PALKOT JOHN S., M.D. Age 87, died peacefully on February 26, 2014, after an extended illness. He was a long time resident of Martinsburg, WV, where he practiced medicine for 49 years. Born in McKees Rocks (Pittsburgh), PA, he was the son of the late John S. Palkot and Mamie Bradunas Palkot of Pittsburgh, PA. He was the loving husband of Hilda Hiner Palkot for 30 years until her death in 1982. He was preceded in death by his brother, Raymond Palket (Kathleen d.) of Aliquippa, PA, in 2006. He is survived by his brother, Edward Palkot (Anne d.) of Garden City, NY; and his sister, Mildred Palkot Sukys (Bronius). He was godfather and uncle to Edward Palkot, Jr. (Debbie) and dear uncle to Barbara Palkot Hymans (Don), Patty Palkot Abdellatif (Abe), Gregory Palkot, Jean Palket Beardsley, Kathy Palket, Nancy Sukys, M.D., and Janet Sukys Petrauskas; also survived by many grandnieces and grandnephews. He was a dear friend and doctor to Johnny Miller for many years, who was by his side during his entire illness. Dr. Palkot was the son of Lithuanian parents. He was named after his father and learned the elements of hard work and business. He was always by his father's side and proud to be named after him. Later in life, he had the opportunity to visit Lithuania to see where his father was born. Up until his death, he still talked about what a beautiful country Lithuania was. He was a 1945 graduate of Allegheny High School and was valedictorian of his class. He was co-captain of the football team and was known to forge his mother's signature so that he could play. He was a veteran of World War II where he held the rank of Technician Fourth Grade. He was part of a secret decoding group in Eretria, Africa. After being released from duty, he attended the University of Pittsburgh and was bestowed the degree of Electrical Engineer in 1950. While working at his first job as an engineer at Westinghouse, he met his future wife, Hilda Hiner. After marrying in 1953, they decided that he should pursue his dream of becoming a medical doctor. He graduated from West Virginia University Medical School in 1964 and began his practice in Martinsburg on Winchester Avenue, and also worked for the VA Hospital. During this time, he served as Plant Physician at Corning Glassworks. Later he opened the Inwood Family Medicine office in Inwood, WV. He was associated with Berkeley Medical Center, formerly known as City Hospital. Dr. Palkot retired from practice in September 2013 at age 87. He always had a kind heart with helping people. He was a lover of dogs and owned many pets. His talents were far and wide and ranged from building a boat out of wood to fixing the gutters. He had the ability to make people laugh and let them know that he cared about them. He will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him. Friends will be welcome at 327 W. King Street, Martinsburg, WV 25401 on Thursday, March 6, 2014, from 3-5 and 7-9 p.m. at BROWN FUNERAL HOME. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, March 7, 2014, at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Martinsburg. Interment will be held at noon on Saturday, March 8, 2014, in Hamilton Chapel Cemetery in Bolar, VA. Online condolences may be offered at: www.BrownFuneralHomesWV.com Send condolences at post-gazette.com/gb