Michael J. Phares

Michael James Phares, 35, a resident of Gum Road, Elkins, departed this life early Friday morning, June 13, 2008, at his home following a sudden illness.

He was born Friday, Jan. 5, 1973, at Elkins, a son of Donald Paul Phares and Camille Ann Marstiller Phares.

Also surviving are one sister, Missy Marple and husband, Jim, of Parsons; paternal grandmother, Pauline Phares of Elkins; one aunt, Judy Jones and husband, Bill, of Lewisburg; a multitude of friends of all ages; and his two best friends, his dogs, Marley and Stella.

Preceding him in death were his paternal grandfather, Paul Phares; and maternal grandparents, Calmer "Cam" Marstiller and Mildred "Betsy" Marstiller.

Mike attended the schools of Randolph County and was a graduate of Elkins High School with the class of 1991. He participated in sports and excelled in baseball as both a pitcher and a batter. Mike earned several awards which included All NCAC First Team and Second Team All State Class AAA in 1990 during which season Elkins High School was state runner-up in Class AAA. In 1991, he was again named to the All NCAC First Team, was selected as NCAC Player of the Year, was named to the First Team All State Class AAA and played in the North-South All Star Game. In 2006, Mike was inducted into the Randolph County Athletic Hall of Fame. Mike attended Davis & Elkins College, where he was an active member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. He worked for several local businesses, and in recent years, had worked at Digital Soup. He had a strong interest and natural ability with computers. He enjoyed his work and was very good at it.

Mike was an avid Mountaineer football fan and enjoyed boating, golfing, riding four wheelers and mixing and listening to music. Mike enjoyed each day to the fullest. He had the ability to make lasting friendships after talking to someone for only a few minutes. He had a quick wit, and he always wore a smile on his face even when things weren't going well. Mike, his jolly demeanor and his warm smile will be greatly missed by family and friends, but they will never be forgotten.

The family will receive friends and loved ones for a celebration of Mike's life at the Elks Lodge on the Country Club Road at Elkins on Saturday, June 28, from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. All photos and stories are encouraged and will be graciously welcomed. The family suggests that expressions of sympathy be in the form of memorial contributions to the Elkins High School baseball team, in care of David Fincham, Principal, 100 Kennedy Drive, Elkins W.Va. 26241 or to the Randolph County Humane Society, P.O. Box 785, Elkins, W.Va. 26241. Lohr & Barb Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for Michael James Phares. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.lohrbarbfuneralhome.com.