Albert Harold Mathena Jr.

Albert Harold Mathena, Jr., 86, of St. Albans, WV found peace on March 15th, 2025 at Thomas Memorial Hospital after a long battle with cancer. Al was born November 28, 1938 in Powellton, WV to the late Albert Sr. and Helen Kovach Mathena. Also preceding him in death is his first wife Shirley Anderson Mathena, his son Jim Mathena, his sister Marion Hopper; and brothers James Edward and Charles R. Mathena. Surviving is his wife of 56 years, Frances Anna Holstein Mathena; stepson Tim Snyder; sister Evelyn Beard; grandchildren Adam Snyder (Brittiney), Rachael Snyder, Zach Carper (Sarah), Zoey Carper, Eliot Mathena; great grandchildren Jack Miller, Cash Miller and Lillian Carper along with dozens of beloved nieces and nephews. Al spent most of his adolescence in South Charleston, West Virginia. However, while attending South Charleston High School, Al’s father was transferred by U.S. Steel to its homestead in Pittsburgh, PA. There, Al was welcomed by new friends with open arms and he graduated with honors from Munhall High School in 1956. Unable to stay away from those “Country Roads” for long, Al made his way back home to enroll at West Virginia University. There, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the School of Mines and his Master of Science degree in Engineering in 1962. Al began his career at the United Fuel Gas Company through Columbia Gas as a junior engineer in the Production Department. Al worked as a Petroleum Engineer for Columbia Gas Transmission and retired in 1996 with nearly 34 years service. Being the ambitious man that he was, Al couldn’t help but take on many roles throughout his life, of which include: Chairman of the Appalachian Section in the Society of Petroleum Engineers; representative of the Eastern United States on the Board of Directors of the SPE; and president of the WVU School of Mines. Al even found the time to serve his country in the US Army and was stationed in Korea at Camp McGovern on the DMZ. However, amongst his many achievements, his family viewed his greatest strength to be his strength of character. Those who knew Al knew him to be a thoughtful, soft spoken man who never went anywhere without a good book. He had a kind soul and a knack for getting things done. Those who knew Al knew that he could never sit still for long. Even in retirement, he put his engineering degree to use through the late nights, helping his grandchildren with their math homework. Those who knew Al knew how much he loved his wife, Fran. He showed that up until his last day on earth, fighting through his cancer just long enough to tell her Happy Anniversary, only to take his final breath later that afternoon. Those who knew Al, loved him dearly and will strive to keep his memory alive until we meet him again. Join us for Al’s funeral service on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at 1pm with the Rev. John H. Finnell officiating. Entombment will follow in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations me made to Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. You may visit Albert’s online tribute at BartlettNichols.com to share condolences and memories with the family Bartlett-Nichols Funeral Home, locally owned and located at 409 Sixth Ave., St. Albans, WV is honored to serve the Mathena family. Bartlett-Nichols Funeral Home, family owned and located at 409 Sixth Avenue, St. Albans is honored to serve the Mathena family.

Albert Harold Mathena Jr.

November 28, 1938 - March 15, 2025