Obituary–Offutt
Born May 7, 1925 to Harry Lycurgus Offutt and Lydia Ola Brannon, he grew up in his hometown of Fairmont, W.Va.
He was predeceased by his parents and his six brothers: Walter, Clyde, Roscoe, Otto and Osbern Offutt and an infant brother, Wilbert. He often commented that he was born the seventh son of a seventh son. He was also preceded in death by his son-in-law, Anderson Clark, and by his favorite cats Tiger and Marvel.
Mr. Offutt is survived by his loving wife, Martha Ann High Offutt, celebrating 63 years of marriage this spring. He also leaves behind his daughters: Suzanne Offutt and her husband, Michael Zagarella and Janice Offutt of Shepherdstown; and his son, Paul C. Offutt, and his wife, Eleanor, of Tucson, Ariz. Survivors also include his five grand-children: Morgan Haye and wife, Christine; Alexander C. Haye; Jade Rose Zagarella; Logan M. Zagarella and fiancee, Stephanie Martin; and Nicholas Offutt. He delighted in the birth of his great-granddaughter, Cora Rose Haye. He is also survived by many extended family members including sisters-in-law, Betty Offutt of Fairmont and Donna High Benton who makes her home with them, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mr. Offutt took great pride in his 42 years of employment with C&P Telephone Co., later Verizon. He had proudly served in the U.S. Army during WWII with the 761st Field Artillery Battalion, 9th Corp, providing artillery support for the Battle of the Bulge. At the end of the war in Europe during a tour of war-ravaged towns in Belgium, Mr. Offutt visited Lucien’s Candy Store. When the Luciens relocated to Fairmont, and set up shop on Jackson St., they proudly displayed the roster of servicemen who had patronized their store including a young Army private, Vere Offutt.
The family will gathered for visitation on Wednesday, Aug. 15at Carpenter and Ford Funeral Home at 209 Merchant St. in Fairmont. Services for Mr. Offutt were held at 11 a.m. on Aug. 16, at Hopewell Methodist Church. Private graveside rites preceded the funeral service.
Memorial contributions in memory of Vere Offutt may be made to WV 4-H, Hopewell Methodist Church, Hospice of the Panhandle, and to the American Cancer Society. Funeral services provided by Carpenter and Ford FH, Fairmont, WV, www.Carpenterandford.com.