Francis Wesley “Coach” Nestor

Francis Wesley “Coach” Nestor

Francis Wesley “Coach” Nestor, age 81 of Liberty Avenue, Grafton, WV, passed away Sunday, July 1, 2012, at his farm on Wilson Ridge, as a result of a tractor accident. 

He was born December 19, 1930, in Nestorville, WV, the son of the late Hubert Ray and Nellie Bly (Marsh) Nestor. 

He is survived by his beloved wife of 35 years, Debberah “Debbi” (Weekley) Nestor; three children, Ray James (R.J.) Nestor and wife, Elisha of Morgantown, Franchesca Victoria Nestor also of Morgantown, and Jeanna Leigh Carder and husband, Cole of Bridgeport; his father-in-law James Weekley and step-mother-in-law, Helen Weekley of Grafton; one sister-in-law, Star Hill of Grafton; one niece, Heather Victoria Hill, Grafton; two nephews, James William Hill and wife, Sarah, and Robert Evan Hill, all of Grafton; one great-niece, Kiera Lane Hill; and one great-nephew, Dylan James Hill. 

Francis 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. 

He loved his family, God, music, baseball, animals, farming, and the beautiful state of West Virginia.

He was a member of the United Methodist Church, the Grafton Masonic Lodge #15 A.M.-F.M., the Retired Teacher’s Association, and the Mountaineer Parents Club. He also coached Taylor County Little League. 

The family will receive friends at the Donald G. Ford Funeral Home in Grafton on Thursday, July 5, 2012 from 3:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. and from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral hour on Friday.

Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Friday, July 6, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Bert Coffman officiating.

Interment will follow at the Woodsdale Memorial Park Cemetery in Grafton.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes contributions to be made to P.U.R.R., 306 Beech Street, Grafton, WV 26354 or at PURRWV.org.

Online condolences: www.donaldgfordfuneralhome.com.