RAY ASBURY
Ray Asbury, 78, of Liberty, passed away Tuesday, December 13, 2022 at his home. He was an U.S. Navy veteran and a longtime member of the Liberty Lions Club. He was a retired employee of the U.S. Postal Service working for many years at the Sissonville Post Office. Ray enjoyed spending time on his farm and was a longtime successful farmer. He was an animal lover and never hesitated to care for the animals he came in contact with.
He was preceded in death by his parents Douglas M. Asbury and Maud M. Page Asbury. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Doris Ann Asbury; his infant twin sister, Fay Asbury; sisters, Lenore Taylor and Eleanor Casto; brothers, Vadron Asbury, Bert Asbury, Orville Asbury and Hershel Asbury.
Survivors include, his daughters, Michelle Rae McCallister of Scott Depot and Rachelle Anne Hill and her husband Vince of Jackson, OH; sisters, Loretta Wheeler, Audrey Myrice and Jane Asbury; brothers, Donald Asbury and Frank Asbury; grandchildren, Tyler Ray McCallister, Isaac Dean McCallister, Owen Douglas Hill and Savannah Grace Hill.
JAMES BROWN
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of James “Jimmy” Edward Brown (also known to many as “Beau”) of Scott Depot, originally of Nitro. Jimmy passed away at the age of 80 on Wednesday, December 14, 2022, after a hard fight against a short illness. Jimmy was a graduate of Nitro High School, was a veteran of the US Air Force and a faithful member of the Masonic Lodge with ties to both the St. Albans and Hurricane Lodges. He is retired from Monsanto Plant of Nitro. When he was able in his spare time you could find him tinkering in his shop, working around the yard, and during his younger days chasing trout, deer, and turkeys around the woods and waters of WV.
Jimmy was preceded in death by his mother and father Ernest and Camilla Brown of Nitro and his loving daughter Dea-Anne Brown, all of which I am sure he is enjoying his reunion with as you read this.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years Janet Marie Brown of Scott Depot, originally of St. Albans, son Jason Edward Brown of St. Albans, Grandson (his pride and joy) Nicholas James Brown of St. Albans, younger Brothers “Bud” Brown and Joe Brown originally of Nitro, niece and nephew Amy Young, & John Johnson, nephews Chris & Eric Brown, Sister-in-law Linda Handley and nephews John, Tim and Chuck Handley and many great nieces and nephews.
A tribute to the life of James Brown was held Wednesday, December 21, 2022 at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel.
GEORGE EDDY
George William Eddy, 87, of Culloden, passed away on December 16, 2022 at Hubbard Hospice House-West.
He was born to the late John and Edith Harris Eddy on September 1, 1935 in Marietta Ohio. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Sally Sue Reed Eddy.
George was retired as a project manager with Motorola. He loved shooting sporting clays at The Huntington Rifle and Pistol Club along with traveling all over the US competing in all events. He could be found working at the club repairing the traps or working on anything there.
He is survived by his children, his daughter: Cindi (Tony) Hantke of Scott Depot; his son: John (Sonja) Eddy of Alexander, Arkansas; grandchildren: Leslie Oaks, Matthew (Sara) Oaks and Ethan Lawson; great grandchildren: Olivia and Anna Richardson and Chloe and Ethan Oaks.
JOHN ‘JAY’ ECKHART JR.
John John “Jay” Edward Eckhart Jr., 55, of Hurricane, passed away on Wednesday, December 14, 2022, at Cabell Huntington Hospital. He was born June 6, 1967, in Parkersburg, to John E. and Shirley Eckhart.
Jay was a loving, dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Hurricane and in the choir of both his church and the Hurricane Civic Chorus. He had a passion for cooking, singing, and traveling. Jay also enjoyed riding his motorcycle. He was a state employee for nearly 20 years at various state agencies and held his current position as the fiscal officer for the West Virginia Senate for over seven years.
In addition to his parents, those left behind to cherish his memory are his wife Robin Shelton Eckhart; children John (Meagan) Eckhart of Oklahoma, Madelyne Eckhart of Oklahoma, Kayelin Ryder of Huntington, and Brandon Eckhart of Hurricane; grandchildren K. Cason Eckhart, Jacob “JW” Eckhart, and Parker June Eckhart of Oklahoma; brothers Jeff (Natalie) Eckhart of Colorado and Jeremy (Michelle) Eckhart of North Carolina; brothers-in-law Craig Shelton of Ona and Stephen Shelton of Milton; nephews Derek and Wyatt Eckhart of Colorado; and nieces Cameron and Morgan Eckhart of North Carolina.
Funeral service was Sunday, December 18, 2022 at First Baptist Church of Hurricane. Entombment was in Forest Memorial Park.
JANET HARMON
Janet Pennington Harmon, 81, of Eleanor, formerly of Cross Lanes, has gone to her heavenly home on Saturday, December 17, 2022, to be with Jesus, her savior and be reunited with her husband Arden L. Harmon, parents Tennis “T.K” and Beulah Warner Pennington and an infant sister.
Janet was a 1958 graduate of Poca High School and a graduate of Charleston School of Commerce. She was a former employee at Vocational Education Department. She also volunteered at Thomas Hospital for 16 years. Her hearts desire was helping others, encouraging people, witnessing to the public about Jesus and his blessings, teaching Sunday School and being involved in church events. She loved everyone and told them.
She is survived by her daughter Kimberly Harmon Taylor and grandson Isaac Lee Taylor.
A funeral service to honor her life was held Thursday, December 22, 2022, at West Virginia Home Mission Church with Pastors Joey Scarberry, Delbert Hawley, and Adam Null officiating. Burial was in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens.
ROGER LEE LEWIS
Roger Lee Lewis, 66, of Liberty, passed away December 14, 2022, at home.
Roger was retired from Oakwood Homes. He loved to hunt, fish, and spend time with his family. Roger was an avid Cincinnati Reds and Bengals fan.
He is preceded in death by his parents Stanley and Susan Lewis and two sisters Evelyn Lucas and Diane Walker.
Roger is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Mrs. Barbara Lewis; two sons Roger Lee Lewis, Jr., and Russell Lee Lewis; two brothers Jack and wife Elizabeth Lewis and Jerry Lee and wife Loretta Lewis; five grandchildren Jacob Reynolds, Morgan Lewis, Matthew Lewis, Lucas Lewis, and Isaiah Lewis; two great granddaughters Kynleigh Johnson and Paityn Reynolds and his loyal companion, his dog Pee.
At his request there will be no services.
MARY JANE LUCAS
Mary Jane Mynes Lucas, 58, of Hurricane, went to be with the Lord after an extended illness with Cancer. She was a graduate of Hurricane High School Class of 1982. She was a member of the Otter Branch Church in Buffalo.
She is survived by her Husband Dennis Lucas and Sons Justin (Stefanie) Lucas, Alex (Hannah) Lucas and Dylan (Kristina) Lucas, 4 Grandchildren, Sora, Lillian, Hunter, and Blakely who is due in March, Parents, Harold and Martha Mynes, Brother, Harold Mynes and Sister, Becky Erwin.
She was so brave and never stopped giving her dedicated strength towards her husband and children, her fight was unmatched.
A Celebration of her Life was held Wednesday December 21, 2022, at Allen Funeral Home with Pastor Mike Tucker officiating.
TERRY ALLEN MURPHY, II
Terry Allen Murphy, II, of Hurricane, departed this life and entered his heavenly home at the young age of 41 on December 12, 2022.
Terry loved all things sports and was a loyal WVU fan, whether it was football or basketball. He excelled in many sports growing up including, baseball, wrestling, and football. Football was his passion starting at a very young age and he played until he was ready to start high school, and the ongoing joke was that the only reason he chose to stop was because he feared the coach over silly rumors that he had heard. To look at him, you would never think that he was scared of anything. He was just a big teddy bear with an even bigger heart. If you were lucky enough to be his friend, you were a friend for life. Terry was a graduate of Hurricane High School, class of 2000. He attended Spring Fork Missionary Baptist Church and gave his heart to the Lord in 2017. We have comfort in knowing that we will see him again one sweet day.
Left behind to cherish his memory are his loving parents John and Susie Montague of Hurricane; his son Reid Allen Murphy who was the light of his life and pride of joy; brothers, Blair Hudnall and wife Melissa of Elkhart, IN and Heath Montague of Lexington, KY; Sisters Amy Lucas and Scott of Charleston and Dawnette Montague of Fredericksburg, VA; three nieces, four nephews and a host of close family and friends.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date.
SETH PETERSEN
Seth James Petersen, 34, of St. Albans, suddenly passed away on December 13, 2022 at his home.
He was born on February 29, 1988 to Glenda M. Brunner Petersen and the late Jim G. Petersen in Sandusky, OH.
Seth started his career as a firefighter/paramedic at Cedar Point Sandusky, OH, then later achieved the rank of Lieutenant at Charleston Fire Department with 13 years of service and simultaneously working with his friends and co-workers for 8 years at Teays Valley Fire Department rising to the rank of Captain.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Holli Ann Petersen; children: Axle Ramsey, Chelsea Petersen, Siena Petersen, Aria Petersen, and Zackary Petersen; mother: Glenda Petersen; maternal grandmother: Ruth Brunner; brother: Josh Petersen, of Sandusky, OH; mother and father in-law: Susan and Gary May of Bloomingrose, WV; Holli’s father: Joe Layne of Glasgow, WV; sister-in-laws: Nikki (Josh) Sampson of Bloomingrose and Kendra Pannell of Charleston, WV; and his niece and nephew: Ava and J.O..
Funeral service was Tuesday December 20, 2022 at the Little Theater at Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center Charleston with Chaplain Keith Witters officiating. Burial with Firefighter Honors was at Sunset Memorial Park, South Charleston.
JOE R. SCALF
Joe Ronald Scalf Jr., 75, of Madison, passed away on December 15, 2022 at HospiceCare at CAMC Memorial Center Charleston.
He was a son of the late Joe and Marian Parsons Scalf who was born on August 8, 1947 in Logan. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters: Marion “Sissy” Rietstetter and Bernice Marshall.
Joe honorably and proudly served his country in the United States Navy, worked as a roof bolter in the coal mines and belonged to UMWA Local #1889. Later he went to work for the State of WV with WV WorkForce.
Joe is survived by his loving wife: Deborah F. Woodrum Scalf; their sons and families: CJ (Crystal) Scalf of Scott Depot, their sons: Hunter and Bentley and Shannon (Felicia) Scalf of Madison, their children: Jeremiah, Brianna, and Shannon Skylar; his daughters: Vickie (Bob) Hunt of Thomasville NC their children: Justin, Shawn, and Brittany Buckner and Marian (Tim) Holston of Mooresville, WV their children: Jeremiah and Joseph Harris; his great great granddaughters: Anna and Isabelle Harris and Charlotte Buckner; his brother: Donald (Rosalie) Scalf of Foster, WV; his sisters: Laura (Lars) Bales of Clearwater, FL and Diana (Terry) Scalf of Roanoke, VA.
Funeral service for Joe was Wednesday December 21, 2022 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane, with Pastor Eugene Spurlock officiating. Burial was in the O.A. Eastep Cemetery, Ridgeview, WV.
DAVID LEE STRATTON
David Lee Stratton, born April 8, 1952, in Lincoln County, walked into eternity with His Savior on December 12, 2022. He is preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Clarence and Freda Stratton and his elder brother, Larry Stratton.
He is survived by his wife, Sandy, and three children; Karrie (Peter) Hogue, Rebekah (Jeremy) Crouch and Benjamin (Lindsey) Stratton. There are six living grandchildren, (Haleigh, Jonathan, Clara, Eliot, Leo and Charlotte) and three babies in Heaven. David is also survived by his siblings, Glenda Wellman Conn and Gregory Stratton, as well as his sister-in-law, Joyce (Larry) Stratton.
David retired from CSX Railway as a conductor after 36 years. Before that, he was in the U.S. Air Force. He also worked many years as a volunteer in Oklahoma for The Voice of the Martyrs ministry to persecuted Christians. He was currently serving with Alpha Ministries, a mission organization that evangelizes worldwide.
In accordance with David’s wishes a private family service is being planned through Raynes Funeral Home in Eleanor with family friend, Evangelist Mike Manuel, officiating. Friends wishing to honor David’s life and love for God’s Word may sponsor a Bible for New Believers through Alpha Ministries (alphaministries.com).
OKEY DALE TRIBBLE
Okey “Dale” Tribble, son of Okey Cleveland and Octavia Venus (Shank) Tribble, was born in Liberty, on April 10, 1941, and departed the confines of his earthly vessel December 17, 2022. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his two infant sisters and his ‘Big Bro,’ Harvey Lee Tribble, whom he respected and admired throughout his entire life.
Dale was a graduate of Winfield High School, Class of ’58, and was always an avid supporter of the Generals. He was proud of his service to his country, as a US Navy veteran having participated in President Kennedy’s blockade of Cuba as his last tour of duty prior to his honorable discharge.
Following retirement from the Putnam County Board of Education, he enjoyed twenty-one years of retirement with his wife, Alveta. They particularly enjoyed camping with a multitude of friends and always wintering in Florida.
All who knew Dale were aware of the most salient characteristic of the man: his unwavering dedication and devotion to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. One need not speak with him long before an abrupt segue to the Gospel of salvation would become the topic of discussion. He lived every day for his Savior, sharing the Good News with all who would listen – even strangers he may have only a brief encounter – and some he would never know, as he was never without a tract to leave with the hope that he might positively affect someone’s eternal destiny.
Dale was a long-time attender of Teays Valley Baptist Church for greater than forty years, and a member for many of those. The highlight of his year was always Jubilee – oh, how he looked forward to that fellowship. He especially enjoyed going to Manilla Ridge to just sit on the porch and visit with his sister-in-law, Gloria, nephew Randy and niece Brenda, as well as his missionary friends Michael and Donna Adams and Larry and Diane Stikeleather.
While we as a family are with heavy hearts, we find peace and solace in knowing that Dale is now in presence of the Creator of all things, and this will be but a brief separation. We know he is joyfully reuniting with loved ones and friends gone on before him and reaping the reward and blessing of being with those he had the privilege of introducing to his Savior.
Dale is survived by his beloved wife of forty-four years, Alveta (Beattie) Tribble, son and daughter-in-law, Dr. and Mrs. Skyler Dale (Kimberly) Tribble; daughter: Sue Cline; grand-daughter: Amber Huddleston; great-grandchildren: Kira & Beau; and one great-great granddaughter. He is also survived by his stepchildren: Debbie Holloway (Rick), Jimmy Thomas (Kathern) and Kelly Jo Kuhl; step-grandson: Chris Freeman (Brittnie); step granddaughters: Sarah Holloway and Ellie Holloway; and step great granddaughter, Abby. We will always cherish and honor his memory, character and principles.
2 Timothy 4:7-8: I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
Funeral Service for Dale will be 1:00pm Friday December 23, 2022 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane, with Rev. Dr. John D. Smith officiating.
Burial with Military Honors will be 1:00pm Tuesday, December 27, 2022 at Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery Dunbar, with James E. Marshall American Legion Post #187, Winfield providing honors.
