Featured, Obituaries

Obituaries for Week of June 1

Ralph Thomas Bowles Jr.
Ralph Thomas Bowles Jr., 75, of Hurricane, passed away on May 25, 2023 at CAMC Teays Valley Hospital.
He was born on January 25, 1948 to the late Ralph Thomas Sr. and Geraldine Fizer Bowles.
Ralph graduated from Hurricane High School in 1966; next he proudly served his country in the US Army. Afterwards obtained a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Marshall University, he then obtained a Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration along with a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Ohio State University. He was retired as the Director of Finance at Charleston Area Medical Center and a member of St. John United Methodist Church, Scott Depot.
He is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Lisa E. Phillips Bowles and daughter: Mandy Bowles both of Hurricane, WV.
Ralph’s Memorial Service will be 12 noon June 3, 2023 at St. John United Methodist Church, Scott Depot, with Rev. Teresa Markins and Rev. Robert Hill officiating.

Charles “Jim” Handley
Charles E. “Jim” Handley, 97, of Teays Valley, passed away on May 26, 2023.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Harl and Loriene Handley; brother, Bill Handley; and wife of 69 years, Freda Handley.
Jim is survived by Alan Handley (Beth), Diana Alford (Steve); four grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; brothers, Joe Handley (Judy) of New Smyrna Beach, FL, and Garry Handley (Sandy) of Hurricane.
Jim was proud to serve in the Navy during WWII. After leaving the Navy he worked at Union Carbide until retirement. Jim was a member of Pine Grove Church of Christ.

Sandy K. Hughes
Sandy K. Hughes, 65, of Poca, passed away May 27, 2023.
Sandy was the owner/operator of the Paradise Inn.
She is survived by her husband C.D. Hughes; son Travis Butcher; brothers Steve Butcher, Wayne Butcher, Pete Butcher, James Butcher, and Roger Butcher; and sisters Linda Butcher, Lilly Massey, Lisa Rollins, Carla Butcher, and Polly Butcher.
A tribute to the life of Sandy was held Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel. Entombment was in Haven of Rest Memory Gardens, Red House.

C. Wayne Lovejoy
C. Wayne “Ranger” Lovejoy, 73, of Bancroft, went home to be with the Lord on May 23, 2023, at home.
Wayne is retired from John Amos Powerplant and attended Bancroft Church of God Mission.
He is preceded in death by his son David Lovejoy; parents Clarence and Nannie Lovejoy, and siblings Evelyn Garnes, Ed Lovejoy, and Loretta Gillespie.
Wayne is survived by his loving wife, Mrs. Vickie Lovejoy; daughter Lisa and her husband Tim Casto; special granddaughter Joely “Squirt” Casto; and siblings Irene Roden, Charles Lovejoy, Lorene Qualls, and Thurmond Lovejoy. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, and a host of other family and friends.
A tribute to the life of C. Wayne Lovejoy was held Friday, May 26, 2023 at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel with Pastors Jim Legg and Delbert Hawley officiating. Burial was in Haven of Rest Memory Gardens, Red House.

Gary L. Owens
Gary L. Owens, 75, of Poca, passed away Friday, May 19, 2023 at CAMC Putnam.
He was born July 26, 1947 in Charleston, the son of Clarence Raymond and Liza Poling Owens. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his sisters, Ila Mae Shinn, Nancy Stewart, and brothers, Neil Raymond, and James “Jim” Owens.
Gary was a retired security guard formerly employed with Tri-State Racetrack and CAMC. He was an avid outdoorsman. A loving husband, grandfather, brother and friend that will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his loving wife Kathy, step son, Kevin Busby (Morgan), of Scott Depot, 7 grandchildren, sister, Julia Little, of Elkview, and brothers, Tom Owens, of Philippi, and John Owens, of Winfield, and a host of nieces and nephews.
Celebration of Gary’s life was held Friday, May 26, 2023 at Tyler Mountain Funeral Home with Pastor John Hayes officiating. Entombment was in Cunningham Memorial Park, St Albans.

Mark Bradford Parsons
Mark B. Parsons, 59, of Winfield, entered into Heaven on May 24, 2023 at Hubbard Hospice House West South Charleston, WV.
Mark was born on July 20, 1963 to the late Donald R. and Deanne Farley Parsons.
He was previously employed by Sleep Inn in Mink Shoals, but had worked for Air Xperts for years. Mark had a close and unique relationship with Jerry and Marcia Mullins, owners of Air Xperts who treated him like a son.
Mark is survived by his longtime fiancé Jennie A. Withrow, daughters: Rachel and Katie Parsons, stepchildren: Rachel Withrow and Justin Withrow; several grandchildren; brothers: Sid and Jill Parsons and Kevin and Bonnie Parsons, as well as aunts, uncles and cousins.
Mark’s Memorial Service will be 5:00pm, Saturday, June 3, 2023 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane.

Lisa Ann Sowards
Lisa Ann Sowards, 56, of Culloden, passed away on May 24, 2023 at CAMC Teays Valley Hospital.
She was born on October 19, 1966 to Diana K. Persinger and the late Arnie Persinger Jr. In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Kathy Jo and grandson, Hunter Walker.
Lisa was a home health nurse and had previously worked at Genesis Nursing Home.
She is survived by her loving husband, Greg Sowards; son: Gregory A. and Christy Sowards Jr.; and her grandchildren: Hayley Walker, Mikie, Lindsey, Xander and Troy Sowards.
Funeral service for Lisa was Wednesday May 31, 2023 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane, with Pastor Darren Persinger officiating. Burial was in Valley View Memorial Park Hurricane

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