TAPLIN, W.Va. — Chris "Columbus" Bartram, 53, of Taplin, passed away Thursday, March 31, 2011, at his residence of a sudden illness.

Born March 22, 1958, at Man, he was a son of the late Claude and Edith Lorene Workman Bartram. Also preceding him in death were three brothers, Claude Bartram Jr., Clyde Bartram and Clayton Bartram; one granddaughter, Destiny Johnson; and one niece, Brandi Ferrell Profitt.

Mr. Bartram was a man who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 13 years, Vicky Bartram; five sons, Christopher "Kevin" (Ronda) Johnson of Logan, Michael Johnson and Keith Ball, both of Man, Jeremiah (Crystal) Bartram of Bruno and Edward Bartram. residence unknown; one daughter, Shana (Woodrow) Cline of Hanover; three step-children, Michelle McNeely, Clinton McNeely and James McNeely, all at home; nine sisters, Shirley (Dave) Thomas, Angie (Dave) Yohe, Delores (Mack) McIntyre, Rita (Chris) Stahl, Niawana (Richard) Salyers, Deanna Bartram, Rebecca Stahl, Lenora Bartram and Tina (Kenneth) Osborne; four brothers, Clinton (Lisa) Bartram, Clifford (Marrietta) Bartram, Cecil (Cindy) Bartram and Charles (Missy) Bartram; 12 grandchildren, Brooklyn Nash, Matthew Cline, Kristen Cline, Austin Chapman, Bryce Chapman, Keith Benjamin Ball, Austin Johnson, Katelyn Johnson, Kendra Johnson, Allara Bartram, Jeremiah Bartram and Cameron Bartram; two special friends, Jaclynn Hall and Bill Adkins II; many nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

Services will commence at 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 6, at the Greenville Freewill Baptist Church with Rev. Freddie Clay officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Cemetery at Pecks Mill.

Visitation will be held from 6-11 p.m. Tuesday and one hour prior to services Wednesday at the church.

Pallbearers will be Clinton, Cecil, Clifford Sr., Charles, Sheridan, and Cliff Bartram, and Christopher "Kevin" Johnson.

Honorary pallbearers will be Roy Dunn and Woodrow Cline.