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Don Lorain Stull

12/13/1948 - 11/13/2015

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Obituary For Don Lorain Stull

The family of Don Stull lost their beloved husband, brother, uncle and friend following a valiant 2-year fight with gastric cancer. He passed on Nov 13th in the loving arms of his wife.

Born to Ray and Helen Stull of Clifftop, West Va., Don knew his only chance of breaking the mold of a coal miner's life was through education. That determination was accomplished when he received a B.S. from Marshall University and continued his studies towards a Master's degree at Duke University's Divinity School.

Don will be remembered for his undying love for his wife, his comforting bear hugs, his somewhat sarcastic but loveable quick wit, his strong work ethic and his 37 years entrepreneurial endeavors in the restaurant industry. He was proud to be the founding owner of Bobby McGee's, D. B. Cooper's, Smackwater Jack's, Baker Street, Deuce McGee's and his latest, Woody McGees Barstro. His recreational passions included golfing, traveling and relaxing on his back deck with his wife and a good glass of single malt.

Family left to cherish his memory are his wife, Deb with whom a 35-year love affair was shared, his Purdin brothers, sisters, nephews and nieces, and in West Va., his sister, sister in-law and their sons. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother.

Honoring his wishes, no services are planned. Don believed in keeping all charitable contributions locally and would be honored if a donation in his memory was made to the Cancer Care Foundation of Tidewater.

Dear friends, when you hear a deep belly laugh or see someone with a wicked smile, remember Don. When you watch a Duke basketball game, remember Don and his love for the Blue Devils. And, when you are touched by the selflessness of a generous soul, please remember this wonderful man.

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Condolences

  • 04/08/2021

    Christie Adams

    please accept my condolences. Don was certainly one of the good ones and even as a young child eating at Samckwater Jacks with my family, I could tell that he was a hard working man who took pride in what he did. His sarcasm and quick whit always made me laugh. Those of us who were blessed to know him are the lucky ones.

  • 04/08/2021

    Bill Brewster

    Deb, Very sorry to hear about Don. He was truly a great guy. I have wonderful memories of Don and you from the Carolina and Smackwater days.

  • 04/08/2021

    Phil Hathock

    When I left the restaurant a year ago, I managed to pull to the back before I wept. I knew I wouldn't see Don again. I thank God for a friendship that time and distance could not diminish. Don, you were a treasure!

  • 04/08/2021

    Travis and Linda Blake

    Debbie-there aren't enough words to let you know how saddened we are at Don's passing. He was a special person who is tragically gone too soon. You're in our thoughts and prayers.

  • 04/08/2021

    Bob & Kathy Hutchison

    Debbie and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Don was a wonderful man. We will miss his smile and face and pray that you will find peace knowing how many people respected and loved him.

  • 04/08/2021

    Rebecca Angotti

    I look back fondly on my time working for you at Baker Street. You had a knack for making people feel warm and welcome while tantalizing their taste buds and entertaining them. You will be missed.

  • 04/08/2021

    John Page

    RIP Don, thanks for the 28 year friendship and many laughs. Deb, my thoughts prayers and love go out to you and family.

  • 04/08/2021

    Shay Kassar

    Don was one of the greatest people I have ever met. He was strong, courageous, loyal, sincere, loving, funny, and the most sarcastic witty man in the world. He took so many chances with me, and taught me so so many things that will stay will me until I meet him again. I will never feel fully complete again without my friend, father figure, mentor, boss, teacher, chef, greatest hug giving, best advice having human in this world. I will drink a single malt for you every 13th, forever. I love you Don. I will always be there for Deb, the luckiest woman alive for having loved you, and been loved by you for over 30 years.

  • 04/08/2021

    Shay Kassar

    Don was one of the greatest people I have ever met. He was strong, courageous, loyal, sincere, loving, funny, and the most sarcastic witty man in the world. He took so many chances with me, and taught me so so many things that will stay will me until I meet him again. I will never feel fully complete again without my friend, father figure, mentor, boss, teacher, chef, greatest hug giving, best advice having human in this world. I will drink a single malt for you every 13th, forever. I love you Don. I will always be there for Deb, the luckiest woman alive for having loved you, and been loved by you for over 30 years.

  • 04/08/2021

    Vince Donlon

    Deb , thinking of you in this sad time of loss. I will have Don in my prayers. My condolences.

  • 04/08/2021

    Melissa Doyle

    My condolences are with his family during this time. It wont be the same not seeing your shining face at VOA. You and your wife always had smiles no matter what. May you rest peacefully and watch over your loved ones. You Will be truly missed Melissa Doyle Infusion scheduler @ Virginia Oncology

  • 04/08/2021

    Doug and Mary Miller

    So sorry to hear this news. I have great memories of Don’s fun loving spirit from when I was just a little kid during his Marshall days. My dad was his campus Christian minister at the Methodist students center. He was one of those “old” college students that I thought was cool and he took time to get to know me. I kept up with Don through my parents. On one visit during my teenage years to Va Beach Don got our entire family hooked on backgammon. I still have the gold chain he gave me upon my graduation from high school. Also, Mary and I have fond memories of Don and Debbie hosting us at Va Beach when we were in college and wanted to take spring break on a shoe string budget in 1987. It was a joy to reconnect with Don through correspondence this year. Debbie and family, you all are in our prayers.

  • 04/08/2021

    Earnie Coalter

    Debbie so sorry will miss him and all of our WV jokes about each other in our prayers Earnie & staff

  • 04/08/2021

    clarke and rinda russ

    Dear Debbie and Family, You are in our thoughts and prayers.Don dreamed big with intense optimism,resilience,tenacity,a big heart and a hospitable spirit.He always "gave us more than we expected".Your loving support helped make his dreams possible. Love you Rinda and Clarke

  • 04/08/2021

    Ernest Cobb

    Thanks, Don for so much "fun" and "funny" memories of you and the "gang" at Smackwater's! My sincere condolences to your family--what a great guy! Take care and may time help ease your sorrow. With sympathy, Ernest "Skinny" Cobb

  • 04/08/2021

    Scott, Tracey, & Rebecca Linneball

    We love u Debbie! Sorry for your loss but you know he's in a better place! ðŸË?Ë?ðŸË?â?¡Ã°Å¸â?¢Â?

  • 04/08/2021

    Keith Bonney

    Deb, sorry for your loss, I consider myself fortunate to have known the real Don. If there's anything the "Boys" can do please don't hesitate to ask....

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