Bernard E. "Curly" Newsome

Bernard E. “Curly” Newsome, 87, of Mascoutah, IL formerly of Mullens, WV, born, May 19, 1921 in Itmann, WV, died Friday, Jan. 23, 2009 at MarKa Nursing Home in Mascoutah, IL.


Mr. Newsome worked for the Virginian Railroad, Norfolk and Western Railroad and retired from the Norfolk and Southern Railroad after 40 years of service as an engineer.


He was a member of the St. John’s Catholic Church, Mullens, WV; American Legion Post 200, Charleston, WV; United Transportation Union Local 1172 and a U. S. Army WW II and Korean War veteran.


He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard B. and Margaret Ann, nee Smallen, Newsome and a sister, Frances Millar.


He is survived by his wife, Naza Lee, nee Guidroz, Newsome of Mascoutah, IL formerly of Mullens, WV, whom he married in Lakeland, LA Nov. 30, 1947; a daughter, Therese (Benny) Saunders of Mascoutah, IL; 2 grandchildren, Kimberly Saunders and fiancé Nathan Caserotti and Brian Saunders; a nephew, Johnny Millar and a great-nephew, Brian Millar. Cousins, Nancy Newsome of Mullens, WV, Bill Newsome and Stephen Vickers of North Carolina, Robert Newsome and Donald Vickers of Georgia.


In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in the form of masses.


Visitation: There will be no visitation.


Funeral: A memorial mass will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2009 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Mullens, WV with Father Jack Reich officiating. Burial of cremains will be in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens in Beckley, WV following the mass.