Maurice Hylbert
(June 24, 1921 - September 17, 2012)

Maurice A. Hylbert, born June 24, 1921, died September 17, 2012. He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Johnnie Lea Hylbert, who died in 2011, his parents, Elmer J Hylbert and Helen Simmons Hylbert, and his brother Phillip Hylbert. Maurice is survived by his brother, Robert Hylbert of Georgetown, Delaware, and five nieces and nephews. Maurice Austin Hylbert was born June 24, 1921 in Saxon, Ohio. He was just over a year old when his family moved to West Virginia. His parents, both teachers, moved frequently, so Maurice lived in a number of small lumber and mining towns in Southern West Virginia. He completed his early education in 1935 in the small coal mining town of Jeffery, WV. He then attended the American Legion Boys School and was elected the first President of Student Council in 1938. He graduated valedictorian in 1939 from Scott High School in Madison, WV. He graduated cum laude from Marshall College in May, 1943, with majors in English and Biology. He worked as a biology lab assistant during most of his years at Marshall. In June of 1943, he entered the Army and served in the Philippines, New Guinea and Japan, where he attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. After his discharge from the Army in 1946, he began a teaching career at Scott High School, where he taught English, Biology, Journalism and Drivers' Education. He obtained his Master's degree from Marshall in Administration and Biology in 1949. After many years working for the West Virginia Terminix Company, he acquired several of the state franchises beginning in 1965, including at one point branches in Huntington, Parkersburg, and Charleston. He retired and sold his business in 1983. After his retirement, he enjoyed many years of his favorite hobbies: boating, fishing and hunting, along with the occasional card game. The family would like to acknowledge the loyalty and assistance of his friends and caregivers, especially his friend Arnold Adams and caregivers Barbara McKenzie and Marcia Mullen, who were with him till the end. A graveside service will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Friday, September 21 at Ridgelawn Memorial Park by Rev. Chris Perkins.