Obituary of Denver McClellan

Rev. Denver "Den" McClellan, Jr. Of Accoville, WV Rev. Denver "Den" McClellan, Jr., 67, of Accoville, celebrated resurrection at his home on Saturday, December 15, 2012, following a courageous battle with lung cancer. Den was born March 16, 1945, at Lundale, in Logan County, a son of the late Denver McClellan, Sr. and Martha Fry McClellan. In addition to his parents, Den was preceded in death by his loving wife, Judy "Ju-Ju" Roberts McClellan; one sister, JoAnn McClellan Mills; one niece, Kristine Frye Blevins and her husband Ricky Dale Blevins; two sisters-in-law, Charlotte "Lottie" McClellan and Nancy McClellan; one brother-in-law, Charles E. Frye; two nephews-in-law, Jack Sturgill and Mike Daniels; and his parents-in-law, Donald and Jackie Roberts. Den and Ju-Ju were loving parents to many in their family and community. Most notably, Den was a born again Christian and a Holy Spirit filled Child of God. He loved the Lord with all his heart and was a beacon of God's Grace to his community. Den became a member of Becco United Baptist Church on October 19, 1980, an ordained Deacon on July 20, 1985, and an Ordained Minister on June 18, 1989. He was elected Pastor of Becco United Baptist Church on November 15, 1994 and remained Pastor until his Resurrection. A beloved pastor of Becco United Baptist Church for 17 years and one month, Den led many to a saving knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Although Den and Ju-Ju were not blessed with biological children, Den felt that when he stood before his congregation that God had blessed him with a church filled with children of God to love, nurture, and guide. Those left to cherish Den's memory are his beloved brothers, Rev. Cecil E. McClellan of Beckley and James "Jim" (Donna) McClellan of Oak Lawn, IL; three sisters, Betty (Calvin) Blankenship of Clintonville, Kay Frye of Accoville who devoted herself to caring for Den throughout his illness, and Cheri (Rick) Brown of Parkersburg; two godchildren, Lucas (Beth) Gallaher of Wallback and Kelly Frye (Carlos) Valerio of Charleston whom he and Ju-Ju claimed as their own "baby"; Pa-Paw Den's little man, Gabriel Charles Valerio; one maternal aunt, Myrtle Evans of Kistler; one paternal uncle, Robert "Bud" McClellan of Gate City, FL; Den's beloved extended family, Lois (Bill) Batts of Oxon Hill, MD, James "J.D." (Barbara) Roberts of Accoville, and Kenny (Angi) Roberts of Deale, MD; many wonderful nieces and nephews; two very special family friends, Jan McCormick and JoAnn Curry; and a loving church family along with a host of other friends and relatives. A celebration of life and resurrection will be held at 12 noon Thursday, December 20, 2012, at the Becco United Baptist Church at Amherstdale officiated by his trusted, dedicated, and exceptional Deacons. Burial will follow at Highland Memory Gardens at Godby. Visitation will be held from 6-9 p.m. Wednesday at the Becco United Baptist Church and one hour prior to services. Deacons and Trustees of Becco United Baptist Church will serve as pallbearers. Online condolences may be made at krantzmcneelyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Krantz-McNeely Funeral Home at Man.