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Donald Roger Arbogast, age 70, a resident of Dailey, formerly of Valley Head, passed from this life Sunday afternoon, September 11, 2011, at his home. He had been in his usual health and death was sudden and unexpected. Don was born Wednesday, July 13, 1941, at Valley Head, WV, the son of Dwight Edward Arbogast and Margaret Adell Hollister-arbogast. He attended Valley Head Elementary School and Tygarts Valley High School. On January 27, 1959, Don joined the United States Army. He was stationed in Germany until he was honorably discharged July 13, 1962. Don married Leona Jean Riggleman on January 28, 1967, in a small ceremony during a major “surprise” snowstorm at the Cowger Methodist Church in Monterville. Left with several great memories are three daughters: Donna Pritt and husband Ronald Pritt of Dailey, Michelle Hogan and husband Michael of Wheeling, and Sarah Arbogast of Elkins. Surviving also is “Porkchop”, the adopted “son”, the dog who Don said was the “smartest kid” he had. Don’s pride and joy were his grandchildren: Veronica Isner, Chase Pritt, Tyler Hogan and Michael Hogan, and he was anxiously awaiting the approaching birth of his great granddaughter. Don is also survived by one sister, Carol “Timmy” Daft and husband Bill of Dailey, and one brother, Michael Lee Arbogast and wife Brenda of Bedford, VA. One brother-in-law, Randy Riggleman and wife Peg of Bayard, and two sisters-in-law, Judy Corley and friend Larry of Deerfield, OH, and Karen Ware and husband Arlie of Elkins also survive. Don is survived by his nieces and nephews: Terry and Tony Daft, Joanna Eubank, Laura Arbogast, Rusty Corley, Zach and Isaac Riggleman, Lisa Sparks, Mary Ware, Courtney Simmons, Craig Daft, Ben Daft, Michael and Daniel Eubank, Becky and Timmy Sparks, Ashlei Trocci, Nick, Brady and Luke Corley. Don was an entrepreneur. He started his successful career from a black Ford van selling novelties and conducting auctions with Bus Flanagan. He then started D & R Trucking with Chuck Arbogast, D & L Bestway, Double AA Roundup with Harry Armentrout, The Ski Shop at Hiawatha’s, Quail Hollow Mining, The Tater Wagon at the Seneca Mall, The Flea Market on the 5-lane, Super-saver, Country Roads Restaurant, The Shave Ice Stand, Bruce Store, The Hump in Dailey, Mama Leona’s Pepperoni Rolls, and his final venture, Mama’s Kitchen. Don made many close friends over the years in every business he ran. He never met a stranger. Don had an emu ranch, and he enjoyed having people visit there. He was an avid gardener, and an internet “doctor”. He very much enjoyed four-wheeling and hunting. Visitation will be held on Wednesday evening, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Randolph Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 15, 2011 at 11 AM in the funeral home chapel, with the Reverend Mike Ford officiating. Interment will follow in the Valley Head Cemetery at Valley Head, where members of the H.W. Daniels Post #29, American Legion and The Tygart Valley V.F.W. Post #3647 will conduct full military honors. The family suggests contributions be made in Don’s memory to The Beverly United Methodist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 130, Beverly, WV 26253.
