Obituary

On May 5, 2023, Craig Justin Gershen, 55, of Shady Spring, WV, passed away peacefully at the Hubbard Hospice House in Charleston, WV, following a long illness.

He was born on May 25, 1968, in New Jersey, to Ronald I Gershen, of Asheville, NC, and the late Beverly Ann (Rawlins) Gershen, born in Pottersville, NY.

Craig grew up in Lakewood, CA. He attended Jordan High School and later studied at Skagit Valley College and Cerro Coso Community College. Craig joined the U.S. Navy in 1986 and served 20 years with five combat tours. He was worldwide deployed for deploy forces and was a NATTC Pensacola school instructor for MTI Weapons Test Evaluation Center and was awarded 15 medals during the time served.

Craig is survived by wife of 13 years, Mable Hammond Gershen of Inez, KY; brothers,
Jeff (Sabine) Gershen of San Antonio, TX, Brandon (Danielle) Gershen, of Lakewood, CA, and Mark (Anita) Gershen of Beckley, WV. He is also survived by his children, Jordana (Dustin) London of Ridgecrest, CA, Jacob Gershen, Ridgecrest, CA, Craig Justin (Jerryn) Gershen of Austin, TX, and Cory (Jessica) of Malta, MT; grandchildren: Charlotte Gershen, Odin London, Saphira London, Princess Tovar, Cory Gershen, Jr., Ally Rice and Noah Sites, and Craig’s special companion, Peyton, a very loving German Shepherd.

The family extends thanks to all medical facilities and staff that took care of Craig during his long illness, along with the Hubbard Hospice House in Charleston, WV.

There will be short visitation for family and friends on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. at Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home, located at 1118 Virginia St. E, Charleston, WV.

Funeral Procession will line up by 12:30 p.m. at the funeral home and will proceed to Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery, 130 Academy Drive, Dunbar, WV, to the Committal Service Shelter where U.S. Navy Veteran Aviation Metalsmith 1st Class Petty Officer Gershen will receive a 21-Gun Salute. Reverend Donnie Pauley will recite the Final Committal Prayer.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hubbard Hospice House of Charleston, WV.

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

Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.