Donald Ralph McElfresh, age 78, from New Manchester, West Virginia died on Sept. 19, 2017 after a brief illness at Lynchburg General Hospital in Lynchburg Virginia. He was born in Coshocton, Ohio on Feb. 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, Sept. 22nd from 6-8 p.m. at Puckett Funeral Home in Farmville, Virginia. Additional visitation will occur Monday, Sept. 25th from 9-11 a.m. at Arner Funeral Chapel in Chester, West Virginia with services following at 11 a.m. 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.

Puckett Funeral Home is serving the family. www.puckettfh.com.