FAYE ADKINS
Faye Adkins, 80, of Nitro, passed away December 14, 2023.
Faye was born May 27, 1943, in Poca. She enjoyed reading and staying up with current events.
She is preceded in death by her husband David “Boxcar” Adkins, Sr.
She is survived by her son David K. Adkins, Jr. (Susan); grandchildren Miranda Adkins (Annie) and Randy Adkins (Regan); great grandchildren Will, Eli, and Remi; and bonus grandchildren Megan Russell and Alex Russell.
A tribute to the life of Faye Adkins was held Monday, December 18, 2023, at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel. Burial was in Ortin Heights Cemetery.
LINDA BAILEY
Linda M. Bailey, 76, of Red House, passed away Thursday, December 14, 2023 at Hubbard Hospice House West at Thomas Memorial Hospital. She was a member of Shiloah Independent Church.
Born September 18, 1947, she was the daughter of the late Orville Thornton and Muriel Barnett Thornton. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 35 years, Harold Lee “Leroy” Bailey and daughter, Annette Lynn Bailey.
Survivors include her son, Sheldon (Wendy) Bailey of Red House; grandchildren, Tiffani (Cody) Parkins of Red House and Jarrett Bailey (Abbie Allen) of Red House; great grandchildren, Dawson and Landyn Parkins; brother-in-law, Arnold (Mary) Bailey; niece, Mandy (Danny) Watson and their children, Bailey and Jocie. Linda is also survived by her loving cat “Baby.”
Funeral service was Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at Raynes Funeral Home, Buffalo, with Pastor Larry Covert officiating. Entombment was in Haven of Rest Memory Gardens, Red House.
CHARLES DONOVAN SR.
Charles Robert “Chuck” Donovan, Sr., 81, of Milton, passed away on December 13, 2023 at Emogene Dolin Jones Hospice House in Huntington.
He was born on May 15, 1942, to the late William E. and Ethel M. Donovan in Hazelton, PA. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife and mother of his children: Betty Joyce Morton Donovan; second wife: Rebecca Joan “Becky” Koehn Donovan; daughter: Susan Cox; and brother: Billy Donovan.
Chuck proudly served his country in the US ARMY and retired from Hurricane Police Department after earning the rank of Major, along the way as a DARE/School Resource Officer, among other positions.
Chuck is survived by his loving family, son: Charles R. Donovan Jr. of Tad; daughter: Scherri Ball of Winfield; granddaughters: Candace Donovan of Charleston, Haley Donovan of Charleston, Shawnda Newman of Charleston and Britney Cox of Huntington; great grandson: Linkoln Newman; sister: Marjorie Gentry of DE and brother: John Donovan of PA.
Memorial Service was Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane, with Pastor Don Reynolds officiating.
ROGER FAULKNER
William Roger Faulkner 78, of Hurricane, passed away Saturday, December 16, 2023 after an extended illness.
Roger was preceded In death by his parents William Harrison Faulkner and Wilma Lee Spurlock Faulkner and a sister Judy Katherine Faulkner.
Roger retired from Monsanto and was a Ham radio operator for many years.
He is survived by his wife Janet, son Rusty (Stacy) Faulkner. Daughter Janet Kemp of Florida, sisters Linda Mohtashem and her family from California and Carolyn Sue Rowsey and her family from Milton; 3 grandsons Robbie, Mason and Joey Faulkner, and granddaughters which he raised Maura Burdick and family of Texas and Morgan Delgado and family of Florida.
There will be no services.
BELINDA HENSON
Belinda Louise Dean Henson, 45, of Poca, went home to be the Lord on December 1, 2023.
She was born on May 3, 1978 in Charleston to Robert and Kathy Dean.
Belinda was preceded in death by her sisters, Tracy and Benita Dean; and her grandmother, Bonnie Dean.
She is survived by her mother, Kathy Taylor (Kenny); father, Robert Dean, Sr.; daughters, Leighanna Byrne (Trevor) and Lillian Henson; brother, Robert Dean, Jr. (Joy); along with countless family and friends.
A memorial service was held Friday, December 15, 2023 at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.
Jim McGehee
James Chilton McGehee, 84, of Mount Airy, NC, passed on into paradise to be with his Lord and Savior on December 15, 2023. He was born on December 4, 1939 to George & Freeda McGehee in Hurricane. Jim graduated from Hurricane High School and Morehead College, where he met the love of his life, Joy Belle Johnson McGehee.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Kimberly Hively (Jeff), James McGehee II (Nancy), and Shawn Hodge (Curtis); his grandchildren, Emilee Hinsley (Michael), Stephen Wilson (Erica), Ellen McKinney (Taylor), Grayson Hodge (Gabi), Marshall Hodge, Spencer McGehee, and Grace McGehee; and, his great-grandchildren: Levi, Hivelee, Carter, Rylan, Rhye, & Benjamin; and, his siblings, Doug McGehee (Mary Ellen), George Gregory McGehee, and Mary Margaret Duke (Lonnie). He was preceded in death by his parents and his grandson, Luke.
James will be remembered as a faithful teacher, coach, and school administrator. The last half of his life was spent spreading the gospel in numerous ways at First Baptist Church of Hurricane where he served as the pastoral assistant for 19 years. He was later a deacon and Sunday School teacher at First Baptist Church of Mount Airy. He taught Sunday School for over 60 years combined.
Service at First Baptist Church of Hurricane is December 22, 2023. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am with a memorial service following at 12:00 pm. A private graveside service will follow.
Phyllis Mingo
Phyllis Jo Mingo, 88, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023.
She was a graduate of Marshall University and retired from St. Mary’s Hospital. She was a Master Gardener and often volunteered at local parks and schools. She enjoyed gardening, hiking and yoga.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Prince Mingo.
She is survived by her son, Alan Mingo, and her daughters, Karen Mingo and Linda Mingo.
Her service will be held at Spring Hill Cemetery in Huntington at a date to be announced.
Robert Paxton
Robert N. (Bob) Paxton, Jr., 84, of Scott Depot, passed away December 10, 2023, after several health challenges. He was born December 20, 1938, in Washington, PA, a son of the late Robert N. and Anna McPeak Paxton.
He began high school in Canonsburg, PA. before moving and transferring to Parkersburg High School, where he became a wrestling state champion. He worked for the WV State Road Department before developing a home construction business in Scott Depot.
Bob is survived by his wife, Barbara Jane Paxton, of Scott Depot. Also surviving are sisters, Betsy Rexroad of Raleigh, NC; and Susan (Gilbert) Cottle of Huntingdon Valley, PA; brother, C. David (Angie) Paxton of New Bern, NC; and brother-in-law, Bernard Deem of Huntersville, NC. In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his sisters, Sandra Foggin of Newport News, VA; and Nancy Deem of Huntersville, NC; brothers-in-law Frank Foggin and Edgar Rexroad. Many nieces and nephews also survive, as well as many members of Barbara’s family.
Amy Piepiora
Amy Kathryn (Robinson) Piepiora, of Hurricane, died Friday, December 15, 2023 at Thomas Memorial Hospital in Charleston.
She was surrounded by her loving family while she ended her courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. She was married to Dean R. Piepiora, with whom she celebrated their 21st wedding anniversary this past July 6. Born in Leominster, MA in 1971, she was the daughter of Kenneth and Jean Robinson of Leominster, MA. She is a graduate of Leominster High School class of 1989, and a graduate of Quinsigamond College where she received a degree in Dental Hygiene, and she enjoyed her career in that field for many years before having children.
Amy found her true passion in dedicating herself to her family. She was a loving wife and a devoted mother to her 3 beautiful children, who were blessed to have her full time care and support.
She loved planning the family vacations and she usually could be found spending time in one of her favorite places, the beach. This year she had the pleasure of enjoying time at four different beloved vacation spots; Miramar Beach, FL, Myrtle Beach SC, Ocean City MD, and Pensacola FL.
Besides her husband, Dean, she is survived by her three young sons, Gavin, Nolan, and Mason Piepiora, all whom adored her; her parents, Kenneth and Jean Robinson of Leominster, MA and her brother, Matthew Robinson of Leominster, MA, her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Stanley and Phyllis Piepiora of Shirley, MA, her sister-in-law Tina Daley and her husband Jerry Daley of Chelmsford, MA and their two daughters, Madison Daley of Ft. Lauderdale, Fl and Morgan Daley, of Chelmsford, MA; and many special aunts, uncles and cousins; and of course, Bodhi, her beloved family dog.
A final visitation will be held on Saturday, December 23, 2023 at Allen Funeral Home, Hurricane, from 1-3 PM.
Gordon Pottorff
Gordon Lee Pottorff of Poca, passed away at his home on the evening of December 5, 2023 with his loving wife by his side. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Carol Harris Pottorff (“ChaCha”), and his two sons, Timothy Bernard Pottorff of Charleston, and Mark Gordon Pottorff (Donna) of Atlanta, Georgia, as well as grandchildren Alex and Grace Pottorff (both of Atlanta). He is also survived by his brother John Pottorff (Diana). Gordon was predeceased by his parents, Carl and Micky Pottorff, and his in-laws, Basil and Anna Harris.
Gordon was born on October 11, 1938 in Nitro. Upon graduating from Poca High School in 1957, Gordon enlisted in the United States Army. While on active duty in the Army and stationed at Fort Smith, Arkansas and Fort Jackson, South Carolina, Gordon became a skilled boxer, and he remained a knowledgeable fan of the sport throughout his life. He was honorably discharged from the Army in 1964.
Upon completing his active duty in the Army, Gordon and Carol lived in Dayton, Ohio where he worked with his father-in-law in the residential construction industry and where their two sons were born. In 1961 Gordon and Carol moved back to West Virginia where Gordon ultimately went to work for Union Carbide Corporation. He took early retirement from Carbide after more than 30 years of service where his last position was Maintenance Supervisor.
After their retirement, Gordon and Carol became active travelers, taking several island cruises and joining other AARP conventioneers on trips to Boston, Washington D.C., Las Vegas and other venues. Gordon and Carol became lifelong friends with many people from throughout the country whom they met on those trips. Gordon also enjoyed his trips to the beach with his wife, sons, daughter-in-law and grandchildren. One of Gordon’s favorite trips was a helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon.
A life-long Baptist, Gordon was an honest, compassionate, soft-spoken man with a dry, quick wit and many skills and interests. He could “fix anything” and graciously shared his time and talents, in wood working and carpentry and in electrical, automotive and plumbing repair, among others, with friends and family who requested his help. He was an excellent marksman and was proficient in the use of all types of firearms. He had an interest in all things medical, and many friends and family would consult him as they thought he had an uncanny ability to accurately diagnose health issues. A motorcycle enthusiast, Gordon loved to ride the many bikes he owned during his life, both on the highways and off road.
Gordon loved all animals, especially cats, and he always had a cat (Nellie, Franco, Midnight, Houdo, Sassy, Charlie Chaplin, Bonnie and Clyde, to name a few) by his side. When his health declined in the last few years and his travels were restricted, he enjoyed spending time sitting on his covered deck with Nellie on his lap watching the wildlife in his back yard, including the birds for whom he made sure his bird feeder was always full.
A military honors service will be held at a later date.
Jacqueline S. Wood
Jacqueline Susanne Wood, 67, of Hurricane, passed away December 13, 2023.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Steven R. Wood, and her parents, Jack L. and Gladys G. Ullom.
Jacqueline was a Christian, a devoted daughter, and a loyal friend. She earned her BA from Marshall University, and had a diverse career in many fields, and was always an asset to any company.
She loved her family, and could always be counted on to help in any way, loved music and was a gifted pianist, often playing for church services.
Jacqueline loved nature, traveling and had a huge love for dogs, she always had one, maybe two or three, and they were treated like family. She will be missed!
There will be a private family service to celebrate her life.
Donald Zulauf
Donald Cole Zulauf, 88, of Scott Depot and formerly Lexington KY, passed away on December 10, 2023 surrounded by his loving family after a sudden illness.
Cole was born on May 30, 1935 in Bronx NY to Donald and Gertrude Zulauf, who preceded his passing.
He is survived by his sons, John Barry Zulauf, and wife Suzanne of Lexington KY, Charles Andrew Zulauf and his wife Christy of Scott Depot, Jonathan Cole Zulauf of Scott Depot, brother David Zulauf and wife Pat of Brick, NJ and his three grandchildren who he adored – Mary Eliza Zulauf, Andrew Cole Zulauf and Jackson Wyatt Zulauf, along with countless friends in the hearing and deaf communities.
At 2 years old, he contracted meningitis and lost his hearing. This would be the catalyst for a lifelong journey to advocate and champion for the deaf and hard of hearing.
He attended public school in NYC, traveling the subway to and from school, learning how to speak and lip read with his classmates both deaf and hearing.
Cole graduated from Clark University and was a member of Phi Alpha fraternity. He was an outstanding athlete in his youth, especially basketball. He was a lifelong New York Giants football fan, cheered on the Kentucky Wildcats and Marshall Thundering Herd.
He married his beautiful bride, Mary Susan Grever from Louisville KY on May 28, 1960. His bride finally said “yes” after several proposals, a testament to his tenacity. They embarked on a life journey together that would last over fifty years. He soon found a job in Newton NJ where he and Susan started their family. After seven years in NJ, he took a job with Purcell & Associates, an engineering firm in CT. After spending a year in Hartford CT, Cole moved his family to Enfield CT. There the Zulauf’s enjoyed playing all kinds of sports, hosting neighborhood events for the kids, having a cold lemonade for the mailman in the summer, and going to Wilton Pond. Cole was always involved in his boys’ sports events, and he took his family with him to many deaf athletic events. He allowed his boys to play basketball during halftime, which entertained the crowd. We cherished our time in Enfield.
In 1977, Cole took a job with GRW Consulting Engineers in Lexington KY and moved the family to KY. We were so fortunate to become part of the GRW family. The deep and lasting memories and friendships we built at GRW will help carry us through this difficult time. Cole retired from GRW after 25 years of service, but he could not “retire”. He went to work for prominent deaf-owned company in South Dakota for several years before returning to his beloved wife, family, and KY deaf community to join KCDHH as the project coordinator for the Telecommunications Access Program until he finally retired at age 84. In 2022, Cole moved to West Virginia to be with his two sons, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren. He so loved this period of his life, building memories and relationships with his grandchildren.
Since his youth, Cole was involved in the deaf community and volunteering to advocate for the deaf and hard of hearing. He was the Team Director for the USA Team in the World Games for the Deaf, traveling to Japan, Romania, and Venezuela to represent the USA. In 1975, he was the Vice Chairman for USOC World Games for the Deaf at the Lake Placid, NY. We made lifelong memories from the trip.
Cole continued to champion and serve the deaf community after his tenure at USOC for the Deaf. Cole was one of the founding fathers of the Kentucky Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (KCDHH) where he advocated for discounts with phone carriers for the deaf, helped pass the Telecommunications Access Program for KY and many other initiatives. He received many awards for his contributions. 1978 Gallaudet College Community Leadership Award, 1988 recipient of the Art Kruger Memorial award, Kentucky Education, Arts and Humanity Service award to name a few.
He served in many leadership roles, including President of the Kentucky Association of the Deaf, Chairman of the Kentucky Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Vice Chairman of the USOC for the Deaf, President of the New England Athletic Association of the Deaf, and President of the Eastern Athletic Association of the Deaf.
Cole had the honorary distinction of being a Kentucky Colonel. He was inducted into several Hall of Fames – 1988 “47” Alumni Association of the Deaf, 1989 Eastern Athletic Association of the Deaf Hall of Fame, 1989 Kentucky School for the Deaf Alumni Hall of Fame, 1995 New England Athletic Association of the Deaf Hall of Fame, and 1995 American Athletic Association for the Deaf Hall of Fame. He was an inspiration to everyone who had the good fortune to meet him. His selfless attitude, dedication and commitment to his community and family, and refusal to let his disability affect his work and life will have a lasting legacy on everyone who knew him. all of Fames – Hall
Cole was a remarkable, personable, loving man. He was quick with a smile, had a great sense of humor, was intellectually curious, devoted to his bride, family, and friends. He deeply cared about his deaf community and lived a servant life. He also had a famous saying when the dinner menu did not meet his son’s appetite – “you don’t like what is for dinner, go out and eat the grass!” We will miss his smile, his laugh, his hugs, and his infectious personality. We will forever miss our dad, PaPa, friend, and hero.
On December 10th, we lost an incredible man, and heaven welcomed a beautiful soul into his kingdom, where he can hug his bride, hear the sounds of our voices, and watch over his family and friends.
