Wilbur C. Toothman, 92, of Farmington peacefully went home to be with the Lord on December 17, 2010. His family lovingly cared for him at his home during his final days. One of nine children, he was born on Laurel Run near Farmington on May 12, 1918, a son of the late Clarence and Eva Jane Morgan Toothman. Through the years, he lived on several farms and residences, but has never lived more than five miles from his birthplace.
He graduated from Farmington High School in 1937. He met his first wife Elsie “Jo” Smith during church services at the Church of Christ in Farmington. They were united in marriage in Oakland, MD, on January 27, 1939. During the early years of their marriage, Wilbur established a milk route in Farmington, selling and delivering milk for 12 cents a quart in a Model A Ford. Through the years Wilbur found employment to support his family: farming, making concrete blocks, and working in coal mines. He worked for Four States Mine for almost 36 years before his retirement in 1980. Elsie “Jo” passed away on May 2, 1992.
His second wife was Florence Efaw, whom he married on February 12, 1994, in an open church wedding at the Oakhurst Church of Christ in Farmington. Florence was a wonderful companion to him for eight years. Florence passed away on January 1, 2002.
Church has always been a significant part of Wilbur’s life. He was baptized in Buffalo Creek in 1932 by Evangelist Fred E. Dennis. He has been a member of the Oakhurst Church of Christ for 78 years. He was appointed an elder in the church in 1960 and served in that capacity for 32 years. He resigned in June 1992 following his first wife’s death.
He is survived by fours sons: Leroy Toothman (Peggy) of Eustis, FL., Forest R. Toothman (Shirley) of St. Mary’s, WV., Darell Toothman (Marcie) of Buckhannon, WV., Jerry Toothman (Linda) of Sistersville, WV.; two daughters: Martha Jane “Janie” Laughery (Ronald) of Little Hocking, OH., Donna Toothman (Gary) of Springfield, TN., two brothers: Kenneth Toothman of Fairmont, WV., and Jess Toothman of Goodlettsville, TN. He is also survived by 18 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, and six great, great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents and wives he was preceded in death by four brothers: Arlus, Woodrow, Mack, and Don; two sisters Louise and Leola; and one great grandchild.
Calling hours will be Saturday 3:30pm to 9:00pm at Masters Funeral Home, 209 Main Street, Mannington, WV. Funeral services will be on Sunday at the Oakhurst Church of Christ in Farmington at 2:30pm. Evangelists Randy Cook and Ronald Laughery will officiate. Burial will be at Sunnyview Cemetery on the former Toothman farm. The family wishes to thank Hospice Care for the wonderful care and assistance they have given the family during Wilbur’s short illness. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made toIn Search of the Lord’s Way TV program, PO Box 371, Edmond, OK 73083-0371. This was Wilbur’s favorite program which he watched every Sunday morning.