L. Darwin Wolfe, 87, of Thornton, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022, at Preston Memorial Hospital, with family by his side. He was born on Aug. 20, 1935, in Moatsville, son of the late Lorain Jonas and Laura Alice (Cobun) Wolfe.
Darwin graduated from Fellowsville High School, Class of 1953, received his bachelor’s in education from Fairmont State College and a master’s in education from West Virginia University. He worked his entire career with the Preston County Board of Education, where he started as a science teacher at Fellowsville, principal at Newburg, Rowlesburg, Arthurdale and Fellowsville and retired as director of elementary/personnel. Darwin was a county commissioner and proud local farmer. He was an active member with the Young Republicans, Fellowsville Ruritan, Laurel Mountain Watershed Association, Mount Zion Cemetery Association and Mount Zion United Methodist Church, where he was Sunday school superintendent and teacher. He really enjoyed his traveling out west with family and friends.
Darwin is survived by his wife of 61 years, Karen Kay (Simpson) Wolfe, whom he married on June 10, 1961; four children, Dr. Michael Wolfe, PhD, of Louisburg, Kan., Tracey Clarkson and Matthew, of Thornton, Dr. Lorn A. Wolfe, of Maryland, and Tammy, of Thornton, Amy Persons and Dr. Claude “Ricky” Jr., PhD, of North Vernon, Ind.; 15 grandchildren, Malissa Villarreal and Xavier, Ethan Wolfe and Christina and their mother, Patricia Wolfe, Emma Rankin, William “Bill” Clarkson, Lorn “Grant” Wolfe, Anna Wolfe, Autumn Wolfe, Benton Wolfe and their mother, Shannon Wolfe, Kristopher Tusing, Zackary Tusing, Grace Persons, Claude “Clay” Persons III, Zoe Persons and Josiah Persons; three siblings, Amanda (Wolfe) Welch, of Nova, Ohio, Russell Wolfe and Joann, of Sagamore Hills, Ohio, and Lana Ruth (Wolfe) Rhodes and late husband Phillip, of Tunnelton; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Darwin is preceded in death by one brother, Robert Orian Wolfe and Dorothy; brother-in-law, Ralph Welch; and niece, Marcella Rhodes.
The family would like to Thank WV Caring and special caregivers, Regenia, Nancy, Donna, Linda and Trina. Family and friends will be received at Bolyard Funeral Home, 79 Morgantown Ave., Newburg, from noon-8 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 3, and he will lie in repose at Mount Zion United Methodist Church, Marquess, from noon until time of the funeral service at 1 p.m., on Sunday, Sept. 4, with Brother Ricky Persons, Chaplain Dennis Lusin and Pastor David Murray officiating. Interment will follow at the Mount Zion Cemetery.
Memorial donations can be made to the Fellowsville Volunteer Fire Department, 18 Fire Department Loop, Tunnelton, WV, 26444 or Mount Zion United Methodist Church, C/O Sherley Wolfe, 158 Runner Cut Road, Tunnelton, WV, 26444.
Condolences:
www.bolyardfuneralhomewv.com
