Obituary of Donald Lee Nester

Donald Lee Nester, age 88, of Man, entered his heavenly home on Thursday, March 10, 2022. Born October 6, 1933, in Davey Hollow, Don lived a full life dedicated to his faith, family, friends and fishing. He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Arzella Jean (Mullins); sisters, Martha (Larry) Harmon and Brenda (Jim) Wentz; and four daughters Mary (Dennis) Collins, Donna (Steve) Smith, Crystal Nester Spence, and Shirley (Brian) Sabo. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Gertrude Brumfield Nester; brothers, Bill, Doran and Doug Nester; sisters, Linda Nester, Dreama (Charles) Hockman, Ruth (Roger) Osborne, and Helen (Paul) Pugh; and adopted son Paige Adkins. A Marine veteran and member of the American Legion, Don operated Nester’s Mine Service for 30 years, conducting training programs related to underground mine safety and designing geographic maps for mine-safety permits. He served as general manager and safety director of Island Creek Coal Co., and as a superintendent for F&J Coal Co. He was a longtime member of the Man Church of the Nazarene, where he enjoyed portraying Santa Claus during the Christmas holiday season. In his school days, Don played football and was a top pitcher in the tri-state area for Old Man High. His love for Man High and his community led to a lifetime of volunteer service. He served as a football referee and umpire for 15 years and was known as “the apple man” to middle- and high-school players from the late ‘70s until the time of his death. Don’s contributions to the school were formally recognized when he was inducted into the Man High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2018. As their “Papaw,” Don shared his love and generosity with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Surviving grandchildren include Amber (Michael) Williamson, Kara Wyatt, Danielle (Kyle) Gallo, Michael (Whitney) Clayton, Stefani (John) Simmons, Scott (Tara) Smith, Matt (Rickie Lyn) Smith, Andrew Smith, Cody (Chelsea) Spence, Samantha (Cody) Harvey, and Isabella Spence. Great-grandchildren Katelyn (Ben) Huffman; Madison, Emily and Tyler Williamson; Amelia and Francesca Gallo; Everett and Arzella Clayton; Noah Creed, Tenley Paige, and Bryer Nash Harvey. Great-great-granddaughter, Ellie Huffman. The family will receive friends on Monday, March 14, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Man Church of the Nazarene. Funeral service will be held at the church on Tuesday, March 15, at 1 p.m., Bishop Anthony Hudgins officiating. Burial will follow immediately at Highland Memory Gardens in Chapmanville. Krantz-McNeely Funeral Home oversees arrangements. Pallbearers are Shane and Cameron Frye, Cody Spence, Cody Harvey, Daniel Bowens, Gary Ellis, Jonathan Ellis, Garnet Marsh. Honorary pallbearer is Coach Tootie Carter.