Olan A Toppings

Obituary for Olan A. Toppings

With deep love and gratitude, we remember Olan A. Toppings, age 86, of Hurricane, who peacefully went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at Hubbard Hospice House after an extended illness. Born in Harts Creek, West Virginia, to the late Walter and Alberta Toppings, Olan built a life defined by dedication, kindness, and a passion for the outdoors.

Throughout his career at UMWA Cypress A-max, Olan served as the lead loader operator, earning the respect of colleagues until his retirement. His interests extended far beyond work—he was a proud member of the West Virginia Trappers Association, the National Wild Turkey Federation, the Upper Kanawha Valley CB Club, and the NRA. Olan was an avid outdoorsman who found great joy in hunting, gardening, trapping, beekeeping, coon hunting, and countless other hobbies that brought him close to nature.

Family was at the heart of Olan’s life. He was preceded in death by twelve brothers—Walter Jr., Osen, Fredrick, James, Merrel, Nolan, Daniel, Roger, Walton, Samuel, Marvin, and Joseph Toppings—as well as his sister Evelyn Adams and son-in-law Thomas Cole.

He is survived by his loving wife, Carol Jean Toppings; daughters Marsha Cole of Sanford, NC, and Donna Francisco (Mark) of Scott Depot, WV; grandchildren Justin Dunlap and Kristin Cole, both of Pittsburgh, PA; and sisters Clara Ferguson (Kenneth), Juanita Brewster (Dean), and Ruth Slusher (Mel). and several nieces, nephews and close family and friends.

A funeral service to celebrate Olan’s life will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Allen Funeral Home with Mr. Jody Sowards officiating, with burial to follow at Mt. Vernon Cemetery. Friends may visit from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Olan A. Toppings will be remembered for his devotion to family, his love of the outdoors, and the many ways he enriched the lives of those around him.

The family would like to thank Angie and Amber from Hospice for all their compassion and care, and all the close friends that were always there to help and spend time with him.

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