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NEW HAVEN, W.Va. — Douglas Stover Ellison, 78, left this world on June 19th at his home in New Haven after suffering a stroke with complications. His wishes were to be brought home and cared for by his family. His loving wife and two daughters wrapped him with loving care and took the last walk with him until the Lord called him home.

Doug attended school in Boone and Logan County, graduating from Sharples High School in 1953. While attending he played basketball and football. Excelling in sports, he received the Wilson Award for outstanding athlete and made All State Football in 1952. He was known as one of the outstanding players in the state and was often referred to by sports writers as the triple threat for his ability in punting, passing and most of the running in addition to stellar defensive work. He was honored by Sports Writers Annual Victory Dinner in Morgantown. He was a member of the 1963 WV Centennial Sports Greats.

Doug enlisted in the Army in 1953, serving for three years, where he played fast pitch softball for Company D, Fort Belvoir, Va. He also served on the USS Arneb, transporting radar equipment, crossing the Arctic Circle to enter the Northern Domain. He is a member of the American Legion Post 0140 at New Haven and a lifetime member of VFW Post 9926 at Mason.

For the love of the game… one of his favorite games was fast pitch softball. He was considered an outstanding pitcher and his home team was always Westmoreland Softball Team, Clothier although he was recruited to play with other teams. He respected and thought highly of all his teammates.

Doug worked as a coal miner for many years and was a member of the UMW for several years before working in management. He worked at Westmoreland Coal, Boone County Coal, Zapata Coal and Southern Ohio Coal where he held the position of mine superintendent.

He was well read in the Bible and surrendered his heart to his Heavenly Father! He was of Protestant faith.

Preceding him in death were his two young daughters, Connie Beth and Lynn Marlene Ellison; mother, Ruby Stover Korchick, and stepfather Frank Korchick, all of Clothier; father, Frank Ellison; grandmother, Myrtle Jane Stover, and two half-brothers, Frank Ellison Jr. and Hayward Ellison.

Survivors include his sweetheart of over 60 years; wife of 58 years, Helen Cook Ellison; two daughters Peggy (Jesse) Huff of New Haven and Lois (Tom) Pritt of Beverly; two grandsons, TSGT Douglas Stover Huff, based at USAF San Antonio, Texas, and Grant Huff of Charleston, S.C.; one granddaughter, Stephanie (Danny) Hickman of Elizabeth; two great-grandchildren, Hunter and Jordan Hickman of Elizabeth, and three half brothers Al, Roger and Norris Ellison.

The family would like to thank Dr. Randall Hawkins and Dr. Robert Lewis along with their staffs for the years of care and compassion. We would also like to thank Home Health and Hospice for their guidance and understanding.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 23, at Handley Funeral Home with Rev. Edsel Aleshire and Earl Akers officiating. Burial will follow in Memory Gardens Madison with Military Graveside Rites by VFW Daniel Boone Post 5578 of Madison.

Visitation will be from 6-9 today at the funeral home.

Condolences may be left at www.handleyfh.com

Handley Funeral Home of Danville is in charge of the arrangements.