Oliver Wendell Hott, age 94 of Yellow Springs, WV, passed away Monday evening, August 25, 2025, at his residence. Born on August 30, 1930, in Baker, WV, he was a son of the late Donald Eugene Hott and Edna Florence Poland Hott. His wife, Betty Jean Halterman Hott preceded him in death in June 2023. Brothers, George, Warden and Harlan and sisters, Marguerite Harper, Nola Clark and Jean Halterman also preceded him in death, as he was the last surviving sibling.
Wendell was a graduate of Moorefield High School Class of 1950, participating in football, basketball and baseball. He was the last surviving member of the 1949 State Boys’ Basketball Championship team. Averting the possibility of being drafted into the Army, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, his own choice, in January 1951. After basic training in Texas and advanced training in Pennsylvania, he received a three-day pass in May of 1951, allowing him to marry his beloved wife, Betty Jean.
After his training in Pittsburgh, he was stationed at Burtonwood Air Force Base, with the 59th Vehicle Repair Squadron in Warrington, England and Betty Jean joined him shortly in February 1952. Wendell participated in football on the base and at a certain point a game between the Air Force and the Army soldiers from Germany was planned. Wendell was excited for this possibility as his brother George played for the Army team in Germany. To their disappointment, the game never happened.
Wendell was discharged earlier than his original enlistment of four years in December 1953, returning to West Virginia to attend class at WVU. His higher learning was cut short when their family grew and he had to seek work. He worked for a plywood shop in Moorefield before purchasing the South Branch Candy Company, a route over four neighboring counties selling candy from a truck. This retail experience led him to a job with Pierce Foods in sales.
After a couple of years with Pierce Foods, he left for a job with Marquez Mexican Food, based out of Los Angeles, CA, for the sales position for the Northeast. He eventually returned to Pierce Foods in 1979, and after a 28-year career in sales, he retired as the Vice-President of Sales for Pierce Foods.
In retirement, Wendell would do whatever Betty Jean wanted, but he enjoyed gardening, mowing his grass, and they together loved to host the family reunion. Golfing with his brothers and friends, especially the “old guys” on Wednesday mornings at Valley View was especially relaxing for him. He was a member of the Shiloh United Methodist Church, where he was a member of the choir.
Surviving is a daughter, Julie (John) Mayer of Taneytown, MD; sons, Ronald (Juliana) Hott of Yellow Springs, WV, J. R. Hott of Panama City Beach, FL and John Hott of Caryville, FL; grandchildren, Ashley (Ryan) Savage and Sean Mayer; great-grandchildren, Easton, Rhett and Jace along with a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
Funeral Services will be conducted 11:00 AM Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at the Fraley Funeral Home Chapel, 107 Washington Street, with Pastors Michael Funkhouser & Susan Largent officiants. Interment will follow with Military Graveside Rites accorded by the U. S. Air Force and the Moorefield Veteran’s Honor Guard in the Olivet Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 – 7 PM Tuesday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be directed to the Shiloh United Methodist Church, P O Box 114, High View, WV 26808 or Duffey Memorial Church, 100 N Elm Street, Moorefield, WV 26836. To offer condolences, share memories, or upload photos in honor of Wendell’s extraordinary life, visit his Tribute Wall at www.fraleyfuneralhome.com and celebrate the impact he made on all those around him.
