Obituaries

Claude Cobler, 94, of Bassett, Virginia died on Saturday, October 29, 2022. He was born in Martinsville, Virginia on April 9, 1928, to Jack and Bessie Cobler. Claude was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Beatrice Adams Cobler; brothers, Doug, Wilson, Robert, and Elwood Cobler; sisters, Janie, Juanita, and Martha Cobler; and granddaughter Ashley Cassell.

Claude is survived by sisters, Jackie Turner, Sue Merriman, Maggie Plaster; brother, Daniel Cobler; sister-in-law, Roberta Sword, son, Allen Cobler; daughters, Jeanie McVay and husband Chris McVay and Janice Foley and husband John Foley; grandchildren, Daniel Cassell, Jason McVay, Kelly Maser, Ted Crowe, David Crowe, David Foley, Daniel Foley; their spouses/significant others, Crissa, Alex, Olivia, Ivanna, Stephanie, Ema; great grandchildren, Blaine, Archer, Grace, John; and many nieces and nephews.

Please join us in honoring our Dad and PaPa, Claude Cobler. To attempt to list his accomplishments would be impossible and he would probably roll his eyes if he heard I was even trying. What is much easier is to instead frame his legacy. From his heart he was a humble teacher, friend, and mentor. By his faith, he was one man in a congregation, listening and learning. He always insisted on being in the back of the rescue squad vehicle in case there was one last opportunity to share his faith with the person in need. By his energy and passion, he was a deacon, leader and visionary. This week I heard someone say he did not know the word NO; I would have said his favorite word was GO. In the rear-view mirror, it is clear that he was ultimately an entrepreneur. He laid cornerstones wherever he went – Patrick Henry Saddle Club, Rescue Squads in Henry and Patrick Counties. In his last few years while he lost his memories, I took relief in that WHO he was remained – our dad, our PaPa, humble, kind, thoughtful, faithful to the end. The last time I saw him alive, I kissed his head as he bowed his head in prayer. My best last memory of a great man. He will be missed.

The family will receive friends and family on Tuesday, November 1st from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the First Baptist Church of Bassett, 2590 Riverside Drive, Bassett VA. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, November 2nd at 1:00 pm at the First Baptist Church of Bassett with Pastor Doug Ramsey officiating. Burial will follow at the Maple Grove Cemetery, 260 Henry Road, Ferrum, VA 24088.

Dad was a practical man and would appreciate that in lieu of flowers to consider donations instead to Fork Mountain Rest Home at 2925 Fork Mountain Road, Rocky Mount, VA 24151. This would help the kindest, most giving people who can always find a good use of your generosity. We ask that you also consider making a donation to the Bassett Rescue Squad, 1950 Riverside Drive, Bassett, VA 24055. The family will forever be grateful for their support to make his services special for him, his family and his beloved community.