St. Elmo McDowell Altizer, formerly of Bluefield, West Virginia, passed away in his home in Forest, Virginia, on Monday after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Born in 1933 in Bear Wallow, Virginia, he was an 85 year-old Navy veteran. “Elmo” worked most of his life at EIMCO Machinery Company (formerly Coppinger Machinery Service) where he had many friends. He enjoyed watching old movies and spending time with his family. A patient, loving and devoted father and grandfather, Elmo adored children and animals. He was generous to everyone he knew with both his time and possessions. He was never too busy nor too hurried to talk to others and share stories. His compassion for others was evidenced by his kind and generous nature. He once gave a car to a friend who was stricken with cancer and without transportation to and from work. He and his wife gave bicycles to their nieces and nephews when they were just children. He raised his only child after the death of his wife and continued to help her throughout her education and beyond. He doted on his only grandchild, David, and his daughter Melesa, whom he loved unconditionally. Elmo accepted Jesus as his personal Savior in his youth and reaffirmed his acceptance later in life as well. He walks today in heaven, restored in body, mind and spirit.
Elmo is preceded in death by his wife, Janice Faye Altizer, and parents, Dr. and Mrs. H.N. and Myrtle Altizer. Surviving relatives include his brother and sister-in-law, Delano and Jean Altizer, his daughter and son-in-law, Melesa Poole and Clay Poole, and his grandson, David Bolt. Elmo will be dearly missed.
Services to celebrate the life of St. Elmo McDowell Altizer will be held 2:00PM Saturday, May 4, 2019 at Roselawn Funeral Home, Princeton with Dennis Lund officiating.
Visitation will be held on Friday, May 3, 2019 from 6:00PM to 8:00PM at Roselawn Funeral Home, 450 Courthouse Road, Princeton, WV.
