Eli White Rouse

Eli White Rouse, 72, of St. Albans completed his slow walk to heaven on August 1, 2018 at Hubbard Hospice House West after a short illness. He was born on August 31, 1945 in Matewan, WV. Eli graduated from St. Albans High School and attended West Virginia State College before enlisting in the West Virginia Air National Guard. He served with distinction in the 130th Airlift Wing at McLaughlin ANGB. Eli was retired from Union Carbide as a professional electrician, the West Virginia Air National Guard, and the State of West Virginia. He was a Master Weapons Instructor in the West Virginia Air National Guard and deployed to the Middle East during Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, and many other countries during the War on Terror. Governor Jim Justice awarded Eli with the Distinguished West Virginian Awarded on March 30th, 2017.

Eli was preceded in death by his parents Fred Hugh and Beulah Oliver Rouse, an infant brother Charles William Rouse and many, many beloved family members, especially the Rouse and Davis families. He grieved over his little grandson, Lincoln who passed away, and when anyone asked how many grandchildren he had Eli always included little Lincoln.

Eli is survived by his brother, Darwin Edward Rouse, his beloved wife, Carrena Conley Rouse, his wonderful sons and daughters-in-law: James Edward Rouse (Kristen) of Charleston SC., William Hugh Rouse (Misty) of St. Albans, Charles Eli Rouse of Claymont, DE, and Andrew Kingsley Rouse (Denessa) of St. Albans. Eli loved his grandchildren more than words can express, Xavier, Victor, Rex, and Penelope were his life’s joy.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff at Hubbard Hospice House West, all the visitors from the Air Guard unit, church family from St. Mark’s and St. John’s Episcopal church his many, many friends but especially the help that his niece, Sierra Belcher gave during his brief stay at Hubbard Hospice House West. Eli looked up to her and said, “you big hearted thing” and his beloved cousin, Laura Davis Ellis who he thought of as his sister.

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Friday, August 10th at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, St. Albans. Burial will follow at the Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery, Dunbar.

A visitation with family and friends will be held onThursday, August 9th from 6 to 9 p.m. at the church.

In lieu of flowers the family kindly requests that memorial donations in Eli's name be made to:

Saint Mark's Episcopal Church

405 B St.

Saint Albans, WV 25177

Online condolences can be accessed at www.casdorphandcurry.com