Iris “Kay” Barker
Iris “Kay” Barker, 76, of Hurricane, passed away, May 27, 2021.
She was born October 1, 1944, in Oak Hill, (Fayette Co.) to the late Edwin and Estelle Blethen Nester. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Joseph Raymond Bateman, Jr. on December, of 2020, and 2 brothers, Charles and Kenny.
Kay was a 50 plus year member of the Elk River Church of the Nazarene, where she was also a choir member. She was retired from Kanawha Co. Restaurant Services. Kay traveled extensively throughout the eastern United States and sang in a gospel group and was named WV Southern Gospel Member Association and was named Alto of the Year, several times.
She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother, who remained very active through her years.
Kay is survived by her loving family, husband, Harvey T. Barker, daughter, Michelle (Jeff) Wright of Huntington, step-children, Bettina, JoAnna, LaDonna Gayle, and T. J. Barker, grandchildren, Kelly-Ann, Steven, Niki, Wyatt, Cheyenne, Alaina, Ariel, Courtney, Bobbi Jo, Rheanna, Carson, Colton, Nikaya, Jude and Noah, great grandchildren, Addy, Cash, Asher, and Sophia, sister, Christy Nester.
Funeral service was Tuesday, June 1, 2021, at the Elk River Church of the Nazarene, Charleston, with Pastor Randy Ledsome officiating. Burial was in Highlawn Memorial Park, Oak Hill.
BILL BENNETT
Bill Bennett, of Hurricane, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 69.
Bill was born on February 22, 1952 in Charleston, to Bill and Celesta (Hill) Bennett. Bill was a graduate of Charleston High School. After graduation, he began working at Kroger’s. Bill was a dedicated employee and worked there until his retirement.
Bill led a happy and fulfilling life. He was a huge fan of Capital High School sports and loved attending all the games. He enjoyed gardening, taking walks, his cat (Kim), his wonderful neighbors and going to Marco’s for pizza. Bill was a kind man and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Bill was preceded in death by his father, Bill, his mother, Celesta and his sister, Carolyn Bennett Meador. He is survived by his sisters’ children, Lynne Whyte, Cindy Fisher, and Michelle Chambers of California. He is also survived by numerous other family members in the West Virginia area that he loved dearly.
Graveside service was Tuesday, June 1, 2021, at Elk Hills Memorial Park, Big Chimney.
Rhea L. Duke
Rhea L. Duke, 81, of Hurricane, went home to be with Lord on Sunday, May 30, 2021 at the Hubbard Hospice House at Thomas Hospital. She was the daughter of the Late Rev. Howard and Laverta Little of Tennessee. She graduated from Milton High School Class of 1957. She was preceded in death by her husband Jimmie Duke, Daughter Bethany Duke, Sister Joyce Denton, Brothers Dewayne Little and Ted Little.
She is survived by her daughter LaDonna Escue (Tim), 3 grandchildren, Allyssia Morris, MaKayla Escue (Allen Roach) & Noah Escue, 1 Great Grand Child Bradlin Johnson. Brother Steve (Nancy) Little of Tennessee. She was a member of the Teays Valley Church of God where she played the piano for many years she also played and sang with the Master’s Quartet.
Funeral service was Thursday, June 3, 2021, at Allen Funeral Home in Hurricane with Rev. Dr. Melissa Pratt officiating. Burial was in Valley View Memorial Park.
JOSEPH MICHAEL ESTEP
Joseph Michael Estep, 61, of Scott Depot, passed away May 20th, 2021 of complications following open heart surgery.
He was married to Kimberly, the love of his life, on July 24, 1984 who survives him. Joseph is also survived by his son Joseph Michael Estep II and his partner LaChrista Asbury and his grandson Trenton Asbury as well as his sister Debbie Jordan and many nieces and nephews.
Joseph was predeceased by his mother Doris Estep and his brother Allen Wayne Estep and many aunts and uncles.
He was an amazing father and a dedicated husband and will be missed and loved by all who loved him.
Judith Ann Fisher
Judith Ann Fisher, 80, of Hurricane, passed away peacefully on May 28, 2021 at Hospice Care in Charleston, after a short battle with oral cancer.
She was a 1959 graduate of Hurricane High School. She enjoyed traveling and did so as often as was possible. Many trips with friends, family, cruises and of course the yearly trip to Myrtle Beach. She had various hobbies including crocheting, reading, shopping and spending time with family. Her latest joy were her two newest great granddaughters.
She was a member of Forrest Burdette Memorial United Methodist Church.
Judy was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years James L. Fisher, parents Edith Roberts, James D. Roberts and Walter Easter and brother Ned Easter.
She is survived by her son, Steve Fisher and wife Nina; daughter Stephanie Jividen and husband Tim; grandson Alex Jividen (Jessica); granddaughter Kayla Donze (Jeremiah); grandson Dylan Jividen; great granddaughters Laila, Emma and Amelia Jividen and Arabella Donze.
Funeral service was Wednesday, June 2, 2021 at Forrest Burdette Memorial United Methodist Church with Pastor Ed Grant officiating. Burial was in Valley View Memorial Park in Hurricane.
Dorothy Goff
Dorothy Goff, 90, of Scott Depot, formerly of Nitro, passed away May 27, 2021 peacefully at home surrounded by her family.
Dorothy had worked an Monsanto in Nitro and was retired as a salesperson from Hoylman Huffman. In her spare time Dorothy volunteered for service with the Red Cross, Girl Scouts, PTA, and the Women’s Club. She was an artist. She loved all her friends at the Senior Center. Dorothy was a loving mother, grandma Goff, and great-grandma. She was willing to do almost anything that her family asked of her, even going to King’s Island and riding all of the rides.
She was preceded in death by her parents Lloyd and Beulah Chapman of Nitro.
She is survived by her children Jobe Stanley Hudnall, III, of Beckley, Susan Edwards and husband Jerry, of Scott Depot, Tracy Russell and husband Doug of Red House, grandchildren Kathryn Edwards, Allison Moody, Andrew Comer, great-grandson Roman Rowsey, sisters Carolyn Kirk and husband Danny of Nitro and Alice Key of Williamsburg, VA.
A memorial service was held Tuesday, June 1, 2021 at Cooke Funeral Home, Nitro,
Charles Michael Gooch
Charles Michael Gooch, 48, of Hurricane, passed away Friday May 28, 2021.
“Gooch” as he was known by family and friends was a former employee of Mardi Gras Casino, Cross Lanes. Gooch and his family were also very involved with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society WV/VA Chapter.
He is survived by his wife, Erin Gooch and their daughters, Kaitlyn Gooch and Emma Gooch; mother, Shirley White, brothers, William Holliday and Jeff Jackson as well as a host of other family members and friends.
Memorial service to celebrate Gooch’s life was held Thursday, June 3, 2021 at Hurricane Church of Christ.
PHILIP “DAN” LEMON
Philip “Dan” Lemon, 74, of Scott Depot, passed away on May 20, 2021 at Ruby Memorial Hospital.
Dan retired from Columbia Gas System in 1998 with 30 years of service. He was an excellent draftsman and an exceptional artist. He loved drawing caricatures of friends and family. Dan loved to fish and go boating and camping. His real passion was classic cars, he enjoyed restoring them and attending car shows. He loved the monthly breakfasts shared with his car buddies. Dan was funny, intelligent and an inspiration to those who knew him. He will be missed.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Sybil Lemon.
Dan is survived by his wife, Patricia Lemon; son, Christopher (Debra) Goff; brothers, Joe (Linda) Lemon; sister, Patricia (Philip) Bright; grandchildren, Dylan, Rachel, Christopher and Taylor; Nephews, Brad (Nikki) Lemon, Grant (Jessica) Lemon; niece, Rebekah (Michael) Subit; and several great nieces and nephews; and many special friends.
A service to Honor the Life of Philip was held Thursday, May 27, 2021 at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston with Rev. Claudia Fizer officiating. Burial was in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans.
Harry Machado
Harry Machado, of Winfield, passed at home Wednesday, May 26, 2021. His brave battle with diabetes and all the complications ended.
He is survived by his second wife Rosalie and first wife Darlene Shores, mother of his sons Kenny Machado (Tracey) of Arizona, Keith Machado (Farrah) of Winfield; grandchildren, Lauren Michelle, Kristopher of Oklahoma, Delaney Rae and Grayson Machado of Winfield and furbaby, Tuesday.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Nicholas Machado and Carmen Amador Machado Prieto, brother, Carlos; sisters, Leticia and Carmen of New York City. Surviving sisters, Florita Castrada of Florida, Alexandra Prieto of Puerto Rico, Brumhilda and brother, Peter Prieto of New York City.
He served in the Army and USA-Stratcom Pacific USAR Control Group in Oahu, Hawaii during the Vietnam War. On his return to New York City, He worked at several banks and brokerage firms, tiring of the pace, he moved to Pennsylvania with his family where he worked as a wholesale food salesman, being transferred to Cincinnati, Ohio then to Charleston, West Virginia for Pantry Chef later Standard Foods later opening his own company.
While in the Army, he was a boxer and played baseball. Harry had a passion for baseball. He had coached little league teams in Hurricane. He followed the New York Yankees since his teens.
Funeral service was Wednesday, June 2, 2021 at Chapman Funeral Home, Winfield. Burial with Military Honors was in Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery, Dunbar.
PHYLLIS ANN THORNTON
Phyllis Ann Thornton, 66, of Red House, passed May 28, 2021.
She is preceded in death by her husband Gilbert Thornton; parents Charles and Beulah Thornton of Liberty; brother David Thornton of Hometown and son Arthur Ray Baker of Winfield.
Phyllis is survived by her daughter Angela A. Wagner of Hurricane; brother Carl Thornton; sister-in-law Cindy Thornton; niece Megan N. Beller of Liberty; sister Teresa Rollins of Eleanor and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
A tribute to the life of Mrs. Phyllis Ann Thornton was held Tuesday, June 1, 2021 at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Woody Willard officiating.
REV. ROY EUGENE YOUNG
Reve. Roy Eugene Young, 98, of Hurricane, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 at home.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Cammie Young. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Goldie Young; siblings, Ruby Parker, Donald Young, Genevieve Moore, Belva Frye, George Young, Thomas Young and Nina Young; and brother-in-law, Dana Griffith.
Roy was a minister of the Gospel at Highlawn Church of God for many years. He will be missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his daughter, Paula Miller (Mike) of Hurricane; grandchildren, Michael Miller (Sarah Haynes) of St. Albans and Kelli Johnson (Chuck) of Hurricane; great grandchildren, Madisyn Johnson, Nathan Johnson and Colton Johnson; sister-in-law, Joyce Griffith of Hurricane; and many extended family and friends.
Funeral service was Saturday, May 29, 2021 at Highlawn Church of God, St. Albans, with Pastor Harold Richards officiating. Burial was in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans.
