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Our beloved father, David Lee Estep, peacefully left us on Saturday, December 28, 2024, surrounded by the love of his family. Son of the late Anthony and Beaulah Estep (Herrick), he was born on December 14, 1934, in Proctor, West Virginia, and had most recently celebrated his 90th birthday. A man who valued the closeness of family, a hallmark passed on from his parents, seven siblings, and their endless extended family, he passed at ease knowing that he had one last gathering at the family camp. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Marlene Marie Estep in 2009, and brother Gregory Estep earlier this year. He is survived by his siblings, Raymond Estep, Jack (Ruth) Estep, Bill Estep, Mike (Joan) Estep, Mary Rose Yoho, and Doug (Suzanne) Estep, and many nieces and nephews. He and Marlene Marie, his late wife of 51 years, were known for making life fun. There was lots of laughter as they raised their children, Christy Snider, David Estep II (Dee Estep), Kim Wilhelm (Bob Wilhelm), Scott Estep, and Jodi Kitzmiller (Joseph Kitzmiller). They appreciated large family gatherings as the family grew; 8 grandchildren, Nicole Pope, Amanda Montini, Ashley Boyce, Kandis Estep, Chelsea Estep, Jared Estep, Kaleb Kitzmiller, Estella Kitzmiller and 16 great-grandchildren. They complemented each other as they both valued a smile, laughter, happiness, and selflessness, never judging and always willing to forgive. Dave was humble, and while being known as the family jokester and frequently playing practical jokes, he was quite an accomplished man. He was an avid football fan, he himself being a four year football performer and co-captain for the Blue Eagle football team earning All-Ohio Valley Athletic Conference honors as a tackle. He served two years in the Army including 18 months in Germany. He developed his hard work ethic at Estep's Feed & Farm Supply, the family business, utilized 17 years of skills in refrigeration repair work and most impressively, served in management for Mountaineer Gas Company for 43 years. He was very well known and respected in the Kingwood community. He had 27 years of service as a member of the Kingwood City Council and served on the Kingwood Water Board, was an active member of the Preston County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Authority, commander of the American Legion Post 56, a key member of the Knights of Columbus, and President of the Kingwood Rotary Club. A devout Catholic and active member of the church, he served at St. Sebastian in Kingwood for over 30 years. In what little spare time he had, you would find him volunteering with the youth on mission trips for the parish, serving the poor and rebuilding communities in need. Later in life, Dave returned to his hometown of New Martinsville to enjoy his retirement era. He was happy to reunite with his siblings every Wednesday at the Estep Camp for breakfast where they shared family updates, always keeping family connected. In these years, he found a love for traveling and enjoyed many trips and adventures with June Booth, his companion of 13 years, along with his siblings. He spent countless hours at St. Vincent's Church and wouldn't miss volunteering for the annual fish frys. Even in retirement, he was finding ways to give back and serve the local community. He counted on his 6 o'clock coffee ritual at McDonalds with his very dear friends; he said they were just like family. He was a loyal friend to all that knew him. Dave will be deeply missed, but there is peace knowing that he is watching us from above and has left us with countless memories that we will hold close to our hearts. Funeral Liturgy with mass will be celebrated January 13, 2025, 11 am at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in New Martinsville, WV. In lieu of flowers, friends are encouraged to make a memorial contribution to St. Vincent de Paul Church 21 Rosary Rd, New Martinsville, WV 26155 or St. Sebastion Church, 322 E. Main St., Kingwood, WV 26537. Arrangements entrusted to Grisell Funeral Home & Crematory, New Martinsville, WV.

Tributes

David Lee Estep

December 14, 1934 - December 28, 2024