H. Elmer Napier

H. Elmer Napier, 90, of Vienna, WV, went to be with our Lord on September 2, 2026, where he reunited with family for a heavenly Napier reunion. He was born in Logan County, WV, on October 6, 1935, to Jake and Edna Napier. He was a graduate of Scott High School in 1953 and earned his B.S. at West Virginia State University and his M.S. from West Virginia University in 1969. He served in the U.S. Air Force in England for three years, where his daughter, Debbie Wells, was born.

He married Thelma (Ford) Napier on June 1, 1964, in Mineral Wells, WV. They were blessed with two children: Steven and Michael Napier. Elmer worked at Parkersburg High School as a Driver’s Education Instructor and the Athletic Trainer for the Big Reds Football and Basketball Programs. After 25 years, he retired in 1989.

During retirement, he spent many summers with his wife at Camp Miniwanca in Michigan, and enjoyed his winters fishing on Lake Okeechobee in Florida. Elmer was a skilled woodworker known for his clocks. He was a published photographer and researcher, primarily photographing Mail Pouch barns, grist mills, and other historical sites.

He was happiest hunting, fishing, traveling, visiting all of West Virginia’s state parks, watching football or NASCAR, and spending time with his family. He was a proud grandfather, known as “Papaw” to his three grandchildren, Garrett and Gracelynn Napier, and Ashley Wells.

Elmer is survived by his children, Steven Napier (Lori), Michael Napier, and Debbie Wells; one sister, JoAnn Keenan, and three grandchildren, Garrett Napier (Madelyn), Gracelynn Napier, and Ashley Wells. He was preceded in death by his parents, five siblings, and his wife, Thelma Napier.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, September 18, 2026 from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM at Lambert-Tatman Funeral Home in Vienna, WV. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the West Virginia State Park Foundation. Checks made payable to “WVSPF” and mailed to: WV State Park Foundation, P.O. Box 2, Hurricane, WV, 25526, or online at www.lovewvstateparks.com/donate