Chauncey Vernon Mobberly

Chauncey Vernon Mobberly, 84, of 300 Lawton Road, Marietta, passed away on December 11, 2009 at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Parkersburg, WV.  He was a longtime resident of New Matamoras and had lived in the historic Yellow House home from 1948 until October 2009.  He was born July 16, 1925 in Woodsfield Ohio and was the only child of Errett Gale Mobberly and Millia Letha (Cline) Mobberly.

He was a Protestant by faith and a member of the Church of Christ.

Chauncey spent his childhood years in Graysville, Ohio.  He graduated from Graysville High School in 1943 and attended Ohio University where he majored in journalism and authored several short stories for OU’s student newspaper. Following his freshman year, he was drafted into the US Army and completed his basic training at Camp Wheeler, Macon, GA and served there until he was honorably discharged at the end of WWII.

Upon returning to civilian life, Chauncey and his father were partners in several business enterprises including a taxi company (Marietta Cab) and a general store (Red and White) in Old Washington, Ohio.  In 1948 they embarked upon a new adventure when they acquired a contract to deliver mail for the US Postal Service from New Matamoras-Rinard Mills-Graysville twice daily.  Chauncey retired in 1992 and made lifelong friends along that rural mail route.  He always had candy treats for the children and biscuits for the dogs as he traveled the country roads.

Chauncey’s love of journalism continued throughout his entire life, and he had a unique talent for writing children’s stories and creating craft projects for young children to enjoy.  He was a very modest, humble gentleman.  Many people did not realize that he was a recognized author and regular contributor to major publications such as: Jack and Jill, Highlights for Children, Ranger Rick, Wee Wisdom, Good Housekeeping, McCalls, Farm Journal, and many others.

He had many interests and hobbies and enjoyed collecting antique bottles, coins, books and magazines.  He loved animals and the family was never complete without several dogs who shared their home.  Living in the country, there were numerous dogs which were dropped off and several of those were fortunate enough to find themselves at the Yellow House.  Many people fondly remember Chauncey faithfully walking his Norwegian Elkhound “Buffy” for many years.  She was among the many strays who strolled onto the family farm over a 60-year tenure and lived there until they passed away from old age.   Chauncey used to joke that he nearly became a vegetarian, not by choice, but because the family dogs begged for the meat from his plate.

Chauncey is survived by his loving wife and best friend, June (Weckbacher) Mobberly.  They were lifelong sweethearts, dated throughout high school, and were married on May 29, 1943.  He is also survived by two daughters who were his pride and joy and whom he always considered his “little girls”:  Sharon (Les) Paul, Marietta; and Sonja (Bob) Tallman, Williamstown.
Other survivors include: Wilma Smith, Marietta, sister-in-law; Carl Weckbacher, Beach City OH, brother-in-law; several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Chauncey was a compassionate man who was a friend to all who knew him.  He had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to tell stories to amuse his family and friends.  Chauncey had a keen memory and was, in a sense, a living history book with remembrances of several generations of families who had resided in Monroe County OH during his lifetime.  Everyone who knew him will surely remember his sweet smile and gentle disposition.  He was loved deeply by his family and his passing has created an empty spot in their hearts.  Simply stated, “he was a good man”.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Chauncey’s memory to The Humane Society of the Ohio Valley, PO Box 5, Marietta, OH 45750 or the Low Gap Cemetery Fund, c/o Janet Graham, 36075 Harmon Ridge Rd, Graysville, OH 45734.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday (December 15th) at 1:30 pm at McClure-Schafer-Lankford Funeral Home, 314 Fourth St, Marietta, with the Rev. George Hoskins officiating.  Friends may call at the funeral home after 3pm Monday and until the time of the funeral service. Burial will be at the Christian Union Church (Low Gap Cemetery) near Graysville, Ohio.