Donald Ralph Mcelfresh

Donald Ralph McElfresh, age 78, from New Manchester, West Virginia died on September 19, 2017 after a brief illness at Lynchburg General Hospital in Lynchburg Virginia. He was born in Coshocton, Ohio on February 25, 1939. Throughout his life he lived in Beloit, Ohio; Weirton, WV; and New Manchester WV, as well as spending time in Clarksburg WV.

Donald was an Eagle Scout, graduated from Weir High School in 1957, worked at Weirton Steel, and was a member of the US Army Reserves. He married Margaret Moss in 1960 and together they shared a love of horses and ran a successful dog breeding kennel. Donald had a passion for art and painting, something he shared with his granddaughter. He also enjoyed time playing music with an Organ Club, attending Broadway shows in Pittsburgh, attending Weirton Steel 25 year club events, and being active with class of 1957 events.

He is survived by his son Scott McElfresh and his wife Sarah, their children Kathryn and Elizabeth (Farmville VA). He is also survived by his companion of 15 years Carolyn Bell (Clarksburg, WV), sister Ola Cawthon (Chester, WV), brother Sheldon McElfresh and his wife Barb McElfresh (New Cumberland, WV) and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Margaret in 1995, and his parents Ralph and Ruth McElfresh.

A visitation will be held on Friday September 22nd from 6-8pm at Puckett Funeral Home in Farmville, Virginia. Additional visitation will occur Monday September 25th from 9-11am at Arner Funeral Chapel in Chester, West Virginia with services following at 11. Interment will occur following the service at Shadow Lawn Memory Gardens in Newell, WV.

Donations may be made in his honor to the Disabled American Veterans at https://www.dav.org