Obituary

Arthur Larry “Art” Altman, age 92, passed away October 6, 2025, at the Arthur B. Hodges Center in Charleston, West Virginia.

Art was born on January 12, 1933, in Bryan, Ohio, the son of Philip and Ruth (Creek) Altman. He graduated from Bryan High School and attended Purdue University, where he earned his master’s degree in chemical engineering. His studies were interrupted by service to his country in the U.S. Army, where he served in West Germany.

On April 25, 1959, Art married Nancy Ann Gammage in a union that would span over 66 years of love and partnership. Together they built a life in South Charleston, West Virginia, where Art worked for Union Carbide for most of his career before retiring from Bayer AG in 1992.

Art’s true passion lay in the outdoors and in sharing that love with others. For many years, he served as Assistant Scoutmaster, Scoutmaster, and volunteer with Troop 195 in South Charleston, instilling a love of nature that has passed down through generations of scouts and his own family. Shortly after retirement, he fulfilled a lifelong dream by hiking the entire 2,143 miles of the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine, earning the trail name “Retread” after overcoming extensive blistering early in his trek—a testament to his determination and perseverance.

An active member of First United Methodist Church in South Charleston for over 60 years, Art was known for his dry sense of humor and his generous spirit. He enjoyed camping, hiking, canoeing, traveling, and photography. He was an avid tennis player and Bridge enthusiast, participating in leagues for both. Most of all, he doted on his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, sharing with them his love of adventure and the natural world.

In keeping with his lifelong spirit of generosity, Art decided to donate his body to the WVU School of Medicine, benefiting future medical professionals and their patients.

Art is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Nancy Gammage Altman; his daughter, Teresa Altman; his son, Andrew (Hope) Altman; grandchildren Angelina (Anthony) Eads and Brandon Eads, Mark (Megan) Altman, and Nathan Altman, and great-grandchildren Nellie LeLaikes and Finn Altman.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Mary Seslar, Phyllis Leeking, Helen Horner, and Doris Kovak; and his brother, John Altman.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on October 25, 2025, in the social hall at First United Methodist Church, 905 Glendale Avenue, South Charleston, West Virginia.

The family will receive friends one hour prior in the social hall of the church.

Contributions in Art’s memory may be made to the United Methodist Foundation WV, P.O. Box 3811, Charleston, WV 25338, or to the West Virginia Red Cross, 113 Lakeview Drive, Charleston, WV 25313. Please include “In Memory of Arthur Altman” with your contribution.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.barlowbonsall.com.

Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.