William E. “Bill” Fouch, 71, of Petersburg, passed away Thursday, May 12, 2016, at his home. Born April 6, 1945, in Martinsburg, he was the only child of the late George Fouch and Violet E. Fouch. Mr. Fouch graduated from Terra Alta High School and West Virginia University. He served in the United States Army, the National Guard and ended his military career as commander of the Army Reserve unit in Romney. He worked at the Grant County Press for more than 40 years, serving as editor in chief for most of that time and eventually becoming part owner. During his journalism career, he served as president of the West Virginia Press Association and was the recipient of the 2007 West Virginia Premier Journalist Award. He served as president of the Petersburg Kiwanis Club; was instrumental in establishing the Grant County Chamber of Commerce and also served as its president; served as president of the Petersburg High School Athletic Boosters; and was a member of the American Legion. He was Presbyterian by faith. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Jo Anna “Jodi” Fouch; two sons, Robert L. Fouch and wife, Geovanny, of Valley Stream, New York, and Todd A. Fouch and wife, Heather, of Nitro; and six grandchildren, Richard Feliciano, Isaac Fouch, Tyler Fouch, Tierra Fouch, Ashlee Fouch and Abigail Fouch. A memorial service with Military Rites by the Potomac Highlands VFW Post 6454 was held May 15 at Schaeffer Funeral Home. Inurnment will be at a later date. The family suggests memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN, 38105-3678, www. stjude.org
