Everette Mitchell East, Jr.

Everette “Jeep” Mitchell East, Jr., 78, of Bluewell, WV, passed away on Friday July 17, 2020 at Bluefield Regional Medical Center after a long illness.

Born on June 1, 1942 in McDowell, WV, he was a son of the late Everette M East Sr. and Mary H Crouch-East. He attended high school at Northfork-Elkhorn, where he played basketball and was also a member of the band.

After graduating, he enlisted in the Airforce in September 1962. He was assigned to civil engineering at Keesler Airforce base in Biloxi, Mississippi, where he met his wife. He had been a resident of Bluewell for 39 years.

He worked as a welder/salesman for 43 years at Carmet and Hydraulics Inc. He also worked at Sam’s Club in Bluefield, VA, King’s Tire Service, and Jo Ann’s Furniture & Blinds before retirement. His other life experiences include being a member of the Mercer County 4-H leader’s association and attending Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by Brother Robert East, sister in-law Jo Ann, Sister Peggy Ann East-Norris, and Sister-in-law Brenda Sizemore East.

He was survived by his beloved wife of 54 years: Wilma Faye Lewis-East of the home, daughter: Michelle Larae East of Bluefield, WV, granddaughter: Peyton and partner Dylan Nichols, grandsons: Trey Mitchell Parks and Gerald “Gee-Gee” and Greyson Craighead, great granddaughters: Karlyn and Aria Nichols, brother: Richard East, brother-in-Law: Alan Dean  Norris and sister in-law: Carolyn McKenzie and several special nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

 He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend. He was known for his welcoming spirit and many say he never met a stranger. Jeep was loved by many and will be missed by everyone who knew him.

 Memorial Services will be held on Thursday July 30, 2020 at 1:00 PM at Cravens Shires Funeral Home in Bluewell, WV with Deacon Don Hammond officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Bluewell, WV where Military Graveside Rites will be conducted by the Mercer County Honor Guard. The family will receive friends and family between 12 PM and 1PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mercer County 4-H Leader’s Association for a scholarship in his name. Checks should be made out to WVU Extension Office-Mercer County: 1500 West Main Street Princeton, WV 24740