremost, he was a dedicated family man who devoted endless hours and energy to his wife, children and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Ruby and E. Jorden Altizer; his sister, Alene Hensley; and brother Earl Altizer. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Janet Altizer; sons Christopher Altizer (wife Vickie Altizer), John Altizer (wife Cecilia Altizer) and Joseph Altizer (wife Stacey Ruckle); grandchild, but in truth, daughter, Catherine Altizer, whose children, Caroline, Gabriel and Madeline brought him much joy; and grandchildren Sarah Altizer, Eva Altizer and Grace Byers, all of whom he also greatly treasured. Frederick is also survived by his sisters, Marie Cumstom and Shelba Swisher; sister-in-law Eloise Baumgardner; and many nieces and nephews. He attended Barboursville schools and graduated from Barboursville High School in 1943, where he excelled at track, football and basketball. He was then recruited by Coach Cal Henderson to play basketball for Marshall College. After one season, he joined the war effort, being drafted into the United States Army. He served in France and Germany as a Scout for the 116 Mechanized Cavalry group, manning a 30 Caliber Machine gun on the rear of a jeep for the remainder of World War II. Following the end of the war he returned to Marshall, where he then resumed his basketball scholarship in 1946, and was a member of the team that won the NAIA National Championship in 1947. Because of the academic rigors of the engineering programs, and upon the passage of the GI Bill, Frederick gave up his sports scholarship to focus on academics. After graduating from Marshall College in 1950 with a B.S. degree in civil engineering, Frederick spent most of his career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Huntington, at times traveling on assignment to Florida, Germany and California. He retired from the Corps in 1986, as Chief of Contract Administration in the Huntington Division. He was a member of the National Association of Retired Military Engineers and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. While his sons were at home, Frederick spent many years coaching Little League and Babe Ruth baseball in Barboursville, and also helped establish youth leagues in the Coxes Landing area. He never strayed from his farm-boy roots, being a tireless gardener, builder, and general handyman. He loved spending time and doing projects for his children and grandchildren, and was very active throughout his retirement. He was an avid reader, and enjoyed hobbies of genealogy, woodworking, and following Marshall sports. He was a kind, generous, and understanding man with infinite patience, who believed in the goodness of all people, and whose passing has left a huge hole in the hearts of his family members. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Wallace Funeral Home, Barboursville. Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Tuesday, January 21, 2014, at the Wallace Funeral Home & Chapel, Barboursville. Entombment will be in White Chapel Memorial Gardens, Barboursville. Military rites will be conducted by the American Legion Post 139, Milton. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.timeformemory.com/wallace. |
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There are currently 6 condolences.
Debbie and Billy Summers
Tuesday January 21, 2014 at
8:02 PM
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Thank you, Mr. Altizer for so many years of friendship and kindness. We were so lucky to know you. Mrs. Altizer, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
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Irene Keller
Sunday January 19, 2014 at
3:34 PM
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Dear Janet I was so saddened to learn of Jim' passing. My thoughts & prayers are with you at this difficult time. May GOD grant you the peace, mercy & strength to get through this trying time.
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Rev. & Mrs. Frederick E. Kitchen
Sunday January 19, 2014 at
9:47 AM
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Janet, Chris, & Family:
We appreciate knowing Frederick these past 15 years, whose life showed compassion, and such kindness that proves the type of man he is. Our prayers are with you during this difficult time in your lives.
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Mike McKinney
Sunday January 19, 2014 at
9:32 AM
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Dear Altizer Family,
Even though our paths have not crossed in many years, I will always remember your Father as being one of the kindness, most gentle people I have ever known. I remember my Father complimenting Mr. Altizer on many occassions as being one of those people that was always there to lend a helping hand and do whatever you asked of him. Which, was very important in the early years of our Little League sports. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Mike McKinney
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Robin Fife
Saturday January 18, 2014 at
9:52 PM
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Mrs. Altizer, so sorry to read of the passing of your husband. Always enjoyed waiting on him at the Kroger service desk. Peace be with you.
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Rick Small & Lynne Bailey
Saturday January 18, 2014 at
6:07 PM
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We want the Altizer family to know we are thinking of them during this difficult time.
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