Okey Boggess, widow of Evelyn Kasper, Class of 1953, passed away Monday in the home where Evelyn and siblings Bob Kasper, Class of 1950, and the late Helen Kasper Andrew, Class of 1933, grew up.

Okey was a Navy man on Bikini Atoll, test site for the atomic bomb that hit Japan twice and ended World War II.

He was a retired coal miner, like my late father, John W. Olesky, Sr.

Evelyn passed away less than 3 months ago. Okey and Evelyn were married for 62 years.

Bob lives in South Lyon, Michigan.

Okey and Evelyn had three children, Kathy Peaslee of Youngstown, who I met at a Mountaineer Field game; John Boggess, who owns the building on U.S. 19 in Monongah adjacent to Thoburn School that once was the P.P. Shenasky Grocery; and Tish Boggess of Fairmont.

Okey’s obituary:

Otis R. “Okey” Boggess, Jr., 91, died on Monday, December 9, 2019, at his home in Monongah, WV.

Okey was born August 8, 1928, in Wyatt, WV, the oldest child of Otis R., Sr. and Mildred (Anderson) Boggess.

Okey attended Shinnston High School then enlisted in the U.S. Navy. After World War II he was stationed at Bikini Atoll where they tested the nuclear bomb. He worked for Consol Coal Company for many years, retiring from Humphrey Mine in 1992. Okey enjoyed planting a garden every year, growing blackberries and fishing. He was a fan of WVU sports and the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He enjoyed taking them fishing and attending their school events. He was of the Catholic faith.

He wife, Evelyn Boggess, whom he married on September 1, 1956 at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Monongah, died September 28, 2019, after 63 years of marriage.

He is survived by his three children, Kathy Peaslee and husband Rick of Youngstown, OH, John Boggess and wife Sue of Monongah, WV, and Tish Boggess of Fairmont, WV; four grandchildren, Matthew Peaslee and wife Erin, Zachary Peaslee, Andrew Boggess, and Jacob Boggess; a brother-in-law, Robert “Bob” Kasper; a special cousin, Sharon Sokolosky; several nieces and nephews; and great nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife and parents, Okey was preceded in death by a sister, Betty Lou (Boggess) Marra; and a brother, Ira “Bruce” Boggess.

The family would like to thank Okey’s caregiver and friend, Pauline Monell, and neighbors, Frank and Cathy Boyce, for all their help over the years.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like memorial donations to be sent to Dementia Society PO Box 600 Doylestown, PA 18901 or Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Monongah, WV.

The family will receive friends at Domico Funeral Home, 414 Gaston Avenue in Fairmont, on Saturday, December 14, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. The funeral will be at the funeral home on Saturday, December 14, 2019 at 12:00 p.m. with Father Vincent Joseph officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Monongah. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.domicofh.com .