Max Ellsworth Park

Max Ellsworth Park, age 75 of Baker, WV, passed away Friday afternoon, June 21, 2019 near Yellow Springs, WV as a result of a motor vehicle accident. Born on June 22, 1943 in Bean Settlement, WV, he was a son of the late Berlyn Enoch Park and Beatrice Omega Miller Park.

Surviving is his wife of 27 years, Cynthia A. Mongold Park; three sons, Michael L. (Shasta) Park of Capon Bridge, WV; Miles E. (Sharon) Park of Baker, WV and Travis A. (Tiffany) Park of Baker, WV; two step-sons, Aharon (Sara) Silverman and Daniel (Mariam)Silverman; two sisters, Brenda Daughtery and Janice Sherman; three grandchildren, Chris Koringa, Josh Park and Kiera Park; two step-grandchildren, Adriel Silverman and Arella Silverman and numerous nieces and nephews.

Max was a loving husband and loving, proud father and grandfather. He was a graduate of Potomac State College with an Associate’s degree and West Virginia University with a Master’s +45. He cherished his friendship with his college room-mate and lifelong friend Ross Cline. He was proud of his life and extremely proud of his sons and everything they have accomplished in their lives. His family and community were his life. He served as a lifelong member of the Bean Settlement Ruritan Club, where he was president for multiple terms and received an award for “51 years of perfect attendance”, and an award for “Ruritan Senior Citizen of the Year”. He also served as the Zone Governor and District Lt. Governor for the District Ruritans. He also served as the Ruritan Member on the Board of Directors for Love Memorial Clinic.

 He was a beloved teacher of Moorefield High School for 33 years and received the “Moorefield Jaycees Teacher of the Year Award” in 1968 and "West Virginia Electrification Teacher of the Year" award in 1980. He served 2 terms on the Hardy County Board of Education and was the current President of the West Virginia Association of Retired School Employees. He also served on the WV Education Association and National Education Association. He served as the President and Vice President for several terms for the County Education Association and also served at the President and Vice President of the Local School Faculty Senate. He also served on the Board of Directors for the South Branch Vocational School.  

He was a lifelong, devoted and active member of the Asbury UMC where he served as Treasure, Trustee and Lay Speaker. He also served with the Asbury cemetery committee. He was very active within his church up until the day of his death.

Farming and Agriculture was his passion in life. He received the 4-H All Star Award and was a former Director and Trustee for the Hardy County 4-H Camp Association. He served as the County President and Vice President for the Hardy County Farm Bureau as well as a Vice President for the West Virginia Poultry Association. He was also an Honorary Chapter, State, and American FFA degree holder.

He has won MANY awards and certificates for his dedication to his community and to his church. He loved Christ and worked to the best of his ability to spread that love to others. He will always be remembered and cherished as someone who would sacrifice to help anyone.

Funeral Services will be conducted 1:00 PM Wednesday, June 26, 2019 at the Asbury United Methodist Church, 1590 North River Rd, Baker, WV with Pastor Cheryl George officiant. Cremation will follow services. The family will receive friends from 1 – 3 PM and 5 – 7 PM Tuesday, June 25, 2019 at the Fraley Funeral Home Chapel, 107 Washington Street, Moorefield.

The family requests memorials may be directed to the Asbury United Methodist Church, c/o 152 Park Farm Drive, Baker, WV 26801.