Ogla Dempsey McElwain, 85, a resident of Kerens, departed this life Tuesday morning, April 21, 2009, at his home.
He was born Monday, Oct. 29, 1923, at Elkins, a son of the late Jennings Bryon McElwain and Evelyn Mullens McElwain.
On Aug. 21, 1948, he was married to the former Juanita Muriel Stilwell, who survives.
Also surviving are one son, Thomas George McElwain and wife, Ritva, of Kuopio, Finland; one brother, Charles McElwain Sr. of Kerens; two sisters, Ollie Yvonne Corn and husband, Jimmy, of Jacksonville, Fla., and Ida Yvette McElwain of Hagerstown, Md.; one granddaughter, Anna Maria McElwain; and one great-grandson, Adam McElwain.
Preceding him in death were one brother, Arno McElwain; and two sisters, Una Scott and Donna Hornick.
Ogla was a graduate of Elkins High School with the class of 1941, had attended Washington Missionary College, was a veteran of World War II, having served with the U.S. Army and was a master builder. He was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church at Buckhannon.
Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 23, in the West Virginia National Cemetery at Grafton. Pastor Rick Cutright will officiate and interment will follow.
The family suggests that expressions of sympathy be in the form of contributions to the Buckhannon Seventh Day Adventist Church, P.O. Box 205, Buckhannon, W.V. 26201. Lohr & Barb Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for Ogla Dempsey McElwain. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.lohrbarbfuneralhome.com.
