Lester Mark Handley, age 64, passed peacefully at his home in Rivesville on May 28, 2023 after a battle with cancer. He was a 1976 graduate of Mannington High School and was employed by Eastern Associated Peabody Coal Mines for more than three decades before retiring in 2014.
During Mark’s time at Mannington High School, his love of sports earned him much recognition including being the third highest scorer all-time for the school’s basketball team with a total of 1,015 points. He was also named All-State honorable mention for basketball and offered a scholarship to Glenville State University. He competed at the state level in track for discus and hurdles along with other events. His sports career at Mannington High School also included football.
Mark enjoyed life to the fullest and was sure to put a smile on your face. He was given the nickname “Re-Markable” by his mother, friends and family would whole-heartedly agree. He was known for his fun-loving, and even a little bit ornery, sense of humor. He was an all-around athlete and enjoyed sports throughout his life. He played men’s adult league basketball for many years and golfed as well. He was a lifelong fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, but was also a true Mountaineer who loved WVU and attending the games.
He cherished spending time with family, and friends that became family, over the years at his Big Bear Lake camp. Mark enjoyed driving his stars and stripes golf cart with his beloved dogs in tow. He was an animal lover and cared for many dogs over the years.
He was a longtime member of both the Mannington Elks Lodge (1984-2016) and the Mannington Moose Lodge (2000-2013).
He is survived by his caring wife of 30 years, Rebecca “Becky” Handley, and children by marriage, Joshua McBee of Morgantown, Amber (Justin) Morris of Fairmont and 5 grandchildren, Treanna McBee, Alaysha McBee, Jude Morris, Grant Morris and Reese Morris. He is also survived by siblings, Shirley (Robert) Couts, Sheila (Michael) Barker, Alice (Theodore) Hosaflook, Michael Handley, brothers-in-law, Roger McBee, Richard McBee and Paul Beckman Jr., sister-in-law Barbara Goodwin, several nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester Handley and Margaret Gene Capelety, in-laws, Paul and Pearl Beckman, sisters Margie Melton and Carolyn Barker.
The family would like to give special thanks to pallbearers: Buddy Anderson, John Huey, Tim Byard, Allen Efaw, Larry Lodge, Joshua McBee and Randy Watson.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Masters Funeral Home in Mannington, WV. Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 1, 2023 from 6-8:00pm. Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 2, 2023 at 12:00pm with Pastor Lee Bowman officiating and Tam Bowman as harpist. Burial will follow at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Fairmont, WV.
Condolences
The world has dimmed with the absence of your light in it, but the heavens glow brighter today. Till we me again keep your light shinning bright brother, so I can find you when my time comes......
Loved parking on breast of the dam looking at the stars with you, now you touch the stars ,see you again my friend,save me a spot.
Sending deepest sympathy to everyone for the loss of your loved one❤
Sending deepest sympathy to everyone for the loss of your loved one❤
WE ARE SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.
Very sorry to hear this. I live in Indianapolis and won't be able to make it to viewing but my prayers will be there for family and friends.
Deb and I Will always cherish our time spent with Mark and family. He was a wonderful man of faith. Enjoyed the countless hours hanging out at the campsites and out on the golf course solving the world’s problems. Sadly will not be able to make his memorial service due to miles and work schedule. Would love an opportunity to celebrate his life sometime at big bear if one arises. God bless and stay strong.
My deepest condolences to the family.
I just wanted to let you know that I am Harry and Sarah Mobley's daughter. Jean was my mother's sister. I am very sorry for your loss.
I'm so sorry for your loss. Mark, was a great guy, we had many laughs and adventures together. I'm not able to attend the services, but the family is in my thoughts and prayers. RIP, till we meet again buddy.
Rest In Peace Brother ...So sorry for your loss Becky....
To the family of Mark Handley,
I didn't know Mark very well but I did play a lot of basketball with him. I was three classes below him so I was never on the same team with Mark at Mannington, but I've always enjoyed watching him play and I always tried to model my play after his. After high school I've played with and against Mark for many years in adult leagues and pickup games. When I went to college at WVU I continued playing a lot of basketball, often against many WVU and Fairmont State players. But I've always considered Mark the best and toughest player I've ever played against.
I just wanted to offer my condolences and let you know how highly I thought of Mark. My condolences on your loss and you will be in my prayers.
God bless,
Brett
I'm so very sorry to have heard that Mark passed away. Not knowing of his illness or seeing him for a long time. Remembering our younger years in school of how he was a very nice guy. May the grace of God bless all the family with comfort and knowing that Mark is longer suffering. In my thoughts and prayers.
Please accept my sincere condolences for the loss of a beloved family member and cherished friend. Mark was a guy that lived life to the fullest with contagious humor and a sly smile. He will be greatly missed by all of us.
Condolences to the family. Mark was a classmate.
RIP Mark you will be missed! Prayers to Becky and the rest of his family!