Deacon Duvall Harold S. “Deacon” Duvall, 97, of Rock Lake, passed away on Thursday, October 16, 2014 at the Fairmont Regional Medical Center. He was born January 11, 1917 in Fairmont, a son of the late Frank C. and Bessie Shaw Duvall. He is survived by his loving wife Joan Bray Duvall.

 

Deacon was a graduate of Fairmont Senior High School, received his undergraduate in education from Fairmont State College, and his master degree in physical education from Columbia University. He worked with Owens Illinois in Fairmont as a Recreation Director. He was a lifetime teacher and coach, beginning at Barrackville High School in 1940. He then served for three and one-half years as a First Lieutenant in the United States Army Air Force serving as a Convalescent Officer during World War II. Deacon then taught and coached at Rivesville High School.

 

In 1952 he began at Fairmont State College where he taught Health, Physical Education, and First Aid until his retirement in 1982, and he coached the Fighting Falcon Football Team from 1952 until 1971. His team won the NAIA National Championship in 1967, beating Central Michigan 27-21. He coached numerous teams to WVIC Conference Championships.

 

Deacon was a member of the Fairmont State College Hall of Fame, the West Virginia Sportswriters Hall of Fame, and the NAIA National Football Coaches Hall of Fame. He served as a member of the Marion County Board of Education for two terms. During his terms Thoburn and North Marion High Schools were built and plans were drawn for East Fairmont High School.

 

Deacon was a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church in Fairmont where he had served on the Deacon Board for more than four terms, and taught the Youth Sunday School. He was active in the building drive for the present church edifice. First Baptist Church was hisgreat love. At the age of 91, Deacon wrote his book: Duvall Football: Winning a National Championship He was an avid gardener,

hunter, and fisherman, he loved the great outdoors and spending time at his beloved Rock Lake.

 

In addition to his wife, Joan Bray Duvall, he is survived by his daughter, Susan C. and her husband Frank Mauro, of Atlanta, his grandchildren, Lynn, Erica, and Brett Mauro, of Alpharetta, GA, his step-daughter, Tracey and her husband Mike Linn of Rock Lake, a niece Becky Jefferson, of Chester, VA, and a cousin, Bill Duvall and his family of Georgia. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife and daughter in 1968, Florence Vaughn Duvall and Lynn Duvall, as well as his sister, Edith and her husband Monte Jefferson.

 

Memorial donations may be made in his memory to First Baptist Church, 901 Fairmont Avenue, Fairmont, WV 26554 or the American Red Cross, 405 1st Street, Fairmont, WV 26554 Deacon's family would like to thank the many dedicated doctors and nurses at Fairmont Regional Medical Center, Dr. Horner and Dr. Menez, and the staff of Saint Barbara's Nursing Home and Wishing Well Assisted Living for all the loving care and support they have given over the last several years.

 

Duvall will lie in state at the First Baptist Church, 901 Fairmont Avenue, Fairmont today from 10 a.m. until noon. The funeral will be held in the church beginning at noon with Reverend Valerie Gittings , Reverend Carl Gittings, and Reverend Mike Argabrite officiating.

 

Serving as honorary pallbearers will be his former football players. Online condolences may be made to www.fordfuneralhomes.com.