Colen Willard Marple, Jr., "Will" 69 of Barrackville, went to his Lord and Savior on Sunday, August 22, 2021. He was born in Fairview on June 22, 1952, a son of the late Esther and Colen Willard Marple, Sr.

Will graduated from Fairview High School in 1970. He was a standout athlete in football, baseball, and his most favorite sport of all, basketball. He was a total sports nut and a faithful North Marion Husky basketball fan. He diligently followed college and professional athletics, especially college football, WVU football and basketball, and Pirates baseball. However, his most favorite sporting events were those of his beloved grandchildren. He was his grandchildren's number one fan. He was always supportive and of his grandchildren's activities as they were his pride and joys. He faithfully attended any sporting game or event that the grandchildren were involved in from basketball to soccer. He lived to cheer them on in games and activities. Will served in the National Guard. He was a member of the UMWA Local 1570 and worked at the Federal #2 Mine for 33 years.  Will was also a member of the Central United Methodist Church in Fairmont, serving as the PPR Chairman. His salvation birthday was April 11, 2008

Spending time with his family brought him great joy. Will had a passion for serving Christ and sharing the gospel.  Working in his garden, sharing the fruits of his labor with those he cherished, and fishing with grandchildren brought him great joy.  Additionally, completing projects, spoiling his two cats, Jeremiah and Orpha were among his favorite activities.  Will had a bright and infectious energy that could light up any room and make anyone smile. He touched so many lives with his generosity, one-of-a-kind heart, driven personality, and passion for life. His wife, children, and grandchildren were his world. His grandchildren not only referred to him as Papaw Mush, but they called him "their hero" as well.

Will is survived by his wife, Diana Blair Marple; children, Heather Renee Tuttle and her husband David Tuttle of Fairview, Brian Wesley Marple and his wife Morgan Marple of Rustburg, VA, and Karla  Melissa Rose and her husband James Rose of Bridgeport; his pride and joy, seven grandchildren, Paige and her husband Woodrow Taylor of Fairview, Presley Tuttle and her fiancée Spencer Chisler of Daybrook, John Isaac Marple, Abigail Marple, and Ian Kincaid of Rustburg, VA, and Ethan Rose and Evan Rose of Bridgeport; and sisters, Billie Dawn and her husband Fred Tennant of Bridgeport, Beverly Lloyd of Glendale, CA.

In addition to his parents, Will was preceded in death by his sister, Patricia Travinski, his mother Esther Marple Wilcox, and his grandmother, Vada Wilson.

The family will receive friends at Domico Funeral Home, 414 Gaston Avenue Fairmont, WV, on Thursday, August 26, 2021 from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. He will lie in state at the Central Methodist Church, 301 Fairmont Avenue, Fairmont, WV, on Friday, August 27, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. The funeral service will be held on Friday, August 27, 2021 at Central United Methodist Church, 301 Fairmont Avenue Fairmont, WV at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Brad Bennett officiating. The family is requesting that masks be worn throughout the viewing and funeral services. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.domicofh.com.

The family members would like to express sincere heartfelt gratitude to the physicians and nurses at United Hospital Center.  They provided outstanding and compassionate care for our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Colen Willard Marple, Jr.