Featured, Obituaries

Obituaries for Week of December 16

EDWARD L. ALLEN JR.
Edward L. Allen Jr., 78, of Pownal, Maine, passed away peacefully in his home on Dec. 5, 2021 after suffering from a long illness.
Lenny, as he liked to be called, was a lifelong resident to the Pownal area; growing up and living there his entire life. Lenny spent his life doing what he enjoyed most; working on his farm raising cattle, first dairy and then beef. He also enjoyed his vegetable garden; particularly his pumpkin patch. He was a simple, honest hardworking man and worked from sunrise to sunset.
Lenny’s other passion in life was spending time with his grandchildren. Lenny worked at Super Value Warehouse as a custodian and retired from his job as custodian of the Dunn School in Gray in 2014.
He is survived by his brother, Ronald Allen of Hurricane, W.Va.; and his children Melissa Jordan of Windham, Me., Kerry Roberts of Cornish, N.H., Kelly Sepulveda of New Bloomfield, Pa., and Douglas Allen of Lewiston, Me.; his 15 grandchildren; and by his friend, Kit, the cat.
He was predeceased by his father, Edward L. Allen Sr., his mother, Josephine Allen; and sister, Marion Curry.
Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 18 at the Pownal Congregational Church, Pownal.

RICHARD BAILEY
Richard Thomas Bailey, 17, of Louisville, Kentucky, passed away on November 25, 2021.
Richard was an avid gamer. He loved to spend time with his friends and to travel on many adventures with his loved ones. He was set to join the US Army upon graduation from Ballard High School. Everyone will miss his witty sense of humor and unique personality.
Richard is preceded in death by his Grandfathers Richard Thomas, Billy Wayne Bailey Sr. and Paul Lusk.
Left behind to cherish his memory are his mother, Bobbi Jasper (David); father, William Bailey Jr (Allison); beloved siblings, Isabella Bailey, Sophia Bailey, and William Bailey III, Step Sister Lindsay Garrison; paternal grandmother Ellen Jack Bailey; maternal grandmother Maria Thomas and many more family and friends.
Funeral Service will be held on Saturday December 18, 2021 at 2:00PM at St. Timothy in the Valley, 3434 Teays Valley Rd, Hurricane.

MARK WILLIAM BLOOD
Mark Williams Blood died peacefully at home after a long illness on December 5, 2021.
He was born June 13, 1953 in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Melvin Loynd and Margaret Williams Blood, the fourth of five children. He served a mission in Tokyo, Japan from 1972 to 1974. He married Sara Anne Cox in the Salt Lake Temple for time and all eternity on July 5, 1977.
He is remembered as a wise, patient father, and a kind, gentle man who loved gardening and went about quietly serving others.
He graduated from the University of Utah in chemical engineering in 1978 and was employed at Union Carbide/Dow Chemical for 40 years. He was a life-time member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in many callings including Bishop of the Teays Valley Ward in Hurricane.
He is survived by his wife, Sara, and his ten children, Daniel (Wendy), Mary (Michael), Jonathan (Megan), Stephen (Claudia), Elizabeth Crawford (Kade), Aaron (Ashley), Timothy, James (Samantha), Joanna, and Jacob, as well as 25 grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters Claudia Van Gervan (Dennis), Barbara Thornley (Brad), and sister-in-law Roseanne.
A public viewing will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, December 17, 2021, at Chapman Funeral Home Teays Valley. The funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. with another viewing one hour prior to Saturday, December 18, 2021, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Teays Valley Ward.

JOHN BOOTH
John “Johnny” or “PaPa” Booth as known by his friends and family went home to be with the Lord on December 4th, 2021 after a long illness. He was a graduate of Poca High School. He was employed by Kanawha Manufacturing Co. in Charleston and Center Line Service in Nitro. John served his country proudly in the United States Navy where he was honorably discharged in 1958 at a class of Seaman. He talked often about serving as a Plank Holder aboard the USS Ranger CVA 61.
Born July 3, 1936 in Bancroft, he was the son of the late John and Beulah Booth. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his sister, Carol Casto of Bancroft; brother, Richard “Dicky” Booth of Bancroft and sister, Ruth Arthur of Poca.
Survivors include his loving wife of 58 years, Mona Faye; sons; John F. (Lisa) of Buffalo; Matthew (Melissa) of Bancroft; grandchildren; Tyler (Sarah) of Buffalo, Justin (Hannah) of Morgantown, Stephen (Megan) of Morgantown, Mariah of Hometown, Zachary of Bancroft; sister, Betty Phillips of Bancroft and a great granddaughter due to bless this world in April 22’.
A private family service will be held at Haven of Rest Memory Gardens, Red House with Pastor Jeff Arthur officiating.

LOLA IRENE BURFORD
Lola Irene Burford, 96, of Winfield, passed away on December 4, 2021 at Bellaire at Devonshire Assisted Living, Scott Depot.
She was born to the late George Thomas and Lakie Margaret Hunter Postle in Evans, West Virginia. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Carl A. Burford, brothers, Dorsel Postle and Denzil Postle, and her sister, Carolyn Hollandsworth.
Lola was a 66 year member of the First Baptist Church of Dunbar, where she taught Sunday School, held office and served on various committees and boards. She was very active in the American Baptist Women at the church and Kanawha Valley ABW. She was an excellent seamstress and an avid gardener and decorator, she loved her flowers and working in her flower garden. She was the family baker, preparing and decorating countless birthday cakes and dainty mints. Her hot rolls were always a hit at every function. She was a member of the West Virginia Hookrafters “Rug Hookers”, she made beautiful hand hooked wool rugs. You could always find her supporting her grandsons and great granddaughters at all of their various sporting events, activities and other endeavors.
She is survived by her loving daughter and son-in-law, Beverly and Charlie of Winfield, grandsons, Doug Erwin and wife Julie of Winfield, and Tim Erwin and wife Jennifer of Beckley, three great granddaughters, Mary Erwin of Beckley, Maddie Erwin of Winfield, and Campbell Erwin of Beckley.
Funeral service for Lola was Saturday, December 11, 2021 at First Baptist Church of Dunbar, with Pastor David Keeney and Pastor Sam Gasaway officiating. Entombment was in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans.

EVA YOUNG FISHER
Eva Young Fisher, 97, of Hurricane, passed away on December 10, 2021.
Eva was a daughter of the late Locie and Dona Young, she was the 10th and the last living child of theirs. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of almost 64 years, Pete Fisher, her brothers, John, Ray, Willard, Curtis, Alvin and Tom Young, and her sisters, Inez Taylor, Reecil Bayless, Ima Day, Narnie Grant, Ercyl Spurlock, and Betty Young.
She was a homemaker and a member of 5 & 20 United Baptist Church, Fraziers Bottom.
Eva is survived by her daughter and son in-law, George and Linda Fisher Armstead of Hurricane, her grandson, Brad Armstead and wife, Julie of Huntington, her great-grandchildren, Kelci and Braeden Armstead of Huntington.
Funeral was 2 o’clock, Sunday the 12th at 2 PM at Chapman’s Funeral Home, Hurricane, with longtime friend, Reverend Don Reynolds officiating. She was buried alongside her husband, Pete, at Lower Hodges Cemetery, Winfield.

CEPHAS GILLISPIE
Cephas Howard Gillispie, 57, of Red House, passed away on Tuesday, December 7, 2021 at CAMC Memorial.
Cephas was born June 27, 1964 in South Charleston. He was preceded in death by his father Oscar L. Gillispie, mother Betty L. Gillispie, and sister Debbie A. Mason. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Beverly Gillispie; His children Eric Gillispie of Red House, Amanda (Nick) Thaxton of Poca; Five grandkids, Brandie and Shayna Gillispie of Liberty, Gracelyn, Kylah, and Nicholas Jr of Poca; Three siblings, Jerry Gillispie of Nitro, Donna (Rick) Monday of Rock Branch, Mary (Wayne) Jett of Nitro; as well as a host of nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be on Saturday, December 18th at 3 pm at the Holiday Inn in Teays Valley.

CLARA BELLE LUCAS
Clara Belle Small Lucas, 77, of Culloden, passed away at home on December 7, 2021. She was born on January 9, 1944, in South Carolina. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Jean and Doris and brothers, Harry and Dick.
She is survived by her husband Bobby G. Lucas, son Dean Howell Lucas, sister Marilyn Joe of New York, and brother Robert Small of Oklahoma
Private services were held.

SHARON LYNN MORRIS
Sharon Lynn Morris, 80, of Hurricane, passed away on December 4, 2021.
She was a daughter of the late Russell Dewey Turner and Lula May Hawthorne.
Sharon is survived by her daughters: Jill Mabe (Jim) of Greenville SC and Susan Morris of Ocala FL; grandchildren: Austin Mabe and Tyler (Cassidy) Mabe; great grandson Carter; and her sisters: Karen Hughes of Hurricane and Mary Lou Salmons of Barboursville.
Graveside service was held Friday, December 10, 2021 at Valley View Memorial Park, Hurricane.

TERESA ANN MURRAY
Teresa Ann Murray, 67, of Hurricane, passed away December 11, 2021. She was born May 4,1954 to Joan and Joe Murray.
She was preceded in death by her parents, son David Wayne Frampton, daughter Teresa Faye Phillips, grandson Eric Bailey and brother David Allen Dorsey.
Left behind in sorrow are her loving sons Bill Frampton, Scott Murray and Dan Murray, her fiancé Freddie Wood and his family; sisters Kitt Dorsey, Jeanie Ramsey, and Sam Robson and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Teresa was an amazing mother, sister, aunt and friend and will be missed by all who knew her.
A memorial service for Teresa will be held Friday, December 17, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Forrest Burdette Memorial Methodist Church, Hurricane. All are Welcome.

JOHN “ED” NANCE
John Edgar “Ed” Nance 66, of Hurricane, passed away at his home on December 7, 2021 with his family at his side.
He is a son of Eldora Margaret Hern Nance and the late James B. Nance of Hurricane.
Ed was a retired plant operator at Dow Chemical and was an entrepreneur having owned Sportswear Designs, Monograms and More, as well as a salesman for Heiners Bakery, Huntington. He was also a member of the Putnam Lodge #139 A.F. & A.M. Hurricane.
In addition to his mother, he is survived by his daughter, Leona N. Jordan (Brian), son, Kenny J. Nance (Stephani), grandchildren, Courtney Golden (Brody), Samara, Aleyah, and Hank, sisters, Sandra Thaxton and Virginia Fizer, a brother, David Nance and companion, Teresa Berry all of Hurricane.
Funeral service was Monday, December 13, 2021 at Valley View Memorial Park Mausoleum, Hurricane, with Pastor Larry Cooper officiating. Masonic Grave Rights were provided by Putnam Lodge #137, Hurricane.

RALPH THOMAS RUNION
Ralph Thomas “Tom” Runion, 53, of Hurricane, passed away Monday, December 6, 2021at CAMC Teays Valley following complications from a cardiac arrest. He was a 1988 graduate of Buffalo High School. He worked in the trucking industry for Cummings Disposal, Casto’s Farm Store and Faber Trucking.
He was the son of Bonnie Runion of Eleanor and the late Ralph Runion. In addition to his father he was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Warner Payne Jr. and Dollie Payne and his paternal grandparents, Harold Runion and Nancy Runion.
In addition to his mother he is survived by his loving wife, Darlene Runion; daughter, Allison Runion; step daughters, Ashley Null and Bobbie Jo Ward; step grandchildren, Haley, Grace, Leelyn, Pasliee, Laila and Sleighen.
Funeral service was Friday December 10, 2021 at Raynes Funeral Home, Eleanor with Pastor David Panaro Jr. officiating. Burial was in Walker Chapel Cemetery, Robertsburg.

VIOLA “GAIL” STUTLER
Viola “Gail” Stutler, 75, of Leon, passed away on Thursday, December 9, 2021 at Hospice at CAMC Memorial. She enjoyed being a mother and grandmother, loved her kids and grandkids, and and loved spending time with them. She enjoyed reading and taking care of her home, and loved to collect bears. She was a wonderful wife and mother that will be missed by her husband and children.
Born April 9, 1946, she was the daughter of the late Chester Blankenship and Clara M. Casto Blankenship. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a grandson, Evan Goodwin; brothers, George Blankenship and Chester Blankenship, Jr.; and sister, Cora Mae Clinton.
Survivors include her loving husband of 56 years, Robert Stutler; children, Robin (Chris) Kersey of Leon, Jeff (Terry) Stutler of Leon, Rita Stutler of Findlay, Ohio, Mark Stutler of Leon, and Darlena (Jerry) Goodwin of Leon; grandchildren, Tiffany Kersey, Bridgett Kersey, Erin Overmyer, Amber Mulholland, Nathan Rhodes, and Noah Goodwin; great-grandchildren, Madison Long, McKenna Mulholland, Vivian Noel, and Chandler Rhodes; brother, Albert (Debbie) Blankenship of Buffalo; as well as extended family and friends.
There will be no services at this time. Burial was in Walker Chapel Cemetery, Robertsburg.

ROSALIE THOMAS
Rosalie Nutter Thomas, of Hurricane, passed away on December 7, 2021, at St. Mary’s Medical Center.
She was born March 18, 1941, in Elizabeth, WV to the late Avery and Rosella Nutter, she was also preceded in death by her daughter Teresa Lynn Thomasson.
She is survived by her husband Hershel E. Thomas, daughter Kriste Thomas Tolbert (Alan) of Barboursville, son Eric Thomas (Laura) of Huntington, grandchildren Jessica, Kyle and Madison Thomasson, Abbie, Allie and A J Tolbert, Collin, Erica, Sierra and Brooke Thomas, great grandchild Warren Thomasson.
A private graveside service will be held in Valley View Cemetery with Rev. Jerry Losh officiating.

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