Captain Donald H. Jarvis, 96 of Maysel, WV, a 35-year veteran of the United States Navy, entered into rest on June 29, 2024. He was born on December 29, 1927, to the late Greely and Gladys (Engle) Jarvis. Don graduated from Spencer High School on June 3, 1944, at the age of 16, attended Potomac State College from 1944-1946, and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1951. He was in flight training in Pensacola, Florida from 1951-1953 and was wounded in action in Vietnam on February 12, 1967. While in the service he served as an Air Officer, a Squadron Commanding Officer, a Naval Plant Representative and a Landing Signal Officer. He was awarded the Air Medal, the Purple Heart, the Navy Unit Commendation with Star, Expert Pistol; Expert Shot Rifle, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; World War II Victory Medal, Occupation Medal, Vietnam Campaign with Star, National Defense Service Medal with Star, Vietnam Service Medal with Clasp, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the American Defense Service Medal and the Combat Action Ribbon. He retired from the United States Navy on February 1, 1981, with the rank of Captain.
Don was very active in the community. He loved his community and was past president of the Lions Club, past president of Clay County Parks and Rec, past president of Clay Golden Delicious Festival, past president of WV Cattleman’s Association, and served as Supervisor and past president of Elk Conservation District. He also worked with the Greater Kanawha RCD, was a Master Mason of the Masonic Lodge #126, Clendenin, WV, with 74 years of service. Don was instrumental in starting Maysel Park and the Clay County Agricultural Fair.
Don is preceded in death by his children William Jarvis, Dona Jarvis, second wife Dora Jean Jarvis.
Don is survived by his wife of 15 years, Keyota Jarvis, and children Donald (Betty) Jeffery Jarvis of Port Charlotte, Florida, Alice Jarvis of New Castle, Delaware, stepchildren, Aric Braley, of Maysel, Briar Braley, of Elkview, Autumn Lehner of Maricopa, Arizona, and 13 grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and friends who loved him dearly.
Donald H. Jarvis was a true American Hero in every sense of the word. He was a mentor to countless individuals. He will be greatly missed.
Funeral Service for Don will be Friday July 5, 2024, at Wilson Smith Funeral Home at 2:00 with a viewing for friends and family from 12 to 2:00, burial will follow at Amma Cemetery.
Wilson Smith is honored to be serving the Jarvis family.
