Neil Ronald Compton

Neil Ronald Compton, 90, of Port Washington passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 15, 2018 in the Community Hospice Truman House surrounded by his family. Neil was a man of few words, but what he said carried great weight with his family, friends, neighbors and colleagues. He was said to have never disparaged anyone, and he said he always learned something from everyone he met.

Born June 4, 1928 in Grafton, West Virginia he was a son of the late Benjamin and Rachel Truffitt Compton. Neil was also preceded in death by his wife, Ellen J. Compton on June 28, 2009; grandson, Matthew Ronald Compton; sister, Mary Henderson; brother, Ray Compton and several brothers and sisters in law.

After his graduation in 1946 from Grafton High School, in West Virginia, he served in the Army and is a WW II veteran. He received his bachelor’s degree in education from Fairmont State University and his master’s degree from WVU. Neil served as a teacher, principal and superintendent for Port Washington Schools and Indian Valley South retiring in 1982. He was a devoted and accomplished educator and was selected as the Outstanding American Educator in 1975. Neil was a very active member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Port Washington for over 60 years. He loved spending time with family, being outdoors, hunting, fishing, golfing, kayaking, mountain climbing, traveling the world, riding his bicycle and his Harley. Neil spent much of his time doing things for the church and golfing with his many friends at River Greens Golf Course. He was proud to be an alumnus of WVU and was a devoted fan of the Mountaineers.

Neil is survived by his children, Terry (Dana) Kittell of Coshocton, Gary (Kay) Compton of New Philadelphia, Larry “Ike” (Debbie) Compton of Sugarcreek, Jerry “Jud” (Dawna) Compton, Barry “Ed” (Becky) Compton both of Dover; brothers, Edward Compton of Florida, Thomas (Penny) Compton of Colorado; sister, Jo Claire Callison of Texas; 13 grandchildren, Kevin (Tiffany) Kittell, Jay (Tracy) Kittell, Angelica (John Igrec) Compton, Aaron Compton, Adam Compton, Josh (Tessa) Compton, Scott (Deanna) Compton, Jeremy (Amy) Compton, Jessi (Josh) Garvin, Joseph Compton, Kyle (Ashley) Compton, Danielle Compton; 16 great grandchildren; brother in law, James Henderson of Colorado; special friend, Pat Savage and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 20 at 11:00 am in the St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Port Washington with Rev. Dr. Robert E. Buckley officiating. Interment will be in the Union Cemetery. Friends may call at St. Paul’s on Wednesday from 4-7 pm. The Toland-Herzig Funeral Home and Crematory at Dover is handling arrangements. Those wishing to express their fondest memories of Neil may do so by visiting the online obituaries link on the funeral homes website.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s United Church of Christ or to Community Hospice Truman House.