Robert Allen Vanatter

ROBERT ALLEN VANATTER JR., 85, of Huntington, widower of Emogene Withers Vanatter, passed away on Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at St. Mary's Medical Center. He was born on September 13, 1926 in Guyandotte, WV, a son of the late Robert Allen and Hazel Fletcher Vanatter. He was known by many nicknames; Bob, Fat, Junior and Big Bob. He is survived by a son, Dr. Allen Vanatter and his wife, Kathryn of Barboursville, WV; a sister, Winona Eileen Bays of Huntington, WV; grandchildren Max Booten and Shea Hutchison; great-grandchild, Dustyn Hutchison; nephews, Donald Bays, James Perry Jr. and Joel Edward Perry; Niece, Winona Bays; and a host of other great and great-great nieces and nephews. Mr. Vanatter was a Baptist by faith and a lifetime member of the El Hasa Shriners where he served in the Legion of Honor and the Clown Unit. He was perhaps best known for portraying Barney the Purple Dinosaur at many Shrine functions and parades. He was also a lifetime member of the Elks Lodge 313 BPOE, the American Legion Post 16, VFW Post 9738. He was a 32 degree Mason, member of the Western Star Lodge 11, Commandery 9 Knights Templar and the West Virginia Grand Chapter 10. He also served his country in the U.S. Army. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 7, 2012 at 12 noon at the Woodmere Memorial Park Abbey of Remembrance, Huntington, with Pastor Bob Withers officiating. Burial will follow at the cemetery. Friends may call one hour before the service at the chapel. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that expressions of sympathy take the form of donations to the El Hasa Shrine or the El Hasa Shrine Transportation Fund at PO Box 5190, Ashland, KY 41105, or the Shriner's Hospital for Children at 1900 Richmond Road, Lexington, KY 40502. Beard Mortuary is assisting the family. Online condolences may be conveyed to the family at www.beardmortuary.com

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