The world lost a hero today. Not from a movie or fairytale, but a man who made a difference every day to those around him. If you ever met him, you weren't likely to forget him. Frank J. Monell passed peacefully Tuesday, January 15, 2019 after an extended illness. He was surrounded by family and friends. He was born May 18, 1924 in Fairmont to the late John and Angelina Monell. He was preceded in death by his wife, Maryon Cathleeen "Haught" Monell in 2007; and his siblings, Mary, Felix, Carmen, Tony, Michael, Nick, Dominick, Joseph, and Cosmo Monell. Frank was the late surviving member of the family.

Frank is survived by one son, Gary Frank Monell and his wife Catherine "Kitty" Monell; three granddaughters, Mrs. Alicia Morgan (Tom), Ms. Anna Marie Monell (Ed Marion), and Mrs. Frankie Jo Monell (Frank Toddre II); three great grandchildren, Brittany Monell (Jeremy Leedon), Alyssa Marion, and Brock Marion.

Frank was a life member of the VFW, Knights of Columbus, Barbwire Mountaineers, DAV, American Ex POWs, Military Order of the Purple Heart, and was active with the VA Hospital in Clarksburg. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, and enjoyed fishing, rabbit hunting, and tending his large garden.

He was the owner of Frankie's Supper Club on Morgantown Avenue, which he purchased when he came back from World War II. In the war, Frank was captured at the Battle of the Bulge in 1944, then freed in 1945. He weighed 97 pounds when he was rescued from POW prison camp. Despite being shot three times, Frank was able to save 56 men. He was awarded three Purple Hearts, a Silver Star for Gallantry in Action, the European Theater of Operations Medal, with three stars, Good Conduct Medal, American Theater Medal, Victory Medal, and a POW ribbon.

The family would like to thank Genesis Healthcare and Amedisys in Anmoore. We will always be grateful for the care you gave him. A special thanks to Sister Stella who helped give him peace and comfort.

The family will receive friends at Domico Funeral Home, 414 Gaston Avenue in Fairmont, on Monday, January 21, 2019 from 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. A Vigil Rite will be held on Monday at 6:00 p.m. with Sister Stella and Father Jojan Joseph officiating. The Catholic Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 22, 2019 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Fairmont with Father Jojan Joseph as celebrant. Interment will follow at the West Virginia National Cemetery in Grafton, where full Military Rites will be performed by the Marion County Honor Guard. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.domicofh.com.