Hechler Honored in Capitol Memorial Service

Nearly 100 mourners gathered at a memorial service for Ken Hechler Monday at the Culture Center on the state Capitol complex. 

Hechler, a nine-term Congressman and West Virginia’s Secretary of State, passed away Dec. 10 at 102.

The service included remembrances from some of the state’s top political leaders as well as close personal friends and former employees of Hechler. They included Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin. Senators Shelley Moore Capito and Joe Manchin, Secretary of State Natalie Tennant, former longtime Attorney General Darrell McGraw, and several others. 

Known for his larger than life personality, Hechler spent nine terms in Congress where he fought for civil rights and coal mine safety legislation and for compensation for miners suffering from black lung disease.

He served as West Virginia’s Secretary of State for 15 years and was a special assistant to President Harry Truman as well as a decorated war veteran, historian and professor. 

Additional services:

Wednesday, Dec. 22 4-8 p.m.- Viewing at Giffin Funeral Home in Capon Bridge

Thursday, Dec. 23 11:00 a.m.- Augusta Church of Christ in Augusta 

Burial will follow Thursday service at Branch Mountain United Methodist Cemetery in Three Churches