Ludwig Joseph 'Babe' Sovastion

Ludwig Joseph ‘Babe’ Sovastion, 82, of Morgantown, WV, passed away on Friday, April 1, 2016 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born May 30, 1933 in Irona, WV son of the late Michael J. and Margaret Trackmovich Sovastion.

Ludwig retired from the Morgantown City Fire Department with more than 21 years of service.

Ludwig was a veteran of the US Navy and served on the USS Duxbury Bay AVP-38 during the Korean Conflict. This ship was also known as the ‘Ghost of the Arabian Coast'. He entered service in 1952 and was honorably discharged in 1956.

He held memberships in the Knights of Columbus, ELKS Lodge, the DAV and the National Association of Retired Firefighters. He enjoyed spending time at the Mountaineer Golf Course, attending shooting matches and playing cards at the ELKS. One of Ludwig’s favorite places to visit was Cooper’s Rock State Forest.

Ludwig is survived by his wife of 55 years, Carole Dudley Sovastion, daughters, Brenda Sovastion Pitrolo of Edmond, OK, Sharon Sovastion Walters and Jennifer Sovastion, both of Morgantown; grandchildren, Jessica Walters (Mark) Buckingham of SC., Garrett and Alec Hunter Walters both of Morgantown and Derek (Rachel) Pitrolo of OK and one great granddaughter Avalynn Grace Buckingham of SC.

In addition to his parents, Ludwig was preceded in death by one daughter, Michelle R. Sovastion Weber; son-in-law, James E. Walters, Jr.; two brothers, Frank and Michael Sovastion; two sisters, Helen Vandervort and Ann Smith; brother-in-law Charles Smith and sister-in-law Thelma Sovastion.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Ludwig will be laid to rest at the Saint Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Howesville, WV. Military rites will be conducted by the Preston County VFWs, Preston County VVA Chapter 977 and the US Navy Honor Guard.