Donald Everetts, 88, of Morgantown, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023, at Stonerise of Morgantown.
Don is survived by one son, Donald Dale Everetts and friend, of Morgantown; two granddaughters, Angelica and Christiana, of Morgantown; and two step-grandchildren in Cleveland.
He was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 43 years, Pauline Everetts; and his mother, Marguerite Clark Everetts Summers.
He was born on May 4, 1934, on his great-grandfather’s farm. The farm was located off the Grafton Road below the Boy Scouts camp. He attended first grade at Browns Chapel School. It was there that he was introduced to store bread and peanut butter by a fellow classmate. He remarked that “he had never tasted anything so good.”
In 1942, his grandfather sold the farm and bought land where Chippy’s Transmission is now located. While living there, his grandmother passed away, and his grandfather sold the farm and went to live with his children.
In 1944, with the passing of his grandmother, his grandfather dissolved the family farm. At this time, he and his mother moved to the Summers School Road. His mother became a housekeeper for Don’s Uncle Dave Summers, to whom his mother later married.
Don attended a one room school, Summers School, where he walked to school at least a mile and half each way. He always looked for ideas to make money. A neighborhood boy and Don went to work as timber cutters at the age of 14 with a crosscut saw. They cut the 6-foot mine posts and were paid a penny a foot. After the sixth grade, Don attended Sabraton Junior High for a short period of time and then found it necessary to drop out of school. At the age of 16, Don worked at the Duntile Block Company as a machine operator for approximately three years. Afterwards, he went on to work at the Morgan Shirt Factory as a bundle boy, servicing the machine operators. After a couple of years, the plant manager promoted Don to a department supervisor position. Don was drafted into the Army, served in the Infantry Unit and later in the Artillery Unit. He also served in the Local Reserve Unit.
After he returned home from the military, Don was promoted to production manager at the Morgan Shirt Factory and served in this position for 16 years before leaving. He oversaw the production and quality control. Don also completed a time study that was used to set the piece rates. All this was achieved without a formal education but with good work ethics. Don served 28 years for the Morgan Shirt Factory.
After serving in the Army, Don moved into the Brookhaven area and resided there for around 20 years. He was very active in his community. Don started the Cub Scout Troop and was a member of the Brookhaven Fire Department. He served on the fundraising committee for the fire department. Don was also a charter member of the Brookhaven Lions Club and belonged to the Brookhaven Community Association. He attended and served on the board at the Brookhaven United Methodist Church. Don also taught a Sunday School class while attending the Brookhaven Church.
Don purchased a 13-acre farm in 1976, located along the Kingwood Pike. He moved to this property in 1979 with his wife, Pauline. During this time, Don assisted in the establishment of Covenant Evangelical Methodist Church, and he was a charter member. He had a very active role in the church, which included serving as a board member, treasurer for two terms and teaching Sunday school. Don also assisted in the establishment of Covenant Christian School.
He worked at the Mountaineer Mall as a maintenance manager for 15 years. After his retirement from the Mountaineer Mall, Don joined the team at the Senior Monongalians as the transportation/maintenance supervisor at the age of 70. He was very helpful in mapping out the routes for the Home Delivery Meal Program. He enjoyed working at this facility for about 10 years. Don retired at the age of 80 but was approached and asked to return to work when needed.
Don and Pauline attended Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church for several years until they were homebound. Don served as a Sunday School teacher for the church.
During Don’s marriage to Pauline, they both enjoyed serving the Lord, traveling in their camper, and attending Gospel Sings. He was approached to lead Bible studies on the campgrounds that they visited each year. Don and Pauline enjoyed caring for their farm and all the animals. They raised and sold cattle for meat. Don was very proud of his achievements that he made during his lifetime.
Don’s family wishes to extend their sincere appreciation to Wanda Yeager and family for the love and care they’ve provided to him.
Friends may join the family to honor Don’s life and legacy at Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church, 1700 Kingwood Pike, Morgantown, from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 16 and again from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 17 co-officiated by Pastor Stacy Crise-Tritt and Pastor Nathan Williamson. Interment with full military honors will be held at the West Virginia National Cemetery in Pruntytown, where Don will be laid to rest along with his beloved wife, Pauline.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church, 78 Kennedy Store Road, Morgantown, WV 26508.
Smith Funeral & Cremation Care of Westover/Morgantown is providing care and guidance to the Everetts family.
Condolences:
www.smithfcc.com
