JANET ADKINS
Janet Lee Roupp Adkins, 78, of Hurricane, passed away at her home after a long illness on June 24, 2024. She was born in Newton, Kansas to the late Carl W. and Dorthy E. Roupp. She was also preceded in death by her husband Michael Adkins and his parents Harvey and Helen Adkins.
She was retired from Fruth Pharmacy and a Veteran of the US Airforce and a Proud WVU Fan.
She is survived by her son, David Adkins of Orlando FL; daughter, Vicky Adkins of Hurricane; sister, Pam Galusky of Sarasota FL; brother, Bob Roupp (Ellen) of Sarasota FL and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Memorial service was held Saturday, June 29, 2024 at Allen Funeral Home with Chaplain Pete Thompson officiating.
ROBIN RENEE BAKER
Robin Renee Burdette Baker, 56, of Winfield, passed away June 26, 2024.
Robin was an LPN for Celebration Villa in Teays Valley and a graduate of Nitro High School, Lenoir Community College and Garnett Career College. She enjoyed hiking, kayaking, camping, traveling, and spending time with her family.
Robin was born February 9, 1968, to the late Monty Ray Burdette and Olive Marie Spencer Shamblin. She is also preceded in death by her brother Randall Wayne Burdette.
She is survived by her two children Natasha Marie Wilson (Sam) and Jonathan Wilson (Leann); sister Deborah Witt (Mike); loving companion Mike Wagner; and two grandchildren Emma and Grace.
There will be a celebration of life at a later date.
SARINA BAKER
Sarina Elaine Baker, 78, passed away comfortably and peacefully on June 30, 2024, in Hurricane after 10-years suffering with the brutal and slow progression of Alzheimer’s disease. She was born on July 7, 1945, to Ida and John Bonaccorso in Fulton, NY.
On October 15, 1966, Sarina married her beloved husband, Philip Baker, in Fulton, NY. The couple shared 58 years of loving marriage.
Sarina was a devoted mother to her two children, Michael and Christine. She spent most of her adult life raising her family in Fairport, NY. She had a cherished group of neighborhood friends and extended family of cousins who she was very close to. Sarina was an amazing cook and entertainer who loved to host family and friends. She created many annual traditions that included delicious food, games and lots of love. She was always warm and made everyone feel comfortable and welcomed.
Sarina took great joy and immense pride in her role as grandmother to Rachel (26), Abby (23), and Matthew (16). Sarina adored her grandchildren and was always available to attend any recital, show choir performance, soccer game, or any event where she could show her support and love.
Throughout her life, Sarina loved connecting with people and serving others. She was an active volunteer at her Catholic churches in both Fairport, NY and Lenoir City, TN. She was the organizer, the planner and the doer. She was known for her kindness and thoughtfulness. Sarina never missed a birthday or special occasion with a card or call, always ensuring that her loved ones felt special and remembered.
Sarina is survived by her husband, Philip; her children, Michael (Tammy) and Christine (Eric); her grandchildren, Rachel, Abby, and Matthew; her brother Joseph and his wife Charlene. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ida and John Bonaccorso of Fulton, NY.
The family will have a Catholic service to honor Sarina’s life on Saturday, July 6th 2024 at 11:00 am. The mass will take place at Ascension Catholic Church of Hurricane.
WILLIAM (REGGIE) BILLUPS
William Reginald (Reggie) Billups, age 71, passed away on Friday, June 28th, 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents William Harley Billups and Levita Billups, sister Billie Sue Sovine and brother-in-law Sherwin Lewis.
He is survived by his wife Gigi Lynne Billups to whom he was married for 53 years. He has three children Christy Ruby (Joshua), Aimee Mynes and Mike Billups (Annie), five grandchildren Jordan Ruby, Kaylyn Ruby, Caleb Ruby, Donald Mynes and Aaron Ruby. Sister Doris Lewis. Nephews Scott Lewis, Dave Sovine, Myron Lewis and niece Missy Sovine.
Reggie was not only an amazing husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, he used his time on earth to calmly, lovingly and in the most stoic way lead by example with few words. He loved the Lord and served his community as a member of the city council for 43 years. He taught at Hurricane High School for 38 years. And was a member of First Baptist Church of Hurricane since childhood.
He was our hero.
He will be cherished in the hearts of so many. As we all move forward in this great loss, the best way we could honor “Coach” would be to be there for one another!
He was our hero just like in the westerns that that he loved to watch!
Funeral service was Wednesday, July 3, 2024 at Hurricane First Baptist Church with Jerry Losh officiating. Burial was in Valley View Memorial Park.
EUNICE MARIE BOSTIC
Eunice Marie Bostic, 92, of Winfield, passed away peacefully at home on June 22, 2024.
Marie was born on July 28, 1931 to the late James Carl and Beulah Blanche Wiseman. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by brothers, James (Jay) Wiseman, II, Willard R. (Pete), son Howard H. Bostic, Jr, and the father of her children, Howard H. Bostic, Sr.
After graduation, Marie earned a degree in nursing from the Charleston General Hospital School of Nursing in Charleston.
Marie was a long-time member of the Winfield Church of Christ.
She is survived by her daughters Sandy (Gary) Kessell, Carla (Michel) Leny and brother, Tom (Regina) Cox, several grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Funeral Service was Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at Tyler Mt. Funeral Home with Larry Keefer officiating.
ALICE DAVIS
Alice Marie Sheets Davis, 83, of Hurricane, passed away at her home on Monday, June 24, 2024 after a short illness.
She was owner and operator of Davis Wrecker and Auto Parts in Hurricane.
She was preceded in death by her husband Kenneth Davis, sons Mike and Danny.
She is survived by her son, Steve Davis and daughters, Kathy (Earl) Burks and Teresa Davis; 10 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren, and siblings, Junior (Wanda), Preston (Velma), Jerry (Bea), Kay (Jerry) and Mary.
Funeral service was Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at Allen Funeral Home. Burial was in Culloden Cemetery.
David Harold Escue
David Harold Escue, 73, of Fraziers Bottom, passed away June 29, 2024. Dave was a righteous man. He knew God intimately through the Word and the Spirit of God. He was full of the joy of the Lord.
Dave was a humble and unassuming man, but a powerful influencer loved by all who knew him. It was his open heart, his self-deprecating humor, his calm under pressure and his ability to bring everything back to prayer. He was deeply intellectual but able to reach every demographic with his love and wisdom. He was a family man, embracing not only his family of birth but the family he married into, and they are ever so thankful for this gracious gift. His humor left everyone feeling brighter and lighter. Anyone who has been around him much has a “Dave story”. Never a dull moment. Dave is a friend of many. He had the ability to make everyone feel special and loved.
He is survived by his devoted wife JuLea, his sister Carol Lavender, devoted sister-in-law, Joy Casto O’Cull (Howard) and brother-in-law, Scott Casto (Linda).
Preceded in death by his parents Howard and Lyndell Escue, his older brother Charles “Buddy” Escue and his brother-in-law (brother) Charles Lavender.
Dave served as an uncle/“honorary” parent to their nieces and nephews: Cali McCormick, Leah O’Kelly, Josh Anderson, Neil Wheatcraft, Allie Tejada (Kevin), Caleb Casto, Jacob Casto, Raven Chandler (Tyler), Sparrow McCormick, Sam O’Kelly, Lisa Walker (Eddie) and Randall Lavender and “Grandpa” to Finn Chandler.
Dave’s life has been filled with joy and laughter and with pain, both experiences were handled in the same fashion, by approaching the throne of our Sovereign God through Jesus Christ and thanking Him for bringing him this way, teaching him, holding him in His righteous right hand, delivering him and keeping him. Filling him with the Holy Spirit and walking with him through the fire.
Funeral was Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at Curry Funeral Home with Pastor Jim Legg officiating. Burial was in Forks of Coal Memorial Park.
Walter M. Frazier, Jr.
Walter Manning Frazier, Jr., 78, of Scott Depot, passed away June 28, 2024, after a long life exemplifying unconditional love and a sterling work ethic.
He was born in Charleston, to Elmeta and Manning Frazier. He attended Charleston High School and was graduated with a BS degree in Mathematics from West Virginia University. He was employed by Burroughs Corporation before beginning his own computer software company in 1983, Appalachian Software, Inc. His company serves WV public service districts and municipalities. Walt’s heart was always with his customers and set on providing the best software products that he could design. His mantra was always to take care of your customers and good things will follow. Walter was known to his friends as a good man, a man’s man, a polite man and a man with a devilish sense of humor. He was, above all, a loving man; His wife of 59 years always attests to that. Other adjectives to describe Walt are independent and persistent. He was a big game hunter and world traveler, a man filled with respect for God, nature and wildlife. Walt was also a family man, beloved by his two sons and their children. His hobbies included archery and firearms.
Walter is survived by his wife, Kitty Bartholomew Frazier; son Dr. Gary Manning Frazier and his wife Jessica; son Stuart Thomas Frazier; grandchildren Bart Frazier and Cole (and Elaina) Frazier, Max Frazier, Hannah Frazier; Ben (and Katie) Johnston and children, Zak (and Tessa) Johnston and Rebecca Johnston; sisters Mary Margaret Robertson (Joe)and Brenda Boyles (Bill) and family.
Memorial service in praise of Walter’s life was held Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home, Charleston.
Gerald Ervin Simmons
Gerald “Gerry” Ervin Simmons, 88, of Hurricane, passed away on Wednesday June 26, 2024.
Gerry was born on January 24, 1936 in Wallback where he spent his youth working on the family farm. While the work was demanding, Gerry had fond memories of that setting and appreciated the value of hard work which he carried forward throughout his life.
Gerry received his Bachelor’s Degree from Marshall University and Master’s Degree in Music Education from the College of Graduate Studies. He was employed for over 40 years by various West Virginia County Boards of Education as a teacher and band director, most recently in Putnam County where he retired in 2000. His bands received numerous awards throughout his career. Gerry was WV’s Band Director of the Year in 1972 and his Wahama High School Band received the honor of performing in the Presidential Inauguration Parade in Washington D.C. in 1973. Gerry also served as Music Director for 24 years at Forrest Burdette Memorial United Methodist Church in Hurricane.
It is often said of people that he or she “never met a stranger”. That was absolutely an accurate description of Gerry. He loved people and he loved a good conversation. Regardless of the location, whenever Gerry was out in a public setting, you could be confident that he would be engaged with someone in a good hearted conversation whether he knew the person or not.
He was a kind man who valued his Christian faith and his family more than anything.
Gerry is survived by his wife of 63 years, Barbara Wilson Simmons; daughters: Nancy Simmons and Alicia (James) Martin of Hurricane, WV; son, Lee (Julie) Simmons of Frankton, IN; and grandchildren: Steven (Korinna) Larson, Wesley (Paige) Larson, Adam Martin, Sarah Martin, Leah Martin, Ellie Simmons, and Levi Simmons. He is also survived by brothers: Deward “Evans” Stalnaker, Andrew Jackson Stalnaker and Charles “Chuck” Stalnaker. Gerry was preceded in death by his father, Norville Lee Simmons; mother, Pauline Moore Stalnaker; step-father, Deward Stalnaker; sister, Patricia McArthur; daughter, Tina Larson, and brothers: Steven Stalnaker, Geary Stalnaker, and David Stalnaker.
A Funeral Service honoring Gerry was Sunday, June 30, 2024 at Forrest Burdette Memorial United Methodist Church, Hurricane.
Alice Anne Stanley
Alice Anne Stanley, of Scott Depot, departed from this earth on June 27th, 2024 at 2:00pm at the age of 65 years old, after bravely battling Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis and post-operative complications following her liver transplant. On this day, she saw the face of God, and her weary body found peace as she entered the arms of Jesus, welcomed by rejoicing angels.
Waiting in line to reunite with her once more, she was preceded in death by her mother, Elizabeth (Libby) Vickers whom her daughters never had the pleasure of meeting but were told about her often. Her father, Arthur (Art) Vickers whom she dearly loved and respected. Her brother, George Vickers whom shared the love for the Lord. Her beloved stepmother, Isabelle Vickers whom shared equal love for fine china and exuded pure class. I imagine the five of them reunited with smiles, embracing each other and catching up on the years that had passed.
She is survived by her husband of 22 years, Darwin Stanley, whom she loved unconditionally and with whom she shared countless laughs. She was his road trip buddy, car song duet partner, and best friend, with whom he shared a beautiful life.
She is also survived by her oldest daughter, Annie Cunningham whom strived to be half the Physician Assistant she was and respected her advice and will never forget it. Her son-in-law, Eddie Cunningham who was there at the very end and stood by her during that fateful first 24 hours like a guardian angel. Her youngest daughter, Melody Dawn (fiancé Lee Stevens) who inherited her beauty and obviously learned how to be a great mom from her and will profoundly miss her and be forever grateful.
She is also survived by her stepson, Dustin Stanley, and her daughter-in-law, Dr. Raquel Silhy Stanley, as well as her stepdaughter, Sarah Stanley; Her grandchildren Charlie Cunningham, Loralei Stevens, and Lynden Stevens; her step-grandchildren, Autumn, Maia, Jessica, Colin, and Dylan Stanley and Ivy Stevens; her youngest sister, Susie Lynne Shaffer; cousins and sister in laws whom she loved like her own sisters; best friends, Kelli Myers, Joann Dyson, and Windi D’itri.
Alice was born in Cumberland, Maryland, and raised in Levittown, Pennsylvania, where she graduated Neshaminy High School in 1976 top of her class. She often shared with her family her love for her hometown church First Baptist of Levittown where she just recently attended their 70th anniversary. Her fond memories of home included swimming in summers with her sister and neighbors and working at the local dairy shack just so she could eat her most favorite dessert, ice cream.
To no one’s surprise, she embarked on a path few other women in her time pursued, becoming a Physician Assistant. She graduated from Alderson Broaddus College in 1980 and began her career at Thomas Hospital in fall 1980, where she cultivated a deeply rooted work family over nearly 45 years. Alice loved working as a surgical PA and enjoyed mentoring and training students to become the best versions of themselves. She was passionate about her work and dedicated to leaving behind a better future for PAs who followed in her footsteps.
When she wasn’t being supermom, wife, and grandmother, she served on the board of Pioneer Appalachia Federal Credit Union. She took her role on the board very seriously. So much so she was found participating in a board meeting the day after her liver transplant surgery because she loved being a part of their vision for 22 years.
Alice loved decorating and taking care of her home. She loved fine china and was an avid collector. She also enjoyed sewing and making her grandchildren clothes, which she took such great pride in.
She loved singing in the car, eating ice cream, teapots and sleepy time tea. She especially enjoyed the beauty of fall leaves and spring flowers. Her famous lillies grew taller than her grandchildren, always leaving her family in awe of her green thumb.
Funeral Service for Alice was Friday, July 5, 2024 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane.