Featured, Obituaries

Obituaries for Week of May 26

DONNA LYNN BARNES
Donna Lynn Barnes of Maryland passed away May 16, 2022. She resided in Hurricane with her loving husband of 47 years, William Martin Barnes. She had 3 children, Joshua Barnes, Jessica Barnes and Angela (Donovan) Lanham, 9 grandchildren Brooklyn Barnes, Madison Roberts, Hanna Medley, Mary-Jane Barnes, Skylena Tucker, Isaih Barnes, Damien Barnes, Xavier Lanham and Isabella Lanham.
They say there is a reason, They say time will heal, But neither time or reason, Will change the way I feel, Gone are the days we used to share, But in my heart You are always there, The gates of memories will never close
Funeral service was Saturday, May 21, 2022 at Allen Funeral Home in Hurricane.

CHRISTOPHER JOEL BOYER
Christopher Joel Boyer, 54, of Hurricane, passed away on May 18, 2022.
He was born April 1968 in Morgantown, WV. As a graduate of Fairmont Senior High School, he was a true “Polar Bear” at heart. A devoted family man, with a great sense of humor, he was an avid sportsman, an excellent marksman, and loved being in the outdoors.
He was preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Jeneth Lea Williams, who loved and cared for him greatly. Also by his uncle, Ernest Boyer, who loved him like a father.
Left to cherish his memory is the “love of his life”, Sue Hardman Boyer, whom he married on August 8, 1993. In October 1993, he was gifted with his most precious gift, the apple of his eye, Hannah Elizabeth. In May of 1998, he was thrilled with the birth of his only son, Zachary Joel. Also surviving is his mother, Charlene Boyer of Fairmont, WV. His family was his most precious treasures.
Memorial service will be 4:00 pm, Sunday, May 29, 2022 at Boothsville United Methodist Church, 19 Boothsville Road, in Fairmont.

GILES BURGESS JR.
The crazy and distinguishable laughter of Giles Brinford Burgess Jr., 75, of Winfield, West Virginia, will be heard by all once again someday on the streets of gold. He closed his eyes in eternal rest on Wednesday, May 4, 2022, at Teays Valley Assisted Living where he had been in their tender care for the last year.
He was born October 1, 1946, in Charleston, West Virginia. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Giles Brinford Burgess and Genevieve Rock Burgess.
Giles retired from CSX Railroad and was a Christian by faith. He is survived by his loving wife, Reba Burgess of Winfield; children, Brandon Burgess, Derek Burgess and Haley Burgess Workinger; brothers, Thomas Burgess and Gregory Burgess; and many other extended family and friends.
A Celebration of Life was held on May 22nd at The Pulse Church, Winfield, West Virginia.

ANNA ROSE CHANEY
Anna Rose Vinson Chaney, 73, of Hurricane, formerly of Sarah Ann, WV, departed this life on Thursday, May 19, 2022, from her residence.
Born February 28, 1949, at Belo, WV, she was the daughter of the late George “Smokey” Vinson and Lila Marie Yates Vinson.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one stillborn daughter, Melissa Chaney; two sons, Alex Chaney and Craig Chaney; and two brothers, Ricky Vinson and George Allen Vinson.
Ann was a volunteer for the Logan Regional Medical Center Auxiliary for several years. She was also a former employee of Aracoma Drug Store where she worked as a service clerk, she served as past president of the PTO at Omar Grade School, and she had been previously employed with TeleSpectrum. Ann was also a member the AVVA Chapter #37. A loving daughter, wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend, she was very devoted to her family.
Those left to cherish her memory include her loving husband of 54 years, Dewey Chaney; one son, Brad Chaney; four sisters, Judy Vinson, Brenda (Matt) McAdams, Diane Evans, and Kathy Wilburn; and one brother, James Ray (Candi) Vinson. Additionally, Ann leaves behind many nieces and nephews along with a host of extended family and friends.
Funeral service was Monday, May 23, 2022, at the Evans Funeral Home Chapel, Chapmanville, with Pastor Matthew Hutchinson officiating. Burial was in Guyan Memorial Gardens at Godby.

RICKEY CHANEY
Rickey Lee Chaney, 68, of Hurricane, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family, on May 18, 2022, after battling a year long illness. Rick was preceded in death by his parents Randall and Elsie Chaney, brother Charlie Chaney his in laws, Donzie and Verda Leadman, and son in law, David Phillips.
Rick is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Devonna Chaney, daughters, Heather Crouch (Tyson) and Leigh Ann O’Dell (Sam), all of Hurricane. Grandchildren Grace (Christian), Seth, Carson, Parker, Peyton, and Kayleigh, all of Hurricane. Brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Evert and Dianna Chapman of Hurricane and brother-in-law Roger Leadman of Midlothian, VA. Sisters Carolyn Sheets of Proctorville, Oh and Connie Carter of Huntington, WV. Brothers Leslie (Arlene) Chaney of Sacramento, CA and Danny “Reed” Chaney (Suzie) of Tucson, AZ. And several nieces and nephews.
There is nothing Rick enjoyed more than spending time with his family, attending his grandchildren’s activities and watching his beloved Mountaineers and Braves.
A celebration of Rick’s life was held Monday, May 23, 2022, at Allen Funeral Home with Pastor Blair Hayes officiating.

DAVID COMPTON
David Leon Compton, 72, of Poca, passed away peacefully on May 18th after battling dementia.
David is preceded in dead by his mother Eula Virginia Compton, his father Woodrow “Woody” Compton, and his nephew Mike Compton. He is survived by his wife of 48 years Deborah Compton, daughter Caryn, his siblings Jimmy (Carolyn), Bernard (Ann), and Ruth Vaughn, and his beloved nieces and nephews Jeff, Stephanie, Steven, and Lisa. He was a member of King’s Way Christian Church.
He served honorably in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Kennedy. It was there where he met his best friend of more than 50 years George Webb.
David was known for his kindness and willingness to serve others. He was quick witted and funny. He could take anything apart and put it back together, and was often volunteered by his mother-in-law and daughter for fix-it tasks large and small.
David was known throughout Kanawha Valley for his work in orthopedics. He helped care for thousands of patients, and was always ready with a quick smile and a kind word as he made his rounds at the hospitals and nursing homes in the area.
Even late into his dementia he spoke frequently of his fond childhood memories with his brothers and sister and with his buddy George.
He was an avid amateur photographer with a do-it-yourself dark room in his basement. He loved aviation, probably going back to his time on the aircraft carrier. He was fascinated by the Blue Angels, and always looked up and pointed out the contrails that streaked across the sky.
A tribute to the life of David was held Saturday May 21, 2022, at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel with Pastors George Webb and Eugene Brooks officiating.

PAUL GIBSON
Paul Elton Gibson, 94, died 05/17/2022 at Glenwood Alzheimer’s Special Care Center in Dublin, Ohio. He was born on September 23, 1927 in Huntington.
Paul was the son of the late Hugh and Beulah Foster Gibson and predeceased by brothers Denvil, Densel, and Willis. He is survived by wife Perg (Faulkner) and children Michael, Teresa, and Wesley of Columbus, Ohio and numerous nieces and nephews.
Paul graduated from Hurricane High School in 1945 and retired from the Army after 30 years of service in 1977 having served in Germany, Korea, and Viet Nam. Following his military career, he retired after 15 years from the State of Ohio in 1992.
Paul had a lifelong interest in music and especially enjoyed singing. He was a member of the Capitol City Barbershop Chorus for over 20 years and always looked forward to their weekly practices and annual concerts. Paul was a member of the Central Ohio Rose society and volunteered at the Columbus Park of roses for 25 years. He was an excellent bowler and participated in local leagues for many years. His bowling skills served him well as a member of the local Whetstone Horseshoe Club.
Burial and a graveside ceremony was held at the Valley View Memorial Park, Hurricane, on Sunday, May 22, 2022.

DALE ‘GENE’ GRANT
Dale “Gene” Eugene Grant, 70, of Red House, passed away on Saturday, May 21, 2022 at Hospice, CAMC Memorial Hospital. He was preceded in death by his wife of 34 years, Peggy and parents, mother, Alberta Whitt Call and father, Dale Grant. He is also preceded in death by his siblings, Clifford, Carl. Karrie, Dave, Larry, Sissy and Joseph Grant, also great-grandchildren, Chase and Ava.
Gene was a mechanic alongside his brothers and uncle at Luke’s Chevron in Hurricane, for 30 years of service.
Gene is survived by his daughter, Lori Covert (Jeff) of Red House, step-daughter, Kimberly of Hurricane. He is also survived by, grandchildren, Andrew of Nitro, Samantha, Whitney, Chance and Brooke, all of Red House; great-grandchildren, Levi, Eli, Jake, and Willow, all of Red House; and brothers, Eddie Grant (Paulette), Tim Call (Marjory) of Hurricane, Mike and Ron Grant of California.
Funeral service was at Allen’s Funeral Home, Hurricane, on Wednesday, May 25th, 2022 with Pastor Michael Wray officiating. Burial was in Grant Family Cemetery, Winfield.

JENNINGS W. HAMILTON
Jennings W. Hamilton, 83, of Hurricane, passed away May 16, 2022.
Jennings was raised in Cedar Grove and graduated from Cedar Grove High School. He retired from Lyons Metal in York, PA, an Army Veteran, avid golfer, and former member of Sleepy Hollow Country Club.
He is preceded in death by his mother Ialene Hamilton; son Anthony Scott “Tony” Hamilton and daughter Yvonne Hamilton.
Jennings is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Mrs. Shirley A. Wolfe Hamilton; four grandchildren Michael Hamilton, Jennifer Hamilton Padilla and her husband Erick, Kelly Hamilton and David Hamilton; daughter-in-law Kathy Hamilton; brothers-in-law Donald and his wife Judy Wolfe and Dale and his wife Mary Wolfe and a host of other family and friends.
A tribute to the life of Mr. Jennings Hamilton was held Friday, May 20, 2022 at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel. Burial was in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens.

TIMOTHY JOHNSON
Timothy White Johnson, 58, of Hurricane, went home to be with the Lord on May 18, 2022, after a long battle with cancer.
Timmy was always the life of the party; he could light up any room with his infectious smile and contagious laugh. He loved going 4- Wheeling with his buddies and family and was always a jokester.
Timmy was a modern-day MacGyver, He could fix anything, from cars to boats. He loved his family immensely and his grandkids were his greatest joy. He loved giving his wife a hard time just to make her laugh, or sometimes even yell. Timmy had the best out look on life, if you knew him, no matter the situation he’d always say, “It is what it is”. Timmy will be loved and missed by anyone that had the pleasure of knowing him.
Timmy is proceeded in death by his dad James “Lewis” Johnson Sr. and oldest grandson Olen James Skinner.
He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years Ramona “Faye” Johnson, Mother Bonnie Johnson, Children, Jennifer (JC) Maynard, Erica (Dakota) Hornbeck, Timothy (T.J.) Johnson Jr. and Justin Johnson, Grandchildren, Christian (Nikki) Wilson, Javin Skinner, Annie Johnson, Courtney Maynard, Tyson Skinner, Hunter Powell, Trevor Hivley and his bonus grandchildren Austin Wamsley, Ryan Wolf and Marlee Shaffer; Great-Grandchildren, Jonathan McMillion, Charlee McMillion, And Baby Kyler Wamsley; Brothers Jimmy, Tracy, Thad and sister Trina. Timmy had a lot of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that will miss him.
Forever remember, if you knew our husband/dad, He loved you, and cherished you. This world is a dimmer place without him.
A graveside memorial service was held in Carpenter Cemetery on Sunday, May 22, 2022 with Elder Tony Edwards officiating.

SARAH KOVARIK
Sarah Denise Haigler Kovarik, 68, of Hurricane, passed away on Tuesday, May 17, 2022 at home.
Sarah was born in Corinth, Mississippi, on January 14, 1954, to the late Henry Evlyn Haigler Jr. and Anne Martin Haigler.
She was a nurse and personal trainer who loved music, animals and helping people.
She is survived by her husband of 43 years, David M. Kovarik of Hurricane; children, Hannah Kovarik Phillips (Jason) of San Antonio, Texas, D. Alex Kovarik of Cross Lanes and J. Tyler Kovarik of Hurricane; sisters, Tommie Shaw (Tom) of Charlotte, North Carolina, Gypsy Abbott (George Douglas) of Birmingham, Alabama and Mary Gettys of Darlington, South Carolina; and many other friends and loved ones.
Memorial service for Sarah was Monday, May 23, 2022 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane, with Pastor Delbert Hawley officiating. Burial was in Valley View Memorial Park, Hurricane.

JACK McCRACKEN
Jackie “Jack” Lee McCracken, 89, of Scott Depot, went to be with the Lord on May 18, 2022 at home after a short illness.
Jack was born August 27, 1932 in Charleston to the late Isaac L. McCracken and Alma Scragg. In addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Phyllis Wood McCracken; sons, Gary Wayne McCracken, and Gregory Lee McCracken; sisters, Margaret McCracken Snyder, and Millie McCracken Dodson; son-in-law, Gerald “Frank” Johns; special nephew, James “Buddy” Holton; and his four legged friend, Buddy.
Jack was a retired Truck Driver with OK Trucking with 35 years of service. Jack was a member at Maranatha Fellowship Church, St. Albans, where he faithfully served the Lord driving the Church Bus. He especially enjoyed working in his garden, giving the fruits of his labor to friends and family. His dog, Buddy, was always by his side.
Left to cherish his memory are loving daughters, Vickie Clark (Steve) of Brooksville, Florida, and Desiree Johns of Scott Depot; sisters, Helen Miles of Columbus, Ohio, Carroll O’Kelly of Maple Heights, Ohio, and Shirley Triplett (Homer) of Clay; special niece, Nancy Holton of St. Albans; daughters-in-law, Sherri and Ellen McCracken both of Hurricane; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Service was. Monday, May 23, 2022 at Tyler Mountain Funeral Home, Cross Lanes. Burial was in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens.

MICHAEL R. McVAY
Michael R. McVay, 37 of Red House, passed away May 17, 2022.
Michael is a former maintenance supervisor and plumbing apprentice. He attended Poca High School and enjoyed the outdoors.
He is preceded in death by his father Richard “Dicky” McVay.
He is survived by his mother Dawn McVay; three children Savannah Grace Martin, Devin Michael McVay and his mother Caitlyn McManamay and Brooklyn Harris; grandmother Carol Sigman Shafer; grandfather Donald Kersey; twin sister Mandi McVay; brother William “Bill” Hedrick and niece Kinsley Jade Raines.
Reception of family and friends was Monday, May 23, 2022 at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel.

BRANDEN STEWART
Branden Allen Stewart, 34, of Hurricane, went Home to be with the Lord, on May 17, 2022 at home with his family.
Branden spent a lifetime fighting Cerebral Palsy. It made his life very difficult, but he made it look easy with a smile! He rarely missed a Hurricane Football game even if inclement weather played its part. Whether it was a midget league, middle, or high school game he made them all while cheering his teammates on with his own pep talk versions of “get your head in the game if you want to win” and “keep it on a swivel”.
Branden was a 2008 graduate of Hurricane High School, member of Teays Valley Missionary Baptist Church, and a general lover of people especially his beloved nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Gifford D. Webb, maternal grandparents, Frank and Josphine Stewart, as well as other family members.
Branden is survived by his parents: Tim and Barbara Stewart; wife: Maggie Ann Schoolcraft Stewart; his brothers: Joseph Stewart of Hurricane and Christopher Stewart (Alexzandra) nieces and nephews: Emily, Brielle, Aliiona, Kaylen and Owen all of Hurricane; maternal grandmother: Margie Ethel Webb of Point Pleasant; maternal uncle and aunts: Gifford Web Jr., Sharon Smith and Cindy Howard.
Funeral service was Friday, May 20, 2022 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane, with Dr. Jered Green officiating. Burial was in Means-Webb Family Cemetery, Yawkey.

VIVA MAE WENTZ
Viva Mae Wentz, 86, of Winfield, passed away with family by her side the evening of May 17, 2022, after a short illness at CAMC Memorial Hospital.
Viva was born on March 7, 1936, in Ward. She was the daughter of the late Evelyn Hunt Moles and Carl Moles. She graduated from Gallia Academy High School in Gallipolis, OH where she was crowned homecoming queen. She married the love of her life Ronald “Rooster” Wentz September 3, 1953 in Catlettsburg, KY. After several transfers, they made their home in Winfield. She was a licensed cosmetologist by trade but sacrificed her career and devoted her life to raising her two children and caring for multiple family members. She was hard working and took much pride in decorating and maintaining her household, but her generous spirit led her to share this love with many others throughout her life. Her children and close friends never knew when they might return to their own home if it had been freshly cleaned, rearranged, or newly decorated. She enjoyed traveling and spending time at the beach with her family. She was the queen of shopping and all things fancy. She was the center of attention when she walked in the room with her spunky personality and flashy attire. She loved her family with all of her heart. Most importantly she knew and loved the Lord. She was saved at the age of five and grew up singing gospel music with her family and traveled with various gospel groups, including the Galileans. Her most recent joy was becoming a great-grandmother.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald “Rooster” Wentz; her son, Ronnie Wentz; special aunt, Maymie Hunt; cousins, Connie and Stanley “Punkin” Hunt.
She is survived by her daughter, Christi Wentz of Winfield; her granddaughter, Anna Chandler (Tommy) of Scott Depot and great-grandson, Nolan Chandler. Sister-in-laws, Shirley Wentz, Betty Moles, Marshia Keller (Roger) and Myla Norman, all of Charleston and Pat Cox of Dacula, GA.; brother-in-law, Bobby Wentz (Beulah) of Charleston. Also surviving is lifelong friend, Kelli Harrah and feline companion, Benji.
Funeral services was Sunday, May 22, 2022, at Stevens & Grass Funeral Home, Malden, with Pastor Larry Campbell officiating. Burial was in New Antioch Cemetery, Red House.

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