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Arthur "Art" L. McKenzie, 94, passed away on January 27, 2024 at Liza's Place in Wheeling, WV.
Art was born on January 18, 1930 to the late William and Minnie McKenzie of West Liberty, WV. He was the eighth of thirteen children, with six sisters and six brothers.
Art enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at age 16, serving in Pearl Harbor and being assigned as a personal bodyguard to Admiral DeWitt C. Ramsey, Commander in Chief, Pacific Command and U.S. Pacific Fleet.
After his honorable discharge from military service at the rank of Corporal, Art graduated from Wheeling High School and West Liberty State College, also earning an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice and investigation from West Virginia Community College. This would begin a career of public service that would span over fifty years.
Art served on both the Wheeling Police Department and the Ohio County Sheriff's Office, serving as Chief of Police as well as being elected to two terms as Sheriff of Ohio County. He was also appointed as Warden of the West Virginia State Penitentiary.
In addition to his roles in law enforcement, Art was elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates, the Ohio County Commission, and the position of Mayor of the Village of Bethlehem. He was also proud to have been past president of the Wheeling Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police, West Virginia State Sheriff's Association, and the West Virginia County Employee's Association.
Art was an avid sportsmen, enjoying pheasant hunting, softball, bowling, golf, and competition shooting. He was also proud to have published a personal memoir.
In addition to his parents, Art is preceded in death by his siblings; sisters Virginia, Kathleen, Dorothy, Mary Margret, Norma, and Judith and brothers Raymond, Robert, John, Ronald, James, and Eugene.
Art is survived by his wife of 67 years, Velma, their son Raymond (Janice) McKenzie of Wheeling, and grandsons Dylan of Wheeling, Alex of Vail, CO, and Bryan (Teonna) of Pulaski, PA. Art ("Buddy" to his grandsons) often remarked that his three grandsons brought a special joy to his life.
Family will receive visitors on Thursday, February 1 from 1-3 pm and from 5-7 pm at Kepner Funeral Home, 166 Kruger St., Wheeling (304-242- 2311) where funeral services will be held on Friday February 2, 2024 at 10 am.
The Wheeling Police Department Honor Guard will be in attendance and the Moundsville Veteran's Honor Guard will conduct military graveside services.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Valley Hospice and Good Shepherd Nursing Home.
Condolences can be left for the family online at www.Kepner Funeral.com