Manuel “Eukey” Richard Fekete, 78, passed away Monday, November 25, 2024 at his home in Harts, WV surrounded by his loving family. He was born April 13, 1946 to Alex “Shoney” and Mary Lou Fekete in Riley Camp, Amherstdale, WV. Manuel’s life revolved around his girls—wife Dianna and his daughters—who he worked tirelessly to provide for and support in every way.

The oldest of five children, Manuel grew up in coal camps on Buffalo Creek and began helping support his family at age 13 when his father was badly injured in a mining accident. After graduating from Man High School in 1964, Manuel attended Marshall University until his studies were interrupted when he was drafted to serve in the Vietnam War. He served in the Navy from 1966 to 1970 as a radioman, earning numerous medals and accolades. Once he returned home from Vietnam, he continued his college education while working as a coal miner and then later at the National Bank of Logan where he met his wife Dianna. After marrying in 1975, Manuel returned to mining and worked at many different mines for nearly 30 years until he retired in 2002. He survived several accidents and injuries, including a rock fall, electrical fire, a severed thumb, and many others. He always joked that he had worn out about a dozen guardian angels.  

Despite working the “hoot owl,” Manuel always made time to have dinner with his wife and daughters before driving two hours to work a 12-hour night shift. When not working, he enjoyed playing cards, corn hole, darts, horseshoes, and other games where he could smoke the other players. He was a lifelong fan of the Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Reds, and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Manuel was a certified EMT and a regular blood donor with the American Red Cross, earning a four gallon pin at one point. Everyone who knew him appreciated his good humor and quick wit. He will also be remembered for his daredevil driving style, quick temper, colorful language, and selflessness.

He is survived by his wife Dianna of Harts with whom he enjoyed nearly 50 years of marriage. He was a devoted father to his daughters Mary-Kathryn “Kathy” (Jerry) Balzell of St. Augustine, FL; Clarissa Fekete of Harts, WV; and Alexis (Daksh) Fekete-Shukla of Sterling, VA. He also leaves a very special nephew Barry Dingess who he considered a son. Eukey will be dearly missed by his sisters Carolyn Wagner of Holden, WV and Darlene (Donnie) Stratton of Accoville, WV; his brother Jerry (Cheryl) Fekete of Amherstdale, WV; and his sister-in-law Christina Fekete of Man, WV. He is also survived by his grandchildren Deric (Kasey) Paynter of Lake City, FL; Jacqueline Balzell (Jesse Skeen) of Graham, NC; and Usha Shukla of Sterling, VA; his great grandchildren Triston Woodworth and Kinzley Paynter of Lake City, FL; and many dear cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors.

Manuel was preceded in death by his father Alex “Shoney” Fekete and mother Mary Lou Fekete; his brother Terry Fekete; and brothers-in-law David Wagner, Terry Adams, Neal Adams, Glen Adams, and Harold Dingess.

Services will be Saturday, November 30, 2024 at Evans Funeral Home and Crematory in Chapmanville, WV. Visitation will begin at noon with services at the funeral home to follow at 1:00 pm.

To honor his wishes, Manuel will be cremated after the military services conclude.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, friends and family make a donation to the Salvation Army this holiday season. The Salvation Army held a special place in his heart as it helped his family in a time of need during his childhood.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Evans Funeral Home & Cremation Services at Chapmanville, WV.