Family establishes coal mining scholarship in honor of deceased son

Dear Editor:

It has been a year today that our son was killed in a motorcycle accident. After a reconstruction investigation it was discovered that our son Justin Mowery was traveling 35 mph when he crested a hill on 500 N. Road to find a pick up truck parked in the east bound lane, which was the same line he was traveling in. The driver had exited her vehicle and was standing in the west bound side of the road way picking up persimmons. Our son made a choice that day to avoid hurting another individual; he hit the rear corner of the pick up truck and sustained fatal internal injuries. He is nothing less than a hero to us. We would like to thank all our family, friends, community and employers (Black Beauty Coal Company/Peabody Energy and Greene County General Hospital) for all their thoughts, prayers and support over the past 12 months.

For those who knew Justin know how much he loved his family and friend, the outdoors, four wheeler riding, flying planes and his job as an underground coal miner. To honor and remember Justin and his love for mining and flying, we have established a scholarship fund to help provide others the same opportunity that Justin had to fly and work in the underground coal mining industry.

During this past year we have been able to send three individuals to Vincennes University to attend the MSHA-required classes that a new miner must pass in order to work in an underground mine. Two of those are currently employed at local mines and are thankful for the opportunity the scholarship provided them. The third just completed the classes and is actively seeking employment.

Anyone wishing to make a donation to the Justin S. Mowery Memorial Scholarship Fund may do so at any Bloomfield State Bank branch.

If you know someone who is interested in establishing a career in the coal mining industry or who needs assistance with flight hours please have them contact us. We have chosen only to issue scholarships through Vincennes University as that is where Justin attended both the MSHA mining classes and the aviation program. We will do our best to assure that as many people are assisted as available funds will allow.

Vinyl car window decals honoring Justin are available in three designs; all of which have his name, dates of birth and death. One has a motorcycle ($4 ea.); one has the underground coal miner head ($4 ea.); and one has only the name and dates ($3 ea.). Only plain decals are available at the Country Florist in Jasonville. However, any of the three can be obtained by contacting Bob or me. All proceeds from the decals go to benefit Justin's Scholarship Fund as well.

Thanks.

Sincerely,

Bob & Char Lene Mowery