HOMER BATTON
Homer M. Batton, 76, of Melbourne, FL, Beloved Husband, Father, and Grandfather passed away Monday, January 16, 2023, at UCF Lake Nona Medical Center surrounded by family with love and care. He was born in South Charleston on October 19, 1946, to John Russell and Dorothy Mae Batton and raised by his mother and stepfather, Kenneth P. Miller. He and his family lived in Hurricane from 1964-1967 before they retired to Melbourne, FL but he still has many relatives in Hurricane.
Following graduation from high school, he enlisted in the US Navy for two years, and then continued in the US Naval Reserve for 11 years before transferring to the US Army Reserve where he served another 8 years as a Sergeant. While serving in the reserves he pursued his ultimate career choice of being in the Fire Service. He started with the City of Melbourne Fire Department in January 1970, and four years later he became Driver/Engineer. In November of 1988, he was promoted to Lieutenant where he served the community until he retired in December of 1998. As a token of appreciation for his 29 years of dedicated service, he was presented with the Key to the City.
He was one of the kindest people on this planet, anyone that knew him would agree. He was a gentle, giving man who always gave of himself to any capacity he could to help others. He made friends wherever he went in life and faced every challenge with strength and courage. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, boating, scuba diving, camping in his RV, and going to the drag races cheering on the US Army Top Fuel car. He loved watching football and was a huge Bobby Bowden and Florida State Seminole fan. He also enjoyed going to breakfast and lunch with his friends on a weekly basis and attending car shows, but the thing he enjoyed the most was spending time with his family and the love of his life, his wife of 55 1/2 years.
He is survived by his spouse, Carolyn Sue, Son, Ken (Aundrea), Grandson Kenneth, Granddaughter Ashley Renee, Siblings, Sisters Pamela Farell of Virginia, Ranea Cain of Ohio, Brothers Kenneth, Gregory, and Thomas Miller of Ohio.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, February 11th at 3:00pm at the City of Melbourne Fire Department, Station 71. A private service will be held at his final resting place in Cape Canaveral National Cemetery on Monday, February 13th at 9:00am.
ALVA R. BONNETT
Alva Renee Riffle Bonnett, 83, of Kenna, passed away on January 27, 2023 at Hubbard Hospice House Charleston.
She was born to the late Irvin and Nellie Sherman Riffle on February 14, 1939 in Charleston. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, G.B. Bonnett; sons: Jackie Lee Casto and Rusty Casto; brothers: Leroy, Ray, and infant brother, Ronald Allen Riffle and a sister: Evelyn Gooch.
Alva had worked in several bakeries and sewing factories over the years, but many will remember her from Tudors, Nitro and Bobbie Brooks. She was a Christian and will be sorely missed by all that knew her.
Alva is survived by her daughters: Leona (Terry) Garnes of Kenna and Kim (Bob) Donahue of Robertsburg; Butch (Angie) Casto of Hurricane and Johnny (Debbie) Casto of Red House; grandchildren: Todd (Rachel) Garnes, Jarrod Garnes, Eric (Jerika) Donahue and Erin (Tim) Harr; step grandchildren: Little John, Shonna, Nicole, Heather, Megan, Matt, Marc and Mason; great grandchildren: Perry and Jaxsen Garnes, Makenzie and Jaedyn Donahue, Harlee Gillespie and Luke Painter; several step great grandchildren; sister, Ethel Beller of Liberty, numerous nephews, nieces and friends.
Funeral Service for Alva was Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at Chapman Funeral Home, Winfield, with Pastor Scott Casto officiating. Burial was in Mt. Zion Cemetery, Jim Ridge.
PHYLLIS JEAN CUNNINGHAM
Phyllis Jean Cunningham entered Heaven’s Gates on January 24, 2023. She was born on February 29, 1940, at Diamond.
Phyllis was a graduate of Charleston High School and a 52 year resident of Putnam County. She attended Emma Chapel United Methodist Church for 40 plus years, then attended Lone Oak Church of God. She was currently attending Emma Chapel and had joined and was baptized as a full member.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Charles Neal Cunningham; parents, Raymond Lee and Alma Mae Rose; and brothers, Delbert and Arthur.
Phyllis is survived by her loving sister, Erma Moles of Campbells Creek; her children, Patricia Ross (George) of Cross Lanes, Randall Cunningham (Laurie) of Liberty, David Cunningham (Donna) of Liberty, Lori Bailey (Dan) of Winfield; grandchildren, Destini Trent, George Jr., Donald and Brenna Ross, Betsy Stewart, Morgan Hudson, Fallon Goff, Adrian McNabb, Kennedi and Benjamin Myers, Kayla and Kara Cunningham, Ty and Ryan Carter, Brooke Cooper, Joshua, Seth, Eli and Laura Bailey; 11 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild.
Phyllis was very family oriented and loved them all unconditionally. She always said that her family was her greatest gift, next to God.
Memorial service was Saturday, January 28, at Emma Chapel, Liberty, with Rev. Mike Miller officiating. Burial will be at a later date in Emma Chapel Cemetery.
LEWIS JOHN DAVIES, JR
Lewis (Jack) Davies, 92, passed away on January 29, 2023. Preceding him in death were his son, Jeff; parents, Lewis and Esther Davis; his sister, Mae McGinnis; and brothers, David and Bob Davis.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Mary Chaney Davies; daughter, Dr. Karen Davies; granddaughter, Tasha (Kevin) Campbell; great grandchildren, Logan Kennedy, Reese Campbell and Cameron Campbell; and many nieces and nephews.
Jack had an incredible sense of humor and a tremendous quick wit. He loved sports and was a lifelong WVU Mountaineers football and basketball fan
Jack graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School where he exceeded in football and basketball and was inducted into the school’s sports hall of fame. He attended West Virginia Institute of Technology on a football scholarship, but also played basketball for the Golden Bears. Upon graduation he taught history and physical education and coached football and basketball at Hurricane High School. He later taught driver’s education at Poca High School for a number of years. Jack was also a veteran of the United States Army spending the majority of his time in Germany.
Funeral service was Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at Allen Funeral Home with Pastor Jeff Davenport officiating. Burial was in Valley View Cemetery.
WALTER VINCENT FILIPEK
Walter Vincent Filipek, 97, died at his home on Sams Fork, with faithful family around him, on Thursday, January 26, 2023. Walt was born to Anton and Aniela ‘Nellie” Byk Filipek, in Raleigh, W. Va. on June 16, 1925.
He graduated early 1943 from Woodrow Wilson H. S. to voluntarily enlist in the U.S. Marines. He was assigned to the Sixth Marine Division, sent to Okinawa and fought valorously on Sugar Loaf Hill. Due to being wounded twice he received two Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star for heroic action.
After returning to West Virginia he married Loyce J. Meador and was married until her death in 1989. He retired as Construction Superintendent for Union Carbide to care for his wife. Walter and Loyce had five children. Mark A. (Glenna Jean) Filipek of Milton, W. David (Beverly Eads) Filipek of Cross Lanes, Mary Catherine “Cathie” (Tom) Merriman of Lexington, S. Carolina, Linda K. (Tom) Lightfoot of Chesapeake, Va., and John Eric Filipek (deceased May 1961- July 2013). Four grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and two gr. great grandchildren.
Siblings that proceeded him are Mary F. Peelish, Stella F. Novak, Joseph John Filipek, Lily F. Janice, Blanch F. Champer, Stephenie F. Steele, Edward Joseph Filipek, Frances ‘Jenny’ F. Humphrey, Theodore ‘Ted’ Casimer Filipek. Siblings still living are Rosie Boso and Andrew ‘Andy’ Filipek. Friends to the end, Bobby and Ana Guthrie.
Walter’s practical knowledge of all things from engineering and mechanical, to folk knowledge made him the go to guy for answers, sometimes long ones. Honorable son, husband, father, neighbor, sage and friend to so many, he will be greatly missed by all of us who loved and knew him.
Mass of Christian Burial was conducted Wednesday, February 1, 2023, at St. Francis Catholic Church, St. Albans. Graveside Military Service was at the Upper Mausoleum, Cunningham Memorial Cemetery.
Semper Fi! Guard the gates until we meet again!
CYNTHIA E. FLEMING
Cynthia Earle (Barker) Fleming, of Winfield, was born on November 5, 1955 and went to be with our Lord on January 27, 2023 after a long illness.
She was preceded in death by her parents Earl C. ”Buck” and Iva Barker; brother: Paul Barker; and sister: Helen Moorefield.
Cindy graduated from Van High School a Salutatorian with honors in 1973. In 1974 after graduating from Center College located in Charleston WV an Executive Secretary Science Program. Cindy immediately went to work for a local law firm in the Charleston area. On August 30, 1974 she was married to Keith W. Fleming. She worked at the same law firm for five years until the birth of their first son Nicholas was born in 1979. She left the law firm and became a stay at home mom. In 1982 their second son, Joshua was born. Cindy spent the next nine years raising their two sons. Cindy returned to work as a secretary for various Putnam County Schools, retiring from Putnam County Vocational School in June 2018.
Cindy being Baptist in denomination, her family and extended family thought of her as an angel on Earth. She was loved very deeply and will be missed very much.
We rejoice that she is in Heaven with Jesus and all her loved ones. She fought the good fight, finished the course and kept the faith.
She is survived by her husband: Keith Wayne Fleming; sons: Nicholas Keith Fleming and Joshua Wayne Fleming; and granddaughter, Reagan Elizabeth Fleming.
A Celebration of Cindy’s Life will be 3:30pm Sunday February 5, 2023, at Chapman Funeral Home, Winfield.
TERESSA LOVEJOY
Teressa Lou “Terri” Lovejoy, 67, of Hurricane, passed away January 25, 2023.
Terri is survived by her husband of 52 years, Marion Lee Lovejoy; children Edward Lovejoy, Kevin and his wife Sarah Lovejoy, and Kathy Lovejoy; brother Fred Sanson; 11 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.
A tribute to the life of Terri was held Tuesday, January 31, 2023 at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Thomas Lovejoy officiating.
JOHN F. McCORMICK
John “Buz” F. McCormick, 81, of Scott Depot, passed away December 11, 2022.
Services will be held Saturday, February 4, 2022 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, South Charleston. Visitation will be held the day of from 11 – 12:30 p.m.. A funeral mass to follow at 1 p.m., private inurnment will be held directly after at the church in the columbarium. The church and Buz’s family invite attendees to a luncheon directly after mass in the Parish Hall.
DON WAYNE JOHNSON
Don Wayne Johnson, 77, of Scott Depot, passed away on January 25, 2023 at home with his family after a long battle with Dementia and Parkinson’s disease.
He was born to the late Willie H. and Mary Magdeline Cagle Johnson in Decatur, AL. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his brother, Charles.
Don earned his degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Alabama, and this is where he would have said “Roll Tide!” He had a long career with Monsanto which then became Flexsys and after retiring, he went back to work for the WV Board of Professional Engineers. Following his last retirement, he could often be found working alongside his wife in her pottery studio and gardens.
Don is survived by his wife of 58 years: Hannah Sue; his children: Wayne Johnson of Georgia and Alecia Johnson of Scott Depot, and his granddaughters: Brianna Manuel of Michigan and Gabrielle and Sophia Johnson both of Georgia.
The family will be Celebrating Don’s Life at their family home, (6 Thoroughbred Road Scott Depot, WV 25560) Saturday February 11, 2023 from 1:00 until 5:00pm and would like to invite their friends to stop in, visit, tell a story and enjoy each other.
JAMES GREGORY MASSEY
James “Gregg” Massey passed away, surrounded by his family, on January 28 due to complications from Alzheimer’s. He leaves behind his wife of 26 years Patricia “Pat” Massey, Smyrna, TN; daughters Connie Massey, Murfreesboro, TN and Katie (Wesley) Allen, Hurricane; grandchildren Abbie Allen, Hurricane, and Wesley Allen, Hurricane; sisters Rennae (Charlie) Morris, Belle; Annette (Roger) Shinn, Ft. Pierce, FL; and Susie (Ricky) Howard, Belle; dear friends Jim and Terry Poff, Nashville, TN; and multiple nieces, nephews, and cousins. Gregg was preceded in death by his loving mother Bonnie Massey and nieces Wendy and Christy Shinn.
Gregg was born in Charleston, WV and grew up in Rand near the banks of the Kanawha River. He spent many days with his cousins at his grandfather’s camp on the Elk River. He graduated from DuPont High School and received his Business Degree from Morris Harvey College.
Gregg was blessed with two daughters, which were his pride and joy. He relocated to Nashville which was his home for over 30 years. He worked at the Tennessee Credit Bureau, then went to MTSU and obtained his teaching degree and taught middle school for a short time. He then went back to sales at Family Leisure before retiring in early 2019. In Nashville Gregg met a group of friends that became family in the OWA. This is where he met his loving wife, Pat, and his dear friends Jim and Terry. Gregg was always the life of the party. He loved to entertain people and make people laugh. His love of entertaining combined with his deep love of music led him to spend years working as a DJ. He loved the beach, the ocean, sailing and books. His sailboat was one of his most cherished possessions. More than anything, he loved taking care of his family. Gregg loved spending time with his family and taking his grandkids on adventures. He will always be remembered for his storytelling, handyman skills, DJ skills, mechanic skills, packing and moving abilities, practical jokes, and his famous saying “Trust me.” Most importantly we will remember him as our husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Our lives are forever changed and won’t be the same without him. He will forever be missed.
Celebration of Life service was Tuesday, January 31, 2023 at Murfreesboro Funeral Home.
CARL WAYNE PETTIT
Carl Wayne Pettit, 67, of Culloden, formerly of Moundsville, passed away January 28, 2023, at home.
Mr. Pettit is a graduate of John Marshall High School. Carl had a love for music, the outdoors, and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his son Curt Pettit; parents Orville and Eileen Pettit, and two infant siblings Susan Kay and Jeffery Pettit.
Carl is survived by his daughter Brooke and her husband Darrel Thomas of Hurricane; grandchildren Stevie, Ellison, and Aubrielle; brother Ronald and his wife Marsha Pettit of Wallace, NC; sister Karen and her husband Bruce Beck of Moundsville; and his beloved cat Arlo.
A tribute to the life of Mr. Carl Pettit was held Thursday, February 2, 2023 at Valley View Memorial Park, Hurricane. Burial was in the memorial park.
ROBERT EDWIN WOODS JR.
Robert Edwin Woods Jr., 48, of Hurricane, passed away on January 27, 2023 at HospiceCare at CAMC Memorial Hospital Charleston.
He was born to Robert E. Woods Sr. and Margie Rasnick in Lancaster, California on January 20, 1975.
Robert attended Marshall University and was a Department Head with Kroger. He was also a long-standing member of the Kroger Union UFCW and served his country in the US Air force.
He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara A. Wodarski Woods; parents: Margie and Robert “Woody” Woods, and several friends and other family members.
The family will visit with friends to Celebrate Robert’s Life on Saturday February 4, 2023 from 5:00pm until 7:00pm at Chapman Funeral Home Hurricane.
