Morgantown native had deep roots in Mountain State

BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. – William Mathers “Mike” Barrick, 88, of Bridgeport, passed away on January 10, 2015. He was born in Morgantown, W.Va. on April 19, 1926 to the late Margaret Mathers Barrick. He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Minetta “Sparky” Barrick, his mother, and a brother, George M. Barrick Jr.

He is survived by his children, Michelle “Mickey” and David Hill of New Haven, IN, Michael and Sarah Barrick of Bridgeport, and April and Tom Ball of Glen Allen, VA; his grandchildren, Lindsay Barrick; Amanda Hill McLeod and her husband Tommy; Allyn Barrick; and Olivia and Cameron Ball; his great-grandchildren, Sophia and Kaitlyn McLeod, and Atleigh Barrick.

Mr. Barrick was a direct descendent of Morgan Morgan, the first European settler of what is now West Virginia and Col. Zackquill Morgan, Revolutionary War soldier and the founder of Morgantown. He worked for R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, Pabst Brewing Company, and other companies before his retirement. He was also active in the community, having served with the Jaycees and as a little league baseball coach.

He was a devoted and faithful member of All Saints Catholic Church in Bridgeport.

Friends will be received at All Saints Catholic Church, 317 East Main Street, Bridgeport, on Tuesday from 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. A Vigil Service will be held in the church at 7:30 p.m. The Catholic Funeral Liturgy will be held in the church on Wednesday, January 14, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. with Reverend Father Benedict Kapa and Reverend Father Hilarion V. Cann presiding. The interment will follow at Bridgeport Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Barrick’s memory to the Challenger Division of Bridgeport Little League with contributions sent to Mike Martin, 306 W. Main Street, Bridgeport, WV 26330.

Condolences may be extended to the family at http://www.fordfuneralhomes.com.