William M. Santonas ("Moe"), 93, of Morgantown, WV, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 19, 2016 in St. Clairsville, OH. He was born August 20, 1922 in Martins Ferry, OH, son of the late Mike and Mamie (Tipper) Santonas. A loving husband and father, with a spirited personality, Bill treated everyone he met with the respect and appreciation of a friend. He loved his family, whom he raised in Moundsville and Morgantown, WV, and was so proud watching them grow. Bill loved being outdoors, and you could often find him working in the yard or exploring Canaan Valley. He also loved watching sports, especially West Virginia University football and basketball. As a teenager at Martins Ferry High School, he was part of the 1941 State Championship-winning basketball team. After high school, he became a top turret gunner, flying in a B-17 with the 8th Army Air Forces during World War II. He flew 26 missions. When he returned from the service, he graduated from both Ohio University and West Liberty. He was employed with the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources as a Wildlife Biologist for more than 30 years, before enjoying a long and well-deserved retirement. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 69 years, Bettie Lou (Metcalfe) Santonas, his infant daughter, Alexa Marie, and his three brothers, Jim, George and Lou. Surviving are his three beloved children, Cathy and husband Jim Suter of Glen Dale, WV, Mary Lou and husband Steve Morris of Morgantown, WV, and David and wife Cindy (Fox) of Glen Dale. He also leaves behind five grandchildren, three great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Everyone who knew him will profoundly miss him and that memorable smile. Family and friends will be received at the Heslop Funeral Home, 415 Walnut St., Martins Ferry, OH, Saturday, February 27, 2016 from 12 p.m. until time of services at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Tom N. Thomas officiating. Burial follows in Riverview Cemetery, Martins Ferry. Military Honors will be presented by Belmont County Veterans Association at 1:45 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, 6263 Appalachian Highway, Davis, WV 26260. Condolences to the family may be made by signing the guest book below.

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