DOLORES BAILEY
Dolores Bailey, 85, of Poca, went Home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, April 19, 2023.
Dolores graduated from Poca High School and retired from Viscose in Nitro. She was an avid sports fan, especially the WVU Mountaineers, she loved to watch game shows and talk on the phone to her family and friends. Dolores was a loving wife, mother, mawmaw, great-mawmaw, and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were so special to her. She attended Rock Branch Independent Church.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 50 years Ray H. “Garbell” Bailey, parents Mary and Carl Pickens, brothers and sisters Carl Pickens, Jr., Eugene Null, Harold Null, Milton Null, Emma Null, and June Priddy.
Dolores is survived by her children Daniel Ray Bailey and wife Kitty, Jodie Withrow and husband Richmond, grandchildren Justin (Alanna) Bailey, Angel (Anna) Withrow, Logan Withrow, great-grandchildren Jayce, Lillie, Tate, and Amelia, sister Lois Ann Hogan, “Special sister” Lou Null, and a host of friends and other family.
A Celebration of Life service for Dolores was held Friday, April 21, 2023, at Rock Branch Independent Church with Pastor Delbert Hawley officiating. Burial was in Haven of Rest Memorial Gardens, Red House.
EUNICE LEE BOGGESS
Eunice Lee Boggess, 89, of Owensboro, Kentucky, formerly of Eleanor, passed away Sunday, April 23, 2023 following a long battle with dementia. She attended the Wesleyan Heights United Methodist Church and Immanuel Baptist Church, both in Owensboro, and Hometown Independent Mission in Hometown, WV. Before the onset of her dementia, Eunice loved cooking, working in her yard, helping at church functions, making apple butter in the fall with her family, and camping in the mountains. Her infectious laugh brought smiles to many. She also loved baking wonderful desserts and there would often be a small sliver missing, which she always blamed on a mouse.
Born July 28,1933, she was the daughter of the late Carl Wayne Meadows and Sally Hester Snyder Meadows. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Dencil Lee Boggess; triplets, Gary Wayne, Larry James, and Mary Jane Boggess; siblings, Basil (Sally) Meadows, Gladola (Monteville) Mullins, Helen (Howard) Cunningham, Carl (Maudolean) Meadows, Ada (Harry) Darnell, and James (Genevieve) Meadows, and an infant sibling.
Survivors include her son, Rick (Betty) Boggess of Owensboro; grandchildren, Andrew (Jennie) Boggess of Owensboro, Nathan Boggess of Louisville, and Brandon Boggess of Freeport, Florida.
Funeral service was Friday, April 28, 2023 at Raynes Funeral Home, Eleanor, with Pastor Paul Boggess and Pastor Darren Persinger officiating. Burial was in Grandview Cemetery, Red House.
BEVERLEY JUNE CASTO
Beverley June Casto, 81, of Red House, passed away Wednesday, April 19, 2022 at Hubbard Hospice House in Charleston. She attended Poca High School and was a member of the Buffalo Chapter No. 150, Order of the Eastern Star. Beverley spent many years in the upholstery business and enjoyed the time she spent working with upholstery and furniture.
She was the daughter of the late Arthur Ray Bailey and Velma A. Johnson Bailey. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Burton Doyle Casto and her son, Kason Casto.
Survivors include her sons, Kevin (Sandy) Casto of Red House, Kerry (Devona) Casto of Liberty and Kazen Casto of Morgantown; daughter -in- law, Misty Sigman of Red House; grandchildren, Danielle (Andrew) Burdette, Kristin Massile, Kerry Ray Casto II, Michelle Casto, Michael Doyle Casto, and Darren (Felicia) Casto; great-grandchildren, Zander, Aiden, Joslyn, Greyson, Janson, Sophia, Avery and Emersyn
Funeral service was Monday, April 24, 2023 at Raynes Funeral Home, Eleanor, with Pastor Ray Parsons officiating. Burial was in Emma Chapel Cemetery, Liberty.
DENVER KEITH CASTO
Denver Keith Casto, 69, of Leon, passed away Tuesday, April 18th, 2023 at his home. He was a retiree of Norfolk & Southern Railroad, with 44 years of service. Denver enjoyed farming, hunting, camping, and spending time with his family and friends. Horses were also a huge part of his life, and he was a long-time member of the Chemical Valley Horse Association.
Born January 14, 1954, he was the son of the late Arden H. Casto and Bessie Harmon Casto. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Bradley A. Casto; as well as an infant sister.
Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Wanda F. Casto; son, Denver K. (Tina) Casto, Jr. of Leon; grandchildren, Kristen (Travis) Payne of Milton, Andy Harrison of Winfield, Devin Keith Casto of Leon, and Kevin “Mikey” Casto of Leon; great-grandchildren, Addy Payne, Reagan Harrison, and Cami Harrison; brother, Jerry (Gail) Casto of Ohio; sister, Diana (Mark) Miller of Grafton; as well as many friends, extended family, and all of his “camping buddies”.
Funeral service was Friday, April 21, 2023 at Raynes Funeral Home, Buffalo, with Rev. Randy Parsons officiating. Burial was in Mt. Zion Cemetery, Given.
HARRY A. EDWARDS
Harry A. Edwards, 75, of Culloden, passed away on April 23, 2023 with his loving wife by his side after fighting a long illness.
He was born to the late Woodrow and Lottie (Bird) Edwards on May 1, 1947.
Harry was a heavy equipment mechanic by trade and enjoyed coon hunting, camping and being on the lake. He was also a jokester and as ornery as the day is long. If he didn’t pick on you, he didn’t like you.
He was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend to many. Our lives will forever be changed by his life and death. He will be loved and missed always.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first born daughter, Rhonda (Edwards) Severance.
Harry is survived by his wife of 56 years, Glenda (Gibson) Edwards; daughters: Amy and Darin Thacker and Jody Edwards; son: Devin and Ashley (Kratz) Edwards; and son in-law: Walter Severance; as well as 12 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.
Larry’s service was Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane, with Harold Johnson and Tony Edwards officiating. Burial was in Bird Cemetery on Bridge Creek, Hurricane.
JIMMY LEMASTER
Jimmy Wade LeMaster, 59, of Poca, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on April 17, 2023, at 5:45 AM after a long battle with cancer.
,Jimmy was a 1981 graduate of Poca High School. Jimmy or “Jimbuck” as his family would call him, was an avid outdoorsman. He loved hunting, fishing, trapping, four wheeling, and gardening among other outdoor activities. He loved and supported his Poca Dots and WVU Mountaineers.
,Jimmy and his wife Janie are members of Tyler Heights Community Church in Cross Lanes where Terry Thompson was their Pastor and friend.
,Jimmy is preceded in death by his son Brandon Wade LeMaster, brother Joseph Patrick LeMaster, grandsons baby Jake and baby Casen Thompson, grandparents Jesse W. LeMaster, Sr. and Marida of Bancroft and Tarp and Ruby Fewell of Black Betsy, uncles Sam Slater of Black Betsy, Eddie Ord of Poca, Jim Morris of Nitro, and Merideth Luikart of Black Betsy, aunts Francis “Hickie” Slater of Black Betsy, Donnie Morris of Nitro, and Beverly McClanahan of College Corner, OH.
,Jimmy was married to the love of his life and soulmate Janie, whom he cherished. Jimmy had four sons Brandon (deceased), Jimmie of Cross Lanes, Jason of Northern, WV, and Michael of Charleston; daughter Nicole “Nikki” Thompson and her husband DJ of Heizer Creek, Samantha Stidham and her husband Seth of Poca, Alyssa and Clarissa Ord of Cross Lanes, Toni Ord of Hurricane, and Harley Davis of Charleston; grandson Colton LeMaster of Heizer Creek; granddaughters Brooklyn and Kaylee of Poca and Aubrey of Hurricane; parents Buddy and Nancy Morris LeMaster of Poca; brother Mike LeMaster and his wife Tami of Gallipolis, OH and their children Cody of Barboursville and Drew of Crown City, OH; sister Melanie McClung and husband David of Bancroft and their children Jonathan of Boone County and Jerrika of Frazier Bottom; and sister Missy Fields and her husband Dave of Poca and their children Haley and Aleeya of Poca.
A celebration of Jimmy’s life will be held 2:00 PM Saturday, May 6, 2023 at Tyler Heights Community Church with Pastor Terry Thompson officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the church.
RALPH PHALEN
Ralph Edwin Phalen, 75, of Poca, passed away Friday, April 21, 2023.
Ralph is a graduate of Cedar Grove High School and a retired salesman. He was also known as the “Ice Cream Man” driving the Kona ice cream truck bringing smiles to many children’s faces.
He is preceded in death by his parents Eugene and Pearl Phalen; and brothers Paul and Calvin Phalen.
Ralph is survived by his wife of 40 years, Mrs. Connie Arthur Phalen; three children Cayce Phalen, Dreama Westfall, and Lisa Alfred; brother Nathan Phalen; and pawpaw to three grandchildren Tanner Westfall, Samantha Phalen, and Karli Westfall.
At his request there will be no services.
RANDY ‘JACK’ PULLEN
Randy “Jack” Pullen, 71, of Poca, passed away Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at home on his fathers’ birthday.
Randy is a retired truck driver from Overnight/UPS Freight with 36 years of service and a 1969 graduate of Stonewall Jackson High School. He was inducted into the WV Drag Racers Hall of Fame in 2016; avid car guy; and a Dale Earnhardt fan.
He is preceded in death by his father Les Pullen and his wife Helena; stepdad Bob Burke; mama Gertrude; and papa James Roscoe.
Randy is survived by his loving wife, Sheila Pullen; three sons James, Jeremy, and Josie (Noelle) Pullen; granddaughter Willow Grace Pullen; mother Naomi Burke; three sisters Debbie, Brenda (Gary), and Nancy; and a host of other extended family and friends.
A tribute to the life of Randy was held Saturday, April 22, 2023 at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel with Warren Fagan officiating.
LORETTA SOWARDS
Belma Loretta Sowards, 79, of Hurricane, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, April 16, 2023. She was born March 19, 1944, to the late Rondall C. Hinkley and Belma M. Hinkley Finch. She was also preceded in death by her sisters Roberta (Dolly) Stowers and Ruby Weddington and is survived by her brother G. E. Clay Hinkley and sister Lilly Roberts
Loretta was a lifelong resident of Hurricane. In her younger years she worked at local restaurants in Putnam and Kanawha Counties including the Sleepy Hollow Golf Course where she made many friends. She had a very private lifestyle and enjoyed being her own boss, starting a business of cleaning private homes and doing some pet sitting. She enjoyed pets but never wanted any of her own. However, if saw a stray dog, she always had a treat for it. She had a caring way about her, she took care of her Dad and Mother in their elder years and her sister Ruby.
She loved her brother Clay very much but Lilly on the other hand was just to Bossy and she let her know it. Her friend Gayle was so helpful getting extra help for this she needed. She enjoyed going out to eat with her friend Arlene and going over to Pats sitting on her porch and talking and really enjoyed when JoAnn and Coy would bring her those chocolate brownies and shared them sparingly. She loved all her Nieces and Nephews their families.
Loretta went to church at the First Baptist Church of Hurricane on the property where she was raised as a youngster. She knew many people in the growing community.
Funeral service was Saturday, April 22, 2023 at Allen Funeral Home with Pastor Matt Boggs officiating. Burial was in Valley View Memorial Park.
IRENE THOMASSON
Irene Craddock Thomasson, of Hurricane, died peacefully on April 22, 2023. She was baptized into Christ at 12 years old and remained a faithful Christian throughout her life as an active member of Main St. Church of Christ. Leaving many friends there, she plans to meet them later in Heaven when Jesus comes again.
Irene was born in Huntington to the late Dell and Alma Craddock. The family moved to Putnam County when she was young. Preceding her in death were her three younger siblings, Sam, Donna Jean, and Dan, Nephew Greg, and Daughter-in-law Teresa.
Left to cherish many years of memories is her husband Denzil, devoted Son and Daughter-in-law Jeffrey and Vonda, Grandchildren Kyle (Christie), Jessica, Madison, and Great Grandchild Warren.
Irene was a graduate of Hurricane High and remained close to her many class members. She was also a Marshall University graduate that prepared her for 15 years of positive experiences teaching 6th grade followed by 15 years in administration.
Following retirement from Putnam County Schools, She successfully worked for Old Colony R.E. in Teays Valley.
Funeral service was Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at Allen Funeral Home in Hurricane with Elder Whitney Stricklin officiating. Burial was in Valley View Memorial Park.
FRANK P. WINGO
Frank Paul Wingo, 69, of Hurricane, passed away on April 18, 2023 surrounded by his loved ones after a courageous battle with cancer.
Frank was born on April 15, 1954, at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, Nevada, to the late John Franklin and Jo Ann Wingo. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his loving wife of 48 years, Penny Wingo, his sister, Linda (Wingo) Duncan and his nephew, Scottie Duncan.
Frank graduated from Hurricane High School in 1973. After high school, he was employed at Union Carbide for many years and continued his work as a welder until retirement. Frank was a member of Putnam Masonic Lodge #139 and a member of the Scottish Rites. He was an involved member of Cops N Rodders WV Car Club. You could find him at car shows with his 1971orange Plymouth Road Runner. He was a member of Lighthouse Baptist Church in Hurricane. Frank was a loving and devoted husband, Dad, Papaw, Brother, and Friend.
He is survived by his daughter, Melissa Melton; son in law; Billy Melton; his granddaughter, Kaylee Melton, who was his pride and joy; brother and sister-in-law, Larry and Michele Wingo; nephews, Codie, Luke, Ryan and Tucker Wingo; and uncle, Kenneth (Mary Ann) Godbey.
Funeral service was Saturday, April 22, 2023 at Lighthouse Baptist Church in Hurricane with Pastor Kevin Prevett officiating. Burial was in Cunningham Memorial Park.
