Donald Eugene Dunford

Donald Eugene Dunford, age 78, of Bluefield, WV, passed away on Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at the VA Medical Center in Beckley. Born on April 5, 1933 in Elkhorn, he was a son of the late Marshall Monroe and Minnie Ellen Proffitt Dunford. He had been a resident of Bluefield for 38 years, was a graduate of Northfork High School where he played football and baseball, and was a member of the First Church of God. He was a retired coal miner, member of the UMWA, and was a veteran of the US Army veteran serving in Korea and was a Purple Heart recipient. He was a member of the VFW and the DAV. He was a very brave man and inspiration to all that knew him. “I will never leave thee or forsake thee”. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters Rosa Lee Dunford and Margaret Ellen Dunford; and his brothers, Clarence, Frank, Chester and James Dunford. Survivors include: Wife of 57 years: Elizabeth “Rissie” Wellman Dunford of the home 2 brothers: Julian Dunford and wife Shirley of NC Carl Joe Dunford-Sharp and wife Arbutis of IN Sister in law: Ellie Polce and husband Bill of Asheville, NC Brothers in law: WD Wellman and wife Lovina of Green Valley Ronnie Wellman and wife Sandy of Spanishburg Bobby Wellman and wife Barbara of Bluewell Larry Wellman and wife Diane of Maple Acres Charles Wellman and wife Bonnie of Bluefield Close friend and brother in law: Delmas Devor of Bluefield Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, February 25, 2012 at 1:00 PM at the Cravens-Shires Funeral Home Chapel in Bluewell with Rev. Ronnie Kennett and Rev. Tony Ellis officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Princeton where Craig, Kevin and Justin Miles, Freddie Dunford, Bobby Brown and Richard Wirt will serve as pallbearers. John Brent and David Anderson will serve as honorary pallbearers. Military honors will be performed by the WV Honor Guard and the Mercer County Veterans Council. Friends may call on Friday from 6-8 PM at the funeral home. Online condolences will be accepted at www.cravens-shires.com Cravens-Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell is serving the family.