LOLA JANE ADAMS
Lola Jane Maddox Adams 83, of Renick, and formerly of Scott Depot, passed away on January 2, 2024 at Greenbrier Valley Medical Center Ronceverte.
She was born on March 3, 1940 in Scott Depot to the late Vernon and Artimisha L. McCallister Maddox. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her son, Jason, who she cared for daily for 29 years until his passing.
Lola is survived by her husband, Joe Adams; her children: Joel Adams (Hayley Bartow) of Scott Depot, Jodi Adams of Charleston and Jonathon Adams (Jessica) of Renick, WV; brothers: Vernon Maddox of Columbus, OH and Larry Maddox (JoAnn) of Decatur, AL; and 6 grandchildren.
There will be a private family Celebration at a later date.
DELORES BARNETT
Dolores A. Barnett, 72, of Lockbourne, OH, passed away Thursday, January 4, 2024 at her home. She was a graduate of Buffalo High School and attended Lighthouse Church. Dolores retired from the Patterson Company as a sales representative.
Born August 16, 1951, she was the daughter of the late, Rollie “Clayton” Goddard and Lillian M. Parsons Goddard. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Connie Adkins.
Survivors include her son, Stevie Barnett; sister, Janet Goddard; brothers, William “Bill” Goddard and Roger Goddard; nieces, Amie Goddard, Jamie Goddard and Kimberly Goddard; nephew, Richie Adkins; granddaughter, Courtney Pierce.
GEORGETTE BLACKSHIRE
Georgette G. Blackshire, 83, of Eleanor, passed away Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at her home following a long illness. She retired from the K-Mart Corporation in 1997 with 25 years of service. She was a member of the Buffalo Church of God where she served as the song leader for many years.
Born September 4, 1940, she was the daughter of the late Claude G. Javins and Macel J. Amick Javins. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 37 years, Dana R. Blackshire; sisters, Dorothy, Wanda and Claudette; brothers, Earl and Dallas.
Survivors include her daughters, Suzanne (Bill) Reed of Florida and Debbie (Danny) Rohde of Eleanor; son, Dana R. (Jodie) Blackshire of Eleanor; sister, Audrey Howery of Florida; grandchildren, Heather (Brian) Smith, Shane (Heather) Reed, Brett (Jackie) Reed, James (Mendi) Whittington and Justin (Jamie) Whittington; great grandchildren, Emma, Becca, Brady, Bailey, Mason, Giada, Van and Lane. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Funeral service was Friday, January 5, 2024, at Raynes Funeral Home, Eleanor, with Rev. David Bowen officiating. Burial was in Haven of Rest Memory Gardens, Red House.
ROY THOMAS BURNS SR.
Roy Thomas Burns Sr. passed away on Friday December 29, 2023. He was born on May 22, 1937 to his parents Charley and Violet Burns.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his five brothers: Buster, Bob, Henry, Jackie, and his twin, Troy; and his great granddaughter, Kaylee.
Roy is survived by his ex-wife of 42 years, Shirley; his four children: Lana, Beverly (Don), Nola (Paul), and Roy Jr. (Kay); five grandchildren: Rusty (Bill), Brandy (Chris), Ashley (Joshua), Caitlin (Matthew) and Roy III (Haylee), four great grandchildren: Aubree, Rylee, Asher and Sawyer. Roy also leaves behind several nieces and nephews.
Professionally he was known as the best heavy equipment operator around. He owned and operated Roy Burns Excavating, even into his 80’s, he was constantly approached to work his excavation magic for others. He was fearless; we have seen him work his machines on the sides of hills that no normal person would even attempt.
Personally Roy was a man who definitely marched to the beat of his own drum and could easily be described as the life of the party, never shying away from being the center of attention. To describe him as strong-willed would be putting it mildly, he was stubborn as a mule. But every ounce of stubbornness could be matched by his generosity. He’d give you the shirt off his back or buy you a beer, whatever the situation called for. The stories that have been shared with us since his passing have been overwhelming and very heart warming.
Funeral service for Roy was Sunday, January 7, 2024 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane, with Pastor David Vickers officiating.
Karen Casto
Karen Diann Perkins Casto, 71, of Red House, passed away January 4, 2024.
She is retired from Dr. Dolan and Kalaskey Orthodontics and a 1970 graduate of Buffalo High School where she was named Miss Buffalo High. Karen was a homemaker, enjoyed working on the farm and raising her family. She enjoyed working in her flower garden, spending time at the beach, bowling, and especially spending time with her grandchildren. Karen also enjoyed her years of riding with her companion Charles “Frog” McCaulley.
She is preceded in death by her husband Dwight Casto and her mother Carol Parsons and her husband James.
Karen is survived by her two daughters Kelli Meeks of Poca and Jami Casto of TN; two sisters Nancy Perkins of Red House and her daughter Lindsey Perkins and Sharon Fox Bishop of Katy, TX and her daughter Rachel Fox; six grandchildren Kaden Meeks, Kyler and wife Lindsey Meeks, Kambel Meeks, Keaton Meeks, Marli Casto, and Blakely Wagner; and a host of great nieces and nephews.
A tribute to the life of Karen Casto was held Monday, January 8, 2024, at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Scott Casto officiating. Burial was in Grandview Cemetery, Red House.
Norma Jean Cummings
Norma, Jean Cummings 93, of Hurricane, went to Heaven on Tuesday January 2, 2024 at Putnam Center Hurricane.
She was born on April 23, 1930 in Jane Lew to the late Hubert and Macil Smith. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Roland E. Cummings; and son: Wesley “Leon” Cummings.
Norma worked as a nurse aide for Morris Memorial and was an Adult Family Care Home Provider for the Department of Health and Human Resources for 20 years. She was a member of the Hurricane First Church of the Nazarene.
Surviving are her daughters: Diana Ramey (Randall) of Hurricane, Cheryl Buckholt of Hurricane and Kimberly Hayslett of Moncks Corner, SC; grandchildren: Heather White (Jacob), Ryan Ramey (Amanda) both of Hurricane, Courtney Ballard (Zak) of Milton and Alexandra Hayslett of Austin, Texas; great grandchildren: Caleb White, Sawyer White, Ethan White, Austin Ramey, Carson Ramey all of Hurricane and Julianne Ballard and Brooks Ballard of Milton.
A family ceremony was held in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens, Cross Lanes, with Reverend Patrick McCue officiating.
Daniel Hayes
Daniel Keith Hayes, 70, of Hurricane, passed away on January 3, 2024. He was one of ten children born to Carl A. Hayes and Myrtle King Hayes.
Danny was a proud Navy veteran. He was also disabled from Steel of West Virginia. He was a devoted husband, brother, brother-in-law, and uncle. He was deeply loved by his nieces and nephews. He was always ready to help anyone in need.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Carol A. Hayes; siblings, Judy Ramella, Debbie Wheeler, Anne Hawley, Hope Hayes, and Phillip Hayes. Danny had a special relationship with his nephews, Dallas Inghram and Matthew Wysong, who would help in caretaking and whom he loved as he would have his own children. He also had a special relationship with his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Russell and Judy Cyrus. His faithful companion, Teddy, still waits by the door looking for him.
Funeral service was Monday, January 8, 2024, at Allen Funeral Home in Hurricane.
Jon Hensley
Jon Francis Hensley, age 86, passed away peacefully at his home in Hurrican on January 6, 2024, after a long illness. Jon was born in St. Albans on March 11,1937, the son of William Howard Hensley and Hetty Spence Hensley.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter Jennifer Hensley; father and mother in-law, Lewis Ed Sheets and Barbara Hartley Sheets; brother Bill Hensley and sister Beth Lucas. Jon worked at Union Carbide and retired after more than 30 years of dedicated service. He enjoyed various outdoor activities, golfing, hunting, fishing, camping & gardening as well as all types of sports; however, he said that golf was not always nice to him. Jon especially enjoyed spending time at his camp in Pocahontas County. He was a life-long Chevrolet guy, enjoyed his 57 Chevy and 84 Corvette and joked that only Chevys are permitted in the driveway.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 44 years, Grova Ann (Sheets) Hensley; his children Jon F Hensley II (Nancy), Jeff Hensley; sister Margie Hall; stepchildren Eric Blake, Brian Blake (Sandra); sister in-law Rose Hensley; brother in-law Woodrow Lucas, Alden Sheets and sister in-law Lois C Milam (David). Grandchildren Laura Bland, Leanne Frank, Emily Hensley, Hanna Hensley, Kaylee Blake, Zoe Blake, Brandon Blake, Donovan Blake as well as godchildren Benton Morris, Amy Morris and 6 great-grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews. He will also be missed by beloved cats Bella, Mr. Peepers, and Domino.
The family will hold a memorial service at a later date.
Richard Holleron, Sr.
Richard Thomas Holleron, Sr., of Poca, passed away suddenly on December 27, 2023.
Tom was an auto body repairman at Whitt’s Body Shop in Bancroft and was a former delivery driver for NAPA warehouse.
He was preceded in death by his parents Samuel “Mike” and Pauline Mahaney Holleron.
He is survived by his children Rich Holleron and wife Elisha, Nancy Harter and husband Sean, grandchildren Michael Massey and wife Shannon, Ashlie Rawlings, and Colton Holleron, great-granddaughter Kara Massey, brothers Bob Holleron and Sam Holleron, and sister Linda Holleron.
A graveside service was Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans.
Roger McKinney
Roger Eugene McKinney, formerly of Rand, and Gaffney, SC, passed away at his home in Hurricane on January 3, 2024, at the age of 61 from Pleomorphic Sarcoma.
He was born on June 15, 1962, in Charleston to the late Johanna Ursula Langer and the late Horace Eugene McKinney. He attended Rand Elementary and Dupont Middle and High Schools.
He had worked as a bag boy at Harry Ford’s Key Market. After graduating in 1980, he moved to Gaffney, SC and that is where he met his first wife, Tammy, his first true love. He had two precious children, Brianna and Bryson with his second wife, Mancy McSwain. He worked for years as a line manager for Stouffers. He also leaves behind his third wife, Susan McKinney. He was working as a forklift operator for Old Castle in Cowpens, SC, where he loved his work family.
Gene loved his Lord, his pastor, Ron Culbertson, and his church family in SC. He loved riding his motorcycle, he had the greenest of thumbs when it came to flowers. He loved writing poetry and could name the song and singer before anyone else. He loved music, especially his brothers, Slick Fitzwater’s. He was a true New England Patriots fan and loved watching Tom Brady play. He loved all kids and would treat the kids in his SC neighborhood to ice cream. He never met a stranger and was a true southern gentleman to the end.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his grandmother, Maggie McKinney, uncle Carl McKinney, and cousin Genie McKinney.
He is survived by his children Brianna (Jason) McIntosh of Honolulu, Hawaii and Bryson McKinney of Fort Mill, SC; his step-mother Dee McKinney; his brother Karl (Linda) Fitzwater whom he lived with on Hurricane Creek Road, Hurricane; his brother Andy (Drema) Fitzwater of Hopewell, VA; his brother Mike McKinney of Boston, MA; his uncle Dean McKinney of Gaffney, SC and his uncle Johannes Langer and family of Alaunwerksweg, Germany. He will be missed by his grandchildren, Kayleigh McIntosh of TN, and Weston, Savannah, Julie, Wyatt, Gunner, and Charlotte of SC. His cousins, nieces, nephews, and many friends will miss him, but will have many memories to share.
A memorial to Gene’s life will be held at a later date.
Dale Milton
Dale Edward Milton, 62, of Milton, went home to be with The Lord on January 4, 2024 after a long and valiant battle with ALS. A member of the Class of 1980 at Hurricane High School, he spent 30 years as a Journeyman Sheetmetal Worker with SMWLU33, 28 of those years being with Rock Branch Mechanical in Nitro.
Dale’s passions included hunting and fishing, his dogs, and cars, specifically his Camaro. For several years Dale was an assistant coach and then head coach for softball with Milton Little League. He is preceded in death by his father, Robert, and survived by his wife Debbie, daughter Lauren Freeman (Davey), granddaughter Olivia, mother and stepfather Patsy and Carl Davis, sister Teresa Milton Gooch, half-sister Janet Witt (Robert), and nephew Keith Fisher.
Nina Painter
Nina Faye Painter, 96, of Culloden, went home to be with her heavenly Father on January 1, 2024. She was born November 16, 1927 to Mary DePriest and Fred Shirkey. She was preceded in death by William Alfred Painter. The were married on June 1, 1950. She was also preceded in death by 5 brothers and 3 sisters.
She is survived by her daughters Martha (Marty) Eloise Painter of Culloden and Brenda (Bryan) Haye of Jacksonville, FL; Grandchildren, Brandon (Katie) Haye and Bryce Haye all of Jacksonville, FL; special family Barbara and Greg Barringer of Culloden; Erica, Josh, Isaac, Samuel and Nathanael Kessler and Blaine, Tina and Benjamin Barringer all of Hurricane and Bethany McClave of Cazadero, CA and many nieces, nephews and friends.
She enjoyed life to the fullest and loved her many friends.
Funeral service was Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at the First Baptist Church of Hurricane. Burial was in Valley View Cemetery.
Jacob Alec Reed
Jacob Reed, 25, of Scott Depot, departed this Life on Friday, December 29, 2023. This was a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident. He now resides in the hearts and minds of those who love him and will miss his infectious smile, sense of humor, and appreciation of fun, for the remainder of their lives.
He graduated from West Virginia University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering. Jacob was employed by Eaton Corporation within the Leadership Development Program in Technical Sales within the Cincinnati, OH office.
Jacob is survived by his mother: Kara; his father: Brian; his sister: Emily and brother: Kagen. Missing him dearly are also his grandparents: E.L “Papaw Mac” & Mary Ann McMillen, Terry Reed and Teresa Reed; uncles & aunts: Kevin & Diane McMillen, Ken and Melissa McMillen; Cousins: Evan, Hannah, Aaron, Cade and Lainey McMillen. There are also many other cousins, aunts and uncles too numerous to mention by name. Finally, he is survived by his longtime girlfriend and partner in adventure, Valerie Gress and their dog: Chauncey who everyone referred to as “The Big Guy”, as well as Valerie’s mother, father and brother.
A Celebration of Jacob’s Life was held Saturday, January 6, 2024 at United Disciples of Christ Church, South Charleston.
Kenneth Smiley, Jr.
Kenneth Richard Smiley, Jr., 76, of Scott Depot, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at Hubbard Hospice House.
Ken was born November 29, 1947 to the late Olga Imogene (Laird) and Kenneth Smiley in Corpus Christi, Texas. He was preceded in death by his mother and special family members Marie and Bill Dotson of Houston, Texas.
Ken was a U.S. Army veteran and served in Heidelberg, Germany where he met his wife Mary Ellen Gray Smiley. After marriage in Basile, Switzerland, they shared more than 48 years of marriage. He often told others that he gave up the sand and ocean in South Texas for the mountains and snow in Mary’s West Virginia.
In addition to his wife, Ken is survived by daughter Jennifer Smiley and granddaughter Caitlyn of Corpus Christi, Texas; sister Bobbie Squyres and niece Sonya (Larry) of Woodsboro, Texas; brother Eldon Heaston of Claremont, CA; nieces Tina Rodriguez and Katie Heaston and nephew Greg Heaston, all of CA.
Ken was a lifelong avid sports fan and participated in several competitive sports throughout public school and college. His competitive spirit was recognized as early as 6 years of age when he earned an F in “Play” for being more competitive than playful on the playground. He was active in bowling leagues for more than 20 years, and he enjoyed traveling with friends across the country to participate in ABC’s annual championship tournaments.
He will be remembered not only for his competitiveness, but the kind, giving nature that he shared with so many. Ken spent the last 15 years of his life after retirement giving particular attention to the elderly in nursing homes or assisted living facilities where he recognized so many residents had no visitors. He began showing up weekly to one facility to play gin with his “little ladies.” He was actively involved in fundraising activities for CAMC Teays Valley Cardiac Rehab. He frequently provided transportation for those in need. He always gave voluntarily and from the heart without waiting to be asked to do so. He loved surprising others with thoughtful gifts just because he had been thinking of them.
Wilma Jean Stanley
Wilma Jean Stanley, age 73, was called home on December 31, 2023. She was a lifelong resident of Hurricane. She is survived by her childhood sweetheart and husband of 54 years, Gary E. Stanley, her children: daughter, Tonya J. Casto (Mark) and son, Gary E. Stanley II.
Wilma Jean loved the Lord and her family fiercely, her grandchildren: Kyle Casto of Los Angeles, CA, Lauren Casto of Morgantown and Grayson Stanley of Hurricane as they were her entire world. She never missed an opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments or share their endeavors with anyone who listened.
Also, surviving are her devoted brothers: Mike McDaniel (Elaine) and Greg McDaniel, as well as several aunts, uncles, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
Wilma Jean was preceded in death by her parents James and Vivian Doris (Grant) McDaniel; sister, Sandra McDaniel; and brother, Danny McDaniel.
Funeral services for Wilma Jean was Friday, January 5, 2024 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane. Burial was in Valley View Memorial Park, Hurricane.
Kathy Thompson
Kathy Jo Thompson, 68, of Poca, passed away suddenly on December 29, 2023.
Kathy loved her family and especially her grandkids. She loved to travel and was always up for a dance. She was our biggest cheerleader, our rock, and our calm in the storm. Kathy was a great cook, genuine friend, and most of all a wonderful Mom and Nan. She took care of her family to the very end, and we will forever love her.
She was preceded in death by her parents Paul Lett and Sue Ranson Lett and her husband Denny Thompson.
Left behind to cherish her memory are her children Denielle Jarvis and husband Gregg Church and Bobby Thompson and wife Hollie Thompson, grandkids MaKayla Moss, Taylor Thompson, Braxton Jarvis, and Rylee Church, siblings Mike Lett, Fred Lett, Vicki Shamblin, and Debbie Lett. She is also survived by her mother-in-law Helen Sayre, brothers-in-law Randy Shamblin and wife Jane, Kenny Sayre and wife Tracie, and Butch Thompson and wife JoAnn, sister-in-law Dee Payne and husband Tommy. Kathy was blessed to have a life-long friend Kathy McClane and two of her closest cousins Diane Horvath and Anna Lou Petry.
A Celebration of Kathy’s life will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Rock Branch Independent Church Activity Building, Nitro.
Robert Lee Walker
Robert Lee “Bob” Walker went home to the Lord in the early hours of Sunday, December 31, 2023. He was born on the 26th of August 1935, to his parents Fred and Helen Walker. Bob was the fourth-born of six children. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister: Exie; and brothers: Major, Richard, and Rick.
Bob is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Ellen; of sixty-eight (68) years; his brother: Dan (Jackie Walker); his four (4) children: Lynn (Ron Chin), Bobby (Penny Walker), Cindy, (David Martin), and Joe; ten grandkids: Nicholas, Josh, Emily, Katie, Caleb, Luke, Jacob, Colin, Olivia, and Dylan; and thirteen great-grandkids: Jonas, Ellery, Raegan, Brayden, Kendall, Kenzlie, Kolton, Ezra, Emmett, Lincoln, Ella, Clara, and Hallie.
Bob lived a life only appropriately described as the American Dream. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in February 1954, valiantly devoting his life for the cause of freedom. In April 1955, he delivered his vows and married the love of his life, Ellen. Following his honorable discharge from the USAF, he returned to work in the private sector, being employed by Union Carbide where he would remain until his retirement. After Bob retired, he remained active around the household and was invested in the lives of each of his kids, grandkids, and later on, his great-grandkids.
Bob was an individual gifted with a wise mind. He was always someone you could call on in a time of great difficulty. He was dependable, strong-willed, and always seemed to have the answer for anything troubling your mind. He was an open-ear to troubles with your job, doubts in your Faith, or any other issue that was troubling your peace of mind.
Bob loved to tell stories of his youth. He would tell his family stories of how he met his dearest wife, Ellen; his time in the U.S. Air Force, where he worked on aircraft systems, specifically the autopilot-and would regularly perform compass swings; and other stories about how he and his friends entertained themselves growing up.
Bob devoted his life to the Lord, making that a foundational pillar of his household- something each of his four kids carried on to his/her respective household. He loved the Lord with unwavering strength, and he used his knowledge of the word to bring others closer to the gospel. At the time of his passing, he was a member of Gateway Christian Church in Teays Valley.
Ecclesiastes 3:11 states, “’He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”
While we find it a challenge to say goodbye, we know the goodbye is only temporary. The promise of eternal life is the promise of meeting again. When our respective time comes, Bob will be waiting at the Gates of Heaven to give each of us his signature embrace of love. We love you, Bob, Dad, Grandad.
Funeral Service for Bob was Thursday, January 4, 2024 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane, with Pastor Dave McCormick officiating. Graveside service was Friday, January 5, 2024 at Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery, Dunbar, with Military honors.
