Obituary of Jason Ray Cress

Jason Ray (Butch) Cress Jr., 65, of Masontown went home to be with the Lord on Friday, January 22, 2016 at home with his loving wife of 47 years, Sharon Sue Cress by his side. He was born in Morgantown, WV on April 19, 1950 to the late Mary Kay (Fields) and Jason Cress Sr. Jason retired from Consol Energy Blacksville #1 Mines after over 20 years. He served in the United States Army as a Sergeant in the Vietnam War with the 25th infantry division as a sniper. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 3 bronze stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Air Medal, Army Accommodation Cold War Medal, South Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry Medal, Sharpshooter, and Marksman. He also received a Certificate of Appreciation by General Westmoreland and a Certificate of Appreciation for Active Service by President Nixon. Jason was honorably discharged in 1970. He was Methodist by faith. Jason loved to hunt, fish and especially spend time with his family and friends. He belonged to the VFW Post 1589 in Masontown. In addition to his wife he is survived by one son, Jason Ray Cress III and wife Carrie Cress of Reedsville; one daughter, April Lynn Cress of Masontown; one step granddaughter, Katelynn Strahin; one step grandson, Garrett Strahin both of Reedsville and three sisters, Linda and Jeff White of Morgantown, Barbara Hines of Ohio and Cindy and Dave McCloud of Kingwood; nieces Michelle Yost of Morgantown and Bella McCloud of Kingwood; nephews, John Hartman of Reedsville and Bruce and Billy Hines of Ohio and many great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one sister, Debra Hartman and one nephew, Robert Hines. Friends may call at the Field Funeral Home in Masontown on Tuesday, January 26, 2016 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. and Wednesday, January 27, 2016 from noon until the 1 p.m. service time with Rev. Ray Frankhouser officiating. A graveside service will be held at the Mt. Zion Cemetery on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. with Rev Ray Frankhouser officiating. Military rites will be conducted by the Preston County VFW Honor Guard, WVANG Honor Guard, and the Preston County Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 977. The family would like to thank the Masontown Volunteer Fire Department and the first responders. Donations in Jason's memory may be made to the Masontown Volunteer Fire Department, 362 N. Main Street, Masontown, WV 26542. To honor Jason's wishes cremation services will be provided. Inurnment will follow at a later date in Mt. Zion Cemetery with full military rites. Condolences may be extended online to the family at www.fieldfuneralhome.com.