Big Pool

Hazel Thelma Fritz, 75, of Big Pool, Md., passed away Friday, Feb. 8, 2013, at Meritus Medical Center near Hagerstown, Md., surrounded by her family. Born Sept. 28, 1937, in Big Pool, she was the daughter of the late Alvey and Goldie Reed of Big Pool. She was a graduate of Clear Spring (Md.) High School and attended Blairs Valley Church of God. She was a homemaker. She is survived by her husband and friend of nearly 56 years, Gayle Fritz Sr. of Big Pool. She was the loving mother to her children, Gale Fritz Jr. and wife, Gina, of Big Pool, Charles Fritz of Clear Spring, daughter, Rebecca Madison and husband, Norman, of Big Pool, and adopted daughter, Jenny Baker.

Edward Lee “Papaw” Foster, 74, of Berkeley Springs, W.Va., died Saturday, Feb. 2. 2013, at his home while under the care of Hospice of the Panhandle. The family will receive friends Thursday from 9 to 11 a.m. at Helsley-Johnson Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Berkeley Springs. The service will be Thursday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Parkhead Cemetery, Big Pool.

CLEARWATER, Fla. - Chad Lowry of Big Pool received the President's Recognition at Clearwater Christian College for scholastic achievement during the fall semester. In order to be recognized for the award, honorees must have been enrolled full-time and earn a minimum grade-point average of 3.9 on a 4.0 scale. Lowry is a freshman criminal justice major. He is a graduate of Heritage Academy in Hagerstown. He is the son of Michael Albert Lowry and Shelby Jean Lowry of Big Pool.

William D. "Donnie" Andrews Sr., 57, of 30 E. Church St. in Williamsport, Md., passed peacefully Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013, with his family by his side at Meritus Medical Center near Hagerstown, Md. Born Aug. 2, 1955, in Olney, Md., he was the son of the late Wilbur Louis Andrews and Bessie Maire Phillips Andrews. He was employed by Baltimore Street Station. Donnie loved spending time in his garage and with his grandchildren. He is survived by his loving wife of 10 years, Cora Michelle Whittington Andrews of Williamsport; five daughters, Lisa Andrews, Crystal Andrews, Jessica Jenkins, Kimberly Jenkins and Tiffany Jenkins; six sons, William D. Andrews Jr., Kenneth Andrews, Jason Andrews, Justin Edwards, Daniel Sexton and David Sexton; one sister, Carol Spencer; two brothers, Wilburt Andrews and Robert Andrews; 21 grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Guy Wilson Mummert, 96, of 11005 Big Pool Road, Big Pool, Md., passed away Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2013, at Reeders Memorial Home in Boonsboro, Md. Born Tuesday, Aug. 22, 1916, in Big Pool, he was the son of the late Ervin M. Mummert and Edith M. (Forsythe) Mummert. He was preceded in death by his wife, Genevieve Pearl Mummert, in 1998. In his early years, Guy was employed by a contractor, building homes and later went on to work at Fairchild Aircraft from 1939 to 1948. He, more often, would be remembered for his television sales business in the Clear Spring, Md., area.

Andrew Jackson "Jack" Michael III, 85, of Big Pool, Md., died Sunday, Jan. 6, 2013, at his home in Big Pool. Born in Big Pool on Jan. 6, 1928, he was the son of the late Boyd John Michael and Nellie Marie Clopper Michael. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 59 years, Edna Lucille "Kate" Martin Michael, in 2008. He was a member of Mount Carmel United Methodist Church, Big Pool, and earlier of St. James Evangelical United Brethren Church, Big Pool. He was a lifelong farmer, lumberman and land developer.

David Wayne Belanger, 40, of Berkeley Springs, W.Va., died Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2013, at War Memorial Hospital in Berkeley Springs. The service will be Saturday at 11 a.m. at Helsley-Johnson Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 95 Union St., Berkeley Springs. Bob Lily will officiate. Burial will be in Parkhead Cemetery, Big Pool. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service.

An electrical outlet malfunction was suspected of causing a Saturday morning fire on Big Pool Road that displaced four adults and a child, according to deputy state fire marshal. The family has moved into another residence, Clear Spring Volunteer Fire Co. member Eric Reid said Monday morning. “The community really stepped up,” Reid said. Plenty of clothing and toys have been donated to help the family of Stephen Wood, Reid said. The family has moved to a home on Indian Springs Road where the owner has agreed to donate the first three months' rent to allow the family to get back on its feet, Reid said.

Joseph Leon Hovermale, 71, of Clear Spring, went to be with his Lord on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012, at Meritus Medical Center, with his loving and devoted wife at his side. Joe was born Aug. 18, 1941, in Big Pool, Md., to the late Dorothy Pauline Kline Hovermale and Charles Russell Hovermale. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving during the Vietnam War from 1966 to 1968. He served a tour in Vietnam from 1966 to 1967.  He was a 1959 graduate of Clear Spring High School.  He was a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Big Pool, a charter member of the Fort Frederick Ruritan Club and the Joseph C. Herbert American Legion Post 222 of Clear Spring.