HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 7

(By Delegates J. Kelly, Anderson, Azinger, Criss, and Hollen on Behalf of the Members of the House)

[Introduced January 23, 2019]

Commemorating the passing of the Honorable John Franklin Deem, veteran, businessman and dedicated public servant.

On Thursday, October 18, 2018, the City of Parkersburg, the County of Wood, the State of West Virginia and the West Virginia Legislature suffered the loss of an outstanding public servant with the passing of the Honorable John Franklin Deem.

            John Franklin Deem was born on March 20, 1928, in Harrisville, West Virginia, the son of Fulton S. Deem and Lyla Matheny Deem.  Known throughout his life as “Frank,” he graduated from Harrisville High School, attended Mountain State Business College, West Virginia University and graduated with a degree in Petroleum Engineering from Marietta College.

            Frank firmly believed in serving his state and country and served in the US Navy during World War II.  His compassion and concern for the welfare of the citizens of West Virginia were exemplified by his service in the West Virginia Legislature in both the House of Delegates and State Senate in every decade from the 1950’s to 2018.

            Frank Deem was a successful businessman who owned Frank Deem’s Market in Harrisville and Frank Deem Chevrolet in St. Marys, and he was the owner and operator of JF Deem Oil and Gas for more than 50 years.

            In addition to his public service, Frank was also a member of numerous civic, social and public service organizations, including the Parkersburg Rotary Club, Parkersburg Country Club, Sons of the American Revolution, Independent Oil and Gas Association, West Virginia Oil and Natural Gas Association, United States Golf Association, and the WVUP Foundation.

            Frank gave generously of his time to his community as a supporter of the Ritchie County Golf Program, the Boys and Girls Club of Parkersburg, the Parkersburg Art Center and the West Virginia Symphony.  He also supported education and was responsible for improvements to school grounds throughout the county.

While Frank Deem accomplished much in his life, he was perhaps most proud that he designed and built North Bend Golf Course in Harrisville.

            A voracious reader, Frank subscribed to and clipped and saved articles from many publications.  He was also outspoken and not shy about sharing his thoughts with the editors of West Virginia’s newspapers and was a regular contributor to the opinion page.  Frank traveled extensively and was known to enjoy a cocktail from time to time.      

Frank is survived by his wife Rebecca Lewellyn Deem, and six children, Debbie Basham, Pam Howard, Patti Snodgrass, Mike Deem, Katy Coatney, John Deem; and two step children, Zachary Wilson and Catherine Shuman, as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Through his years of public service Frank Deem touched and enriched many lives, and those who had the opportunity to know and work with him were truly fortunate.  He devoted many hours to serving his constituents, his district, his state and its citizens.  His colleagues at the Legislature will greatly miss his character, experience and statesmanship, and it is most fitting that we honor his memory; therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Delegates of the West Virginia Legislature:

            That deepest regret and sorrow are hereby expressed by the members of this body at the passing of John Franklin Deem, veteran, businessman, dedicated public servant and friend; and, be it

            Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates forward a copy of this resolution to the family of the Honorable John Franklin Deem.