Taylor County loses a steadfast leader

Francis Wesley “Coach” Nestor (December 19, 1930 – July 1, 2012)

GRAFTON – Taylor County residents were saddened to learn of the passing of Francis “Coach” Nestor on Sunday. Nestor passed away on his farm on Wilson Ridge, as a result of a tractor accident.

The 81-year-old Nestor was a steadfast public leader in the Taylor County Community. He was employed for 38 years as a teacher, coach, and administrator. At Grafton Junior High School, he taught WV History, Physical Education, and coached basketball. At Grafton High School, Francis taught World History and Business Math, coached basketball, football, and baseball. 

He also served as Principal of Belington Middle School, Director of Diagnostic Studies at the Pruntytown Industrial School for Boys, and at the Taylor County Vocational Center.  After retiring, he served for 16 years on the Taylor County Board of Education. 

He graduated from Kasson High School in 1948 as Valedictorian. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Alderson-Broaddus College in Philippi, WV with a degree in Business and Social Studies. 

Francis received a Master’s Degree in School Administration from WVU and a Vocational Certification from Marshall University.

He was a real estate agent and broker.  Francis, with his Uncle Arthur “Shady” Marsh, built and operated the Nestorville Texaco Service Station.

Taylor County Board of Education President, Nancy Ludwick, released the following statement from the board.

On behalf of the Taylor County Board of Education it is an honor to write our memorial tribute for our dear friend and former board member Francis Nestor. A respected elder statesman, Francis had knowledge few people achieve. It was our pleasure to learn from this wisdom as members of the board. Whether choosing a new superintendent or voting on approval of a purchase order Francis gave as much study to one as to the other.

Always in the back of his mind, the measure for all decisions was what would be best for students, staff, and citizens of Taylor County. In making decisions he drew upon his wealth of experiences as a teacher, coach, administrator, and parent.

Always a gentleman, Francis could be counted upon to stand up for his beliefs. His strength came from family values, his faith in God, and family support. He valued education both book learning and lessons learned from the “School of Hard Knocks”.

His up bringing in the rural community of Nestorville created his strong moral character and his life long love of farming. Francis was both a complex man and a down to earth farmer.

His wisdom, character, and integrity will be missed by all.

Nestor was a member of the West Virginia Retired Teachers Association and Grafton Masonic Lodge #15. He was also a Little League Coach for “The Orioles” of Taylor County for several years.