Francis Merle McElwee, age 77 years, a former resident of Pheasant Run Road, Tucker County, WV and Chesapeake, VA, departed this life Sunday afternoon March 20, 2016, at the Orlando Health and Rehabilitation Center at Orlando, FL with his family by his side. He had been in declining health.
He was born Friday, June 3, 1938 at Mill Creek, WV, a son of the late John Francis and Greta McGee McElwee. On October 21, 1961 at Maryland he was married to the former Delores Arlene Jones, who preceded him in death March 28, 2001. They had celebrated thirty-nine years of marriage. Surviving are one son, DeWayne McElwee; one daughter, Ronda McElwee Chewning, both of FL; one brother, Russell McElwee and wife Velma of Beverly; three sisters, Doris Gribble of Chesapeake VA, Sylvia Jean Riggleman and husband Floyd of Beverly, Janet Sue Iseli and husband Bill of Elkins; one granddaughter, Jamie Chewning and several nieces and nephews.
He attended the schools of Randolph County, was a veteran of the U. S. Army, and had worked as a saw filer in the lumber industry, having worked at Hinchcliff Lumber Company and Coastal Lumber Company. He had attended the Church of Christ at Bretz. He enjoyed carpentry and woodworking.
The family received friends at the Lohr & Barb Funeral Home of Parsons on Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. On Friday, March 25, 2016, Mr. McElwee was moved to the Parsons City Cemetery where Graveside Services were conducted at 11 a.m.. The Rev. Gilbert L. Hart officiated and interment followed. The Lohr & Barb Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements for Francis Merle McElwee. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.lohrbarbfuneralhome.com
