Obituary of Louis M. Scotchell

Louis (Lou) Scotchell, 93, of Morgantown, West Virginia passed away peacefully and entered into everlasting life with Jesus on Wednesday, June 29, 2016. He was born in Chaplin, West Virginia to the late John Scotchell and Antoinette (Barbario) Scotchell on August 13, 1922. Lou’s childhood years were spent in Star City, West Virginia. He was a lifetime member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and graduated from Morgantown High School in 1941. He enlisted in the army in December of 1942. Louis Scotchell started out as a private infantry basic and rifleman and then became a sergeant squad leader, platoon guide and then a platoon Sergeant in World War II. He was a member of the 99th Infantry Division when he was not only combat wounded, but also captured by the Germans during the Battle of the Bulge. He was held in Stalag 13-D prison camp for 5 long months. He remembers that the POWs were forced to keep moving from camp to camp. He was rescued by General Patton. With WWII behind him at the age of 27, Lou was the old man of the Army unit when he arrived in Korea on the Fourth of July, 1950. He served almost three years with the 24th Infantry and his fighting ended in 1952 after suffering shrapnel wounds in his leg and a bout of malaria on the battlefield. Sergeant Scotchell was honorably discharged from the Army of the United States June 13, 1952. In 1955, Lou married Dian Gargalianos of Langeloth, Pennsylvania and they lived in the Suncrest area of Morgantown, West Virginia where they began their family of three children. After Dian lost her battle with cancer in 1972, Lou played the role of both parents and continued his work at the US Bureau of Mines, also called the Department of Energy. After retirement, he went on to work at West Virginia University. He loved gardening, cooking, watching old Westerns on TV, and most importantly, spending time with family. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 548 and met weekly with other veterans at the VET Center in Westover. He also enjoyed regular water exercise at Health Works. Lou Scotchell is survived by and will be greatly missed by his three children: Debbie and (Jon) Gates of Alexandria, VA, Maria Scotchell and (Harlin Magee) of Austin, Texas, Russell and (Robin) Scotchell of Shinnston, WV; three granddaughters: Abby and (Dewey) Purkeypile of Keota, IA, Amanda and (Kyle) Mundt of Elkins, WV, Alisha and (Ben) Fitchett of Bruceton Mills, WV; eight great-grandchildren; two sisters: Jeanette Marra of Star City, WV, Mary Barill of Chelsea, MI; and numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and great great nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his sister-in-laws: Francis Scarcelli, Pauline Gargalianos Morris, Nikki Gargalianos Milanese of West Virginia, and Kaye Gargalianos of Ohio; and his brother-in-law, Gus Diamond of Pennsylvania. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife Dian Gargalanios Scotchell (1927-1972), and his brothers: Russell Scotchell, Joe Scotchell, Frank Scotchell, and Tony Scarcelli Friends and family will be received at Hastings Funeral Home, 153 Spruce St. on Monday, July 4th from 10 am until 2 pm. Visitation will continue Tuesday, July 5th at St. Mary Roman Catholic Church, 3334 University Ave, Star City, from 10 am until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 am with Fr. John V. DiBacco officiating. Lou will be laid to rest at East Oak Grove Cemetery in Morgantown following the service. Full military funeral rites will be conducted at the graveside. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Mary Roman Catholic Church, 3334 University Ave., Morgantown, WV 26505, Ronald McDonald House, 841 Country Club Dr., Morgantown, WV 26505, or Morgantown Hospice, 3596 Collins Ferry Rd. Suite 250, Morgantown, WV 26505. Send condolences online at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com.