Dana Allen Stemple
December 20, 1949 ~ April 10, 2026
Born in: Philippi, West Virginia
Resided in: Philippi, West Virginia
Dana Allen Stemple, 76, a resident of Philippi, passed away on Friday, April 10, 2026, at Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown.
He was born December 20, 1949, in Philippi, a son of the late James Park Stemple and Marcelene (Hotsinpiller) Stemple.
Dana married Anna Lou (Hammack) Stemple on May 12, 1972, sharing many years of love and partnership together.
He dedicated 35 years to education in Barbour County, leaving a lasting impact on countless students and colleagues. Dana began his career teaching West Virginia history from 1971 to 1981, where he proudly taught all but one of the county’s Golden Horseshoe winners during that time. He also coached middle school football and basketball, mentoring young athletes both on and off the field. Dana later served as principal at both Belington Middle School and Philippi Middle School, where he was respected for his leadership, fairness, and commitment to students.
A devoted member of Tacy United Methodist Church, Dana was active in 4-H earning his Charting and the All-Star pins. He served as past president of the Barbour County Retired School Employees Association.
Dana found great joy in life’s simple and meaningful moments, especially supporting and watching his grandsons in their sporting events. He will be remembered for his dedication to education, his community spirit, and his love for family.
He is survived by his wife, Anna Lou Stemple; his daughters, Stephanie Stemple and Laura Morrison and husband Josh; his grandsons, Dayton and Carter Morrison; and his nephew, Jordan “Bart” Harris.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Dawn (Stemple) Harris.
Dana will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Family will welcome friends at Wright Funeral Home and on-site Crematory 220 N. Walnut St. Philippi on Monday April 13, from 5-8:00 pm and on Tuesday April 14, from 9- 11:00 am. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 am in the funeral home chapel with Rev. James Steele officiating. Dana will be laid to rest in the Crossroads Cemetery.
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Services
Visitation: Monday, April 13, 2026 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Wright Funeral Home
220 N Walnut Street
Philippi , WV 26416
(304) 457-2121
Visitation: Tuesday, April 14, 2026 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Wright Funeral Home
220 N Walnut Street
Philippi , WV 26416
(304) 457-2121
Funeral Service: Tuesday, April 14, 2026 11:00 am
Wright Funeral Home
220 N Walnut Street
Philippi , WV 26416
(304) 457-2121
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We just heard about Dana. Our heartfelt sympathy is with the family during this difficult time.
Love and prayers
Gerald and Dianna Cline
Dana was such a nice man. He was one of my favorite customers at the bank – People’s Bank. I know he will be missed by many.
I always enjoyed working with Dana in the Barbour County school system. My sincere condolences to the family.❤️
Annie, I am so sorry. May God bless you!
James Hill
San Antonio
I had the privilege of working with Dana in the early 2000s when he was the Attendance Director. He was great to work with. Professional, yet personable. I enjoyed his sense of humor. He will be missed but not forgotten. My condolences to his family members.
Anna Lou, Stephanie, Laura and Family,
We can only imagine how devastated you must feel at this time. We pray that
you will be comforted by knowing Dana is at peace with the Lord, and in the
company of his sister Dawn, mother Marcelene and father Jimmy.
God bless you all.
And I have him to thank for a lot of the studying for it!…Good memories! Thank You Lord for him and please hold and comfort his family.