If I can help somebody as pass along, then my living will not be in vain.

- Tony's Song of Testimony

Tony Eugene Whitlow, 92, of Elgood, WV was called home to be with his Lord and Savior on November 12, 2025.

Tony was born on May 9, 1933 in Kellysville, WV to Noah Curtis and Florence Elizabeth Bailey Whitlow.

He graduated from Oakvale High School in 1951. He was drafted into the Army in 1953, served in the Korean War, and was honorably discharged in 1955. Upon returning home, he attended West Virginia Business College on the G.I. Bill, majoring in Junior Accounting. He worked various jobs through the years, including the railroad and North American Aviation/Rockwell International, among others.

During the 1970s, he embarked on his political career, serving six terms in the West Virginia House of Delegates, three terms in the State Senate, and one term as Mercer County Assessor.

Tony did so many things in life with the one goal of making things better for others. Every accomplishment he achieved was driven by a genuine desire to better the lives of others, specifically Mercer County and West Virginia as a whole – from his many political accomplishments during his time in Charleston, to awarding citizens money through his work as a local government official in unclaimed properties, his founding of the Those Who Served War Museum which will continue in his legacy to honor veterans, as well as providing community support with his work with the Oakvale Ruritan and participating in fundraising events such as the Hee-Haw production. He was not a man who did anything for personal gain, but instead was a helper, an encourager, a giver, and a peace maker.

Although he received many accolades throughout his life, Tony would tell you that the thing he was most proud of was his family. He loved deeply and would tell stories about his family every chance he got. He never met a stranger and would end up a friend by the end of the conversation, and if you had any Bailey in your lineage, you were his "cousin." He lit up every room he entered and the legacy he leaves behind is immeasurable.

He was also a lifelong member of the church – both Kellysville Church of God and Lifeline – faithfully participating in the Whitlow Trio, where he brought praise, joy, and encouragement to many for over 60 years. He was also proud of having served as Sunday School Superintendent for many years at the Kellysville Church of God.

Tony is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Rebecca Jane Blankenship Whitlow (his Pizie); daughter Valerie and husband Gerald Terry of Elgood, and son Curtis and wife Tonya Whitlow of Elgood; granddaughter Rebecca and husband Chris Bivens of Princeton, granddaughter Cara and husband Zach Lambert of Cheesy Creek, granddaughter Anna and husband Lee Hill of Elgood, and grandson Noah Whitlow and fiancé Kayla Delp of Elgood; great-grandchildren

Elaina Bivens, Kash Delp, Granger Hill, Boone Lambert, and Oaklynn Whitlow; and one sister-in-law Betty Dent Whitlow of Bozoo.

Tony was the last surviving member of his family. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by infant brother Billy, brother Oakie Whitlow, brother Buddy and wife Joyce Whitlow, sister Beatrice and husband Charlie Turner, sister Virginia and husband Bill Brown.

Visitation will be held on Monday, November 17, 2025, at Lifeline Church in Princeton, WV, from 10:00 a.m. until the Celebration of Life service which begins at 1:00 p.m. Pallbearers will be Gerald Terry, Noah Whitlow, Chris Bivens, Zach Lambert, Lee Hill, and Michael May.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that contributions be directed to the Those Who Served War Museum at 1500 W Main Street, Princeton, WV 24740.

Online condolences may be shared with the family via www.memorialfd.com.  The Whitlow family is being served by the Memorial Funeral Directory and Cremation Center on the Athens Road in Princeton.