Douglas Clayton Fargo
Mr. Douglas Clayton Fargo (Doug) lost his battle with cancer on November 18, 2015. He had recently celebrated his 90th birthday. He was a resident of the Veteran’s Administration Medical CenterMartinsburg since this past spring, but resided in Jefferson County (Charles Town), WV for over 25 years.
Doug was born on October 3rd, 1925 to the late Joseph W. Fargo and Matilda (David) Fargo of Lincoln Park, Michigan. After graduating from high school, Doug enlisted with the U.S. Army and served from 1944-1946. He was engaged in 9 major battles and quickly elevated in rank from a private to a sergeant as he served under General Patton during WW II. He was awarded the Bronze Star and Combat Infantry Badge (CIB).
Upon returning home, Doug attended Detroit Technical Institute and worked in the automotive industry as a time-study engineer. In 1951, he was recalled to active duty and served another two years in Korea where he received his field commission as a Lieutenant. He led 11 combat patrols and was awarded a second Bronze Star and a second CIB as well as 18 other ribbons/decorations. He retired from government service having worked for the Corps of Engineers and the Inspector General.
Doug remained very active and enjoyed some very busy retirement years. He served on several boards and committees, and dabbled in several different entrepreneurial enterprises. He enjoyed dancing, bowling and stayed involved with a number of veteran’s organizations including; Korean War Veterans Association, 40 and 8, Kiwanis and Military Officers of America Association. Additionally, he was a member of the Mountaineer Twirlers Square Dance club, a longtime member of Charles Town Presbyterian Church and most recently a member of Asbury United Methodist Church in Charles Town.
Mr. Fargo is survived by his son, Douglas A. Fargo and his wife Cynthia of Ruckersville, VA as well as his daughter, Lynda (Lynch) Banks and her husband Donald of Creedmoor, NC. Additionally, he is survived by two grandchildren and a great-grandson. Grandson, Jason Douglas Fargo lives in Charlottesville with his wife Elizabeth and their son Willis Adam Fargo. Doug’s grand-daughter, Sarah Elizabeth Fargo and her fiancé’ Sean O’Brien live in Richmond. D.C. Fargo was predeceased by his parents, as well as, his sister Marjorie A. Fargo. Over his long years, Doug also buried two wives; Marie Laura Mae (Anderson) Fargo and Eileen (Lynch) Fargo, as well as, the last love of his life, Eunice (Stormy) Steed in 2013. Additionally, Mr. Fargo lost his grandson, Adam Joseph Fargo on 7-22-2006 when he was killed in action while fighting in Iraq. Adam was a member of the U.S. Army and served as a medic with the 101st Airborne Division.
For those wishing to pay their respects, there will be a viewing at Eackles-Spencer and Norton Funeral Home (256 Halltown Road, Harpers Ferry, WV) on Monday, November 23, 2015 from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM. A service will be held Tuesday, November 24, 2015 at 1:00 pm at Asbury United Methodist Church (110 West North Street, Charles Town, WV). Doug’s Pastor and friend, Rev. Duane Jensen will preside over the service. Following the service, Doug’s family has extended an invitation for all attendees to step over into Williams Hall at Asbury UMC and join them for refreshments. Doug wished to be buried in Arlington National Cemetery and the date and time for this has not been determined at the time of the printing of this notice. In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that donations be made to the Adam Fargo Memorial Scholarship Fund. This would honor both Doug and his late grandson, Adam. These should be mailed to: Adam Fargo Memorial Scholarship Fund c/o Charlottesville Area Community Foundation 114 Fourth Street S.E. Charlottesville, VA 22902 Or online at: www.cacfonline.org The family of Mr. Douglas Clayton Fargo (Doug) would like to thank all of you who have befriended our father/grandfather/great-grandfather. His life was richer because you were in it. We also hold out a special thanks to those who have visited and comforted him over these past several months as he battled his illnesses. Extra special thanks to the staff at the VA Medical Center in Martinsburg, WV. Goodbye, Doug. May you always be: “as ornery as ever”!