Donald Elliott

Donald W. “Apaw” Elliott of Mannington passed away peacefully early Monday morning (Feb. 16, 2015) at his home with all 7 of his children, some of his grandchildren, great grandchildren and his faithful dog “Jack” at his side. Also at his side was his devoted and gracious brother Jack Elliott.

Don was born and raised in Mannington, the fifth of 12 children, to Samuel N. and Florence Ryan Elliott. Don was a member of the Mannington High School Class of 1944, though graduating early in December of 1943 in order to join the United States Marine Corps and serve his countryduring World War II.

At 17, Don left for boot camp at Parris Island and shipped out for duty in the Pacific Theatre. After a brief stop in Hawaii, Don served in the Battle of Okinawa assigned to the 1st Marines. After Okinawa, Don transferred to the 3rd Marines in China to protect the country from enemy invasion.

Upon returning home from the war, Don began his working career in California while living with his brother Gerald. After spending some time working, Don took time to travel all 4 corners of the country. When he finished his traveling adventures, he returned to Mannington where he began his family and work in the electrical construction field. Over time, Don built a reputation far and wide as one of the sharpest and most knowledgeable electricians in the industry. Don went on to retire from the UMWA, was a life member of Mannington Elks Lodge #388 and the Waynesburg V.F.W., as well as belonging to the Mannington Moose and American Legion.

He was a devoted and loving husband, father, grand-father, brother, uncle, son and friend. When “Apaw” was told he was going to be a great grandfather, his response was “I already knew I was great”. Don was a Christian growing up attending Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church in Mannington where he served many years as an altar boy. He was married to Jo’an “Mam” Cole of Mannington and they began their family in 1952 raising seven children. Apaw was a father figure to several of his nieces and nephews, as well as grandson Matthew Patrick Elliott, the son of daughter Rhonda Elliott. Matt was raised in Apaw and Mam’s home down on Main Street where he still resides. Rhonda and Matt, as well as daughter Brenda, provided limitless loving care to Apaw when he was no longer able to care for himself.

Don was preceded in death by his parents Samuel Nelson “Doc” and Florence “Mom” Ryan Elliott, as well as three sisters and two brothers: Elizabeth “Betty” Elliott McClain, Mary “Boots” Elliott McLain, Barbara Elliott Morris, Gerald Elliott, and Samuel Nelson Elliott Jr. and infant granddaughter Amanda Jo Elliott. Also preceding him in death were four of his sisters-in-law and six brothers-in-law: Jane Cathers Elliott, Sarah Romana Elliott, Marie Losh Elliott, Frank McLain, Ed McClain, Harry Morris, Edward Gonzales, Ollie Mills, and Monroe Dickinson. Don was also preceded in death by sons-in-law Thomas Abbott, Dennis Tomana, and Allan Falley, nieces Shari Lou Elliott and Dolores “Do-Do” Elliott, and very close friend Jack Roupe.

Survivors include brothers John “Jack” Elliott of Clarksburg, Joseph Elliott of Mannington, and Daniel “Pete” Elliott and wife Janice of Chesapeake, VA, sisters, Sara “Sally” Mills of Mannington, Florence “Sister” Kilcoyne and husband Bill Kilcoyne of Mobley, WV, Susan Gonzales of Weirton, and Phoebe Dickinson of Chesapeake, VA. and close family friends, Becky Roupe and “Leck” Regillo of Mannington.

Children: LaDonna Joan Elliott Tomana of Mannington and companion Charlie Ashcraft, Jody and special daughter-in-law Jessie Elliott of Mannington, Debbie Elliott Spears and companion Ronnie Wright of Rachel, Rhonda Elliott at the home, Brenda Elliott Spencer and husband Chet of Deep Valley, Joe Pat and wife Linda Elliott of Four States and Bryan Elliott of Farmington and daughter in law Crystal Watson of Rachel.

Grandchildren: Lisa Dawne and Chad Hoy, Matthew Patrick Elliott, Stephanie and Christopher Tomana, Sammy and Kim Floyd, Aja Tomana, Seth Tomana, Eric and Devin Spears, Allyson and Jason Ford, Aaron “Lawson” and Heidi Elliott, Meghan and Troy Heaney, Crystal Spencer, Dalton Elliott, Jackie Curtis and Ronda Curtis – Ford.

Great-grandchildren: Travis, Rebecca Jo’an and Leslee Dawne Hoy, Collin Elliott, Sophia and Lillian Tomana, Makayla Floyd, Abigail Tomana, Thomas and Jerimiah Spears, Chase and Elsie Ford, and Issabelle, Molly and Gunnar “Elliott” Heaney.

A special thank you to all who provided exceptional love and care for Apaw. Caregivers included Shirley Carpenter, Dottie Michael, hospice care nurses Carol Nay and Malissa Malick.

Grandsons Aaron, Sammy, Matt, Eric, Aja, Seth, Dalton, Travis, Collin, Thomas, Jerimiah and Chase will be serving as pall bearers. Great granddaughter Sophia Tomana and family friends Remigio Petrucci and Kurt Latocha will serve on the altar.

Friends will be received at Masters Funeral Home at 209 Main Street, Mannington for Visitation on Thursday 6 – 8 and Friday from 2-9. Rosary will be recited at 7:00 pm followed by Eulogy led by his son, Joe Pat Elliott. A Mass of Christian burial will be held, on what would be Don’s 89th birthday, Saturday, February 21st at 10:30am. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with Father Vincy Illeckal officiating. Interment will be at Mannington Cemetery. Full military rites will be conducted by United States Marine Corps and the Marion County Veterans Council.