Howard James Blyler

Howard James Blyler, 73, of Cowen, West Virginia took his final breath on October 30, 2024 at Charleston Area Medical Center-General Division from injuries related to a hunting accident. He was surrounded by family and friends and wrapped in his 2008 Phillies World Series blanket. Born in Salem, New Jersey, in 1950, the son of George Blyler and Florence Gatanis Blyler, he was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife of 44 years Madonna Mayse Blyler, and his brother-in-law Gordon Clevenger. He is survived by his children-Gabriella Blyler Olson (Jeff), Ethan Blyler, Amanda Blyler Hudson (Steve); his grandchildren Alexandra, Parker and Sofia Olson, Cole and Troy Blyler and Isaac Hudson; his siblings George (Debby) Blyler, David (Theresa) Blyler, and Marybeth Clevenger; nieces and nephews George, Christine, Gordanna, David, Desiree and Christopher; and a large and loving family of Greek aunts, uncles and cousins.

Howard graduated from Salesianum High School in Wilmington, DE in 1968. During his teen years, he was a proud member of the Richman gang and the Happy Go Lucky Gun Club. He attended West Virginia University and the West Virginia University College of Law from which he graduated in 1976. He met his wife Madonna at WVU and because he loved the West Virginia mountains, they moved to Cowen, WV in 1976 where he and Madonna raised their family. He joined Ernest “Jack” Morton in practicing law and eventually opened up his own private practice where he worked until his passing. He enjoyed coin collecting and worked weekends at David Hill LTD in Barboursville, mostly so he would know when the “good” coins came in. He was an avid baseball fan, and often made trips to wherever the Philadelphia Phillies were playing. He was in attendance (along with Madonna, Amanda and Parker) at Game 5 of the 2008 World Series when his beloved Phillies won the title. He was a season ticket holder for the minor league team in Charleston and made many friends there. His coin collection was only rivaled by his baseball card collection. He imparted his love of baseball to all of his children and grandchildren and his family shared many trips to baseball stadiums all over the US. He loved traveling, but often enjoyed the journey more than the destination as he stopped at every antique store, roadside vegetable stand and “mom and pop” restaurant that he could find. He often took the scenic route to family vacations and fishing trips to the Outer Banks. He loved to eat and would often drive out of his way for a good Philly Cheesesteak. He loved cooking even more than eating and holiday meals were large and elaborate and everyone was welcome. No one ever left a Cowen Lions Club Christmas dinner hungry. He was an avid supporter of many local and state charities, serving on the Board of the Cowen Public Library, many years of service with the Cowen Lions Club, and as the state Chairman of Ducks Unlimited.

A Celebration of Life will be held on December 14, 2024, at 2:00 pm Morris Funeral Home in Cowen. A gathering of family and friends will be held from 12:00 pm until the time of service at the funeral home. Please bring your stories and memories with you to share and celebrate a life well lived.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you donate to a favorite charity or to one of Howard’s favorite charities, including Ducks Unlimited, Saving Webster Dogs, or the Cowen Public Library.

Online condolences may be sent to the family www.morrisfuneralhomecowenwv.com.

Services entrusted to the care of Morris Funeral Home, Cowen WV.