Willard J.”Frog” Arbogast, of Elkins, departed his life on December 2, 2020, at the age of 71, for an eternity in Heaven.
He can once again see all the glory of God’s creation and will be there waiting, with open arms and a witty comment that only he could come up with, for his family, to join him someday.
Born in Czar, Wv, to Daisy Helmick and Dempsey Arbogast (both deceased), on Sept 6, 1949.
Willard was the oldest brother of 9 siblings who all survive: Wanda and Woody Smith of Valley Head, Wv, Connie and Bob Pratt of Elkins, WV, Kenny and Debbie(deceased) Arbogast of Beverly, Wv, Ronald, “Hootie,” Arbogast of Montrose, WV, Norma and Lonnie Daniels of Huttonsville, WV, Glenn Arbogast of Davis, WV, Kevin and Becky Arbogast of Location, WV , Fred Bennett of Harman, Wv, and is also survived by his brother-in-law, that was like a brother, Dewey Simmons of Elkins.
He met the love of his life, Shirley (Simmons), in Bemis, Wv, while living in Glady, Wv, and married her on December 11, 1968 and began their journey in Parsons, Wv, until he was able to purchase his dream home in Elkins, where they still reside.
Married for 52 years, they had 3 children: Virginia Arbogast (deceased), James and Glory Arbogast of Elkins, WV, and Valerie and Mike Eye of Parsons, WV.
They have 5 grandchildren: Cassie (David) Cox, Shasta(Tom) Ree, Jaymes Arbogast (Cynthia Vandevender), Meadow Arbogast, and Calista Eye. Also 5 great grandchildren: Aiden, Skielee, Isaiah, Ellieanna, and Jameson, and many other unbiological “kids.” Mr. Arbogast attended both the Parsons and Elkins Church of the Nazarene.
He is still an active member of the Elkins church where he has many church family and loved singing in the choir.
He never let his disability stop him after leaving his job at Kingsford Charcoal.
He was an avid gardener, enjoyed house cleaning, listening to records and radio programs, eating hot dogs and drinking coffee, and was a collector of many things including frogs and records.
His favorite time was spent with his family and closest friends, especially playing Yahtzee.
Due to the Pandemic and concern for the safety of everyone involved, a graveside service will be held at 11:30 am Friday, December 11, 2020 at the Mountain State Memorial Gardens near Gilman. Pastor Terry Burgess will officiate and interment will follow. Everyone attending is asked to wear a mask and practice social distancing. The Tomblyn Funeral Home of Elkins is in charge of the arrangements for Willard J. “Frog” Arbogast.
