DR. ELMER TEOFILO VEGA

DR. ELMER TEOFILO VEGA, 88, passed away at home on June 16, 2016 in South Point, Ohio, surrounded by his family. He is survived by his devoted wife of fifty-nine-years, Mary Daisy; his loved ones also included his three children and their spouses as well as 14 grandchildren. These include daughter Mary Elizabeth married to Dr. Matthew Harris and their six children, Amanda, Joshua, Marquis, Micah, Anna and Merrick; son Dr. Michael Elmer Vega married to Paula and their three children, Evan, Austin and Lauren; daughter Magaly Evelyn married to Dr. Jeff Overstreet and their five children, Joseph, Justin, Jordan, John and Jhovana. Elmer was born into humble circumstance in Bolivia, but through determination and perseverance became a physician in Bolivia before moving to the United States and Canada to complete his training and achieve the pinnacle of success as an anesthesiologist. Dr. Vega spent the majority of his professional career in Huntington, W.Va., where he was the first board certified anesthesiologist. He was instrumental in the founding of Marshall Medical School. He performed the region's first epidural anesthetic and helped pioneer the open heart surgery program at St. Mary's Hospital. His dedication to his profession was only surpassed by his love of God and family. He used his success to bless his immediate family and his extended family in Bolivia. His gentle caring spirit and commitment to God and family continues to inspire us all to follow his example. Memorial Funeral Liturgy will be conducted at 3 p.m. Saturday, June 18, 2016, at Chapman's Mortuary, Huntington, with Father Dean Borgmeyer officiation. A Celebration of Life will start at 4:30 p.m. Online condolences may be sent to www.chapmans-mortuary.com.