Obituary

Kenneth richard dubois died peacefully at the age of 92 on saturday, march 23, 2019, in charleston, west virginia, at his home at edgewood summit. He was an incredible family man and friend.

Kenneth was born on march 4, 1927, in new kensington, pennsylvania. His family moved to charleston, west virginia, so his father could work at the libbey-owens-ford glass company in kanawha city. Kenneth graduated from charleston catholic high school and joined his father and brothers at the glass factory. Soon after, kenneth met his lifelong sweetheart, georgene daniel. Over the years, he and georgene created a loving family legacy of ten children, 23 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren.

Kenneth is preceded in death by parents raymond and julia dubois, his loving wife of 65 years, georgene daniel dubois, his daughter, cynthia dubois campise, his granddaughter, andrea dubois kay, and great granddaughter, mila frances dubois, brothers, dr. Raymond dubois, frederick dubois and ronald dubois, and his sister, marion dubois. He is survived by his sons, dr. K. Richard (dick) dubois ii (missy) of new orleans, la, jim dubois (amy) of orlando, fl, david dubois of charlotte, nc, and his daughters, julia bruns (mike) of mesa, az, martha anderson (bill) and susan allen (charlie) of south charleston, wv, mary caldwell (david) of merritt island, fl, kelly sadd (david) and jacqueline kay of charleston, west virginia.

His children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, extended family and network of friends will remember kenneth as a kind, loving and encouraging gentleman who continually expressed, “a family that prays together stays together.” he always made people feel good about themselves by saying “that’s power!” and had an endless box of chocolate covered cherries on hand to share with visitors. He showed his support by never missing a sporting event, recital, birthday, wedding, graduation, or prom photoshoot, and he loved to wear his grandkids’ team ball caps.

Kenneth retired from libbey-owens-ford glass company as a glass cutter and union president with 39 years of service. He also retired from the state of wv after working for the department of labor as director of the safety and boiler division, and as the state’s beer commissioner appointed under governor jay rockefeller.  after retirement, he kept active working for the house committee on the judiciary during the legislative sessions. He loved community service and served as a member of the kanawha county democratic executive committee for 12 years and secretary of the united way executive board for eight years.

After kenneth and georgene moved from their beloved family home in kanawha city to riverview terrace on kanawha boulevard, he became an active neighbor making many friends and spending time honing his craft as an artist. Kenneth’s final home was edgewood summit where he made fast friends at meals, starting a history club for members to listen to and discuss history on audio cd’s and also participating in a number of art shows and exhibits.

More than anything, kenneth was a man of faith, and he wove that faith into his family. He was a member of st. Agnes catholic church in kanawha city and later in life became a member of the basilica of the co-cathedral of the sacred heart.

A funeral mass is scheduled for saturday, march 30, 2019, at 11 am at the basilica of the co-cathedral of the sacred heart. all are welcome to attend and celebrate kenneth’s life. Monsignor edward sadie, a dear friend of the family, and father higgs will officiate the ceremony. Burial will follow in mount olivet mausoleum, charleston, wv. Visitation will be friday, march 29, 2019, from 5 to 7 pm at barlow bonsall funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to sacred heart ministry to the sick and elderly at 1114 virginia street, east, charleston, wv, 25301. Online condolences can be sent to barlowbonsall.Com. The family would like to thank joyce elswick, robin turner, and the edgewood summit staff for their care and dedication.