In 1937, he changed his place of residency to Bell County, where he resided until his death, Feb. 25, 2007.
Widner was a member of the Pineville Methodist Church, a 70 year member and advocate of the UMWA, and a World War II veteran. Inducted into the United States Army on May 4, 1943, he began his active duty on May 11, 1943. He served in the 818th Engineers Aviation Battalion during campaigns throughout Normandy, Southern France, Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe. As a result of his involvement in these battles he was recipient of the EAME Chest Ribbon, W/5 Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Ribbon, Victory Medal and Purple Heart. Through his devoted service to his country and love of its people, he served as inspiration and mentor to all of his family.
He was one of the original founders of the 4 Leaf Clover Coal Company, founder of Widner and Sons Construction Company and of Widemark Construction.
An avid student of the visual arts, several of Widner's oil paintings have been displayed in various community businesses. He also participated as special speaker in art classes at Bell County High School in past years.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Raymond Widner, Gleason Widner; sisters, Elise Hubbs, Zella Mosley and Dessie Showwalter; and precious grandson, Thomas Jeffery Siler.
Survivors include his beloved wife of 61 years, Helen Lee Widner; sister, Ottie Rainey and husband, Elizey, Corbin, Ky.; daughter, Pamela Hensley and husband, Fox; sons, Stephen Widner and wife, Nancy, Glenn Widner and wife, Carolyn, all of Pineville; grandchildren, Amy Brumback and husband, Robbie, Travis Hensley and wife, Delilah, John Wesley Widner, Pineville, Rae Lynn Widner, of Decatur, Ala., Rachel Carr and husband, Jason, of Harlan, Ky., Stephanie Sanders and husband, Dan, Michael Widner and wife, Tammy; great-grandchildren, Jacob Bruner, Kaelyn Hensley, Chase Hensley, Morgan Hensley, Sara Waddle, Aaron Carr, Destiny Carr, Laken Carr, Brooklyn Sanders, Kyle Widner, Emily Widner and Ethan Widner. He, also, leaves a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 28, at Arnett and Steele Funeral Home. Thomas W. Howard will deliver the eulogy and obituary, Dr. Steven K. Morgan will serve as special speaker, and the Rev. Darrell Lowe will preside over the services. Music will be provided by Edwinna Eldridge and Steven Morgan.
Burial will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 1, at Pinelawn Memorial Gardens, Pineville, Ky. Pallbearers will be Travis Hensley, Michael Widner, John Wesley Widner, Dan Sanders, Robbie Brumback, Bobby Fuston and Jacob Bruner.
The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 28, at Arnett and Steele Funeral Home, Pineville. Guestbook at www.arnettsteele.com.
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