ROBERT CRESS

He was born in Wheeling, WV, on October 26, 1921, son of the late Will L. and Nina M. Johnson Cress.

Robert is an Alumni of Wheeling High School and West Virginia University. He served in the U.S. Army in WWII.

He was a photographer all of his working life, starting with his father and brothers at Cress Studio in Wheeling. Also, he was the photographer at Wheeling Downs, photographing the horses in the winning circle and also at the photo finish. Later, he joined the Bachrach Studio in New York City, then managed their Philadelphia Studio. Robert and his wife, Constance opened their own portrait studio in Englewood, New Jersey for several years. Robert was the third generation of four that span over 100 years of professional photography. He returned to Wheeling in 2010 and resided at the Welty Home.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Gloria Vance Cress; his second wife, Constance Balaywick Cress; a brother, William A. Cress; two sisters-in-law, Kitty Cress and Juanita M. Cress; a brother-in-law, William Keefer; and a nephew, Greg Keefer.

Robert is survived by his sister, Barbara J. Keefer of Washington, PA; his brothers, Donald and his wife, Carla of Lynn, MA, and Richard “Dick” Cress of Wheeling, WV; and he was loved by many, many nieces and nephews.

At the request of Robert, there will be no visitation. Services and interment will be held at the convenience of the family.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Covenant Community Church (C3), 250 Bethany Pike, Wheeling, WV 26003.

Arrangements by the Kepner Funeral Home, 900 National Road, Wheeling, WV.

Personal condolences may be offered to the family at www.kepnerfuneral.com.