Trending
John Adam Arbogast, a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away on Dec. 24, 2023, at the age of 80. He was surrounded by his family in his home in Gilman, where he had been under the care of Mountain Hospice due to declining health.
Born on Feb. 20, 1943, in Elkins, West Virginia, John was the son of the late Lester Adam and Gladys Catherine (Scott) Arbogast.
On Feb. 19, 1964, John married the love of his life, Karen June Messer.
They were devoted to each other for nearly 60 years and had five children together, one daughter, Angela Anderson and husband, Chuck; and four sons, Derek Arbogast and wife, Elizabeth, Brian Arbogast and wife, Andrea, Justin Arbogast and fiance, Amy Mullenex, and Zachary Arbogast.
John was a loving and supportive father who took great pride in his children's accomplishments.
John is also survived by two brothers, Bill Arbogast and Robert "Bobby" Arbogast (Judy); and two sisters, Catherine Coberly and Mary Ryan (Kenneth).
He was preceded in death by his brother Fred Arbogast; and brother-in-law, John Coberly.
John was also a proud grandfather and great-grandfather.
He is survived by seven grandchildren and two step-grandchildren, William Arbogast and wife, Carrie, Jessica Shaffer and husband, Adam, Jenna Anderson, Emily Walck and husband, Nolan, Karina Porretta and husband, Keith, Dacey Arbogast, Ridge Arbogast, Jordan Mullenex and Austin Mullenex.
He is also survived by nine great-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren, Christian Anderson, Liliana Porretta, Quinn Arbogast, Vivian Walck, Norah Shaffer, Kodah Walck, Hudson Arbogast, Trace Walck, August Shaffer, Cicilia Porretta and Trent Porretta.
John grew up in Randolph County and attended Timbuctoo's one-room schoolhouse before graduating from Elkins High School. He started his career in grocery sales in the 1960s at the A&P Grocery Store in Elkins. He was a successful businessman who co-owned the Belington and Weston IGA Stores. He had a talent for business and was known for his honesty and integrity. He retired in 1996 following a major health incident.
In addition to his professional achievements, John was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and backroad driving with his friends and family. His love of nature was evident in his soft spot for animals, particularly cats, and would often go out of his way to help wandering strays.
John was a man of stories and wisdom with a wealth of fascinating experiences to share. Although he had many accomplishments, possessions, and awards in his life, his greatest treasure was his family. He spent his remaining years maintaining the family farm with his sons and grandsons. He cherished spending time with his family, and there was nothing he loved more than seeing his loved ones happy and thriving. He never missed an opportunity to share the love and pride he held for his children and grandchildren. Although his passing is a great loss to all who knew him, his legacy of love and kindness will continue to live on through his family.
Friends may call from 10 a.m. until noon, Friday, Dec. 29, 2023, at the Tomblyn Funeral Home in Elkins.
A funeral service will be held at noon Friday, from the funeral home chapel, with Rev. Paul Thompson officiating.
Interment will follow in the Mountain State Memorial Gardens near Gilman.
In lieu of flowers the family, requests that contributions be made to the Orlena Global Methodist Church at 1670 Parsons Road, Montrose, WV 26283, or the Randolph County Humane Society, PO Box 785, Elkins, WV 26241.
The Tomblyn Funeral Home of Elkins is in charge of the arrangements for John Adam Arbogast.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.tomblynfuneralhome.com.