EVERETT ‘BERT’ ASBURY
Everett “Bert” Wesley Asbury, age 93, of Rock Branch, went home to be with the Lord on July 25, 2024, surrounded by loving family at the Hubbard Hospice House in Charleston. He was born on January 11, 1931, to the late Robert William “Bill” and Zella Asbury.
Everett was united in marriage to his beautiful wife, Lola B. Withrow Asbury in 1953, in a ceremony conducted in the living room of the late Reverend Lawrence Gibson in Bancroft. They remained devoted to each other for 63 years of marriage until her passing in 2016. They had two daughters, Brenda Gibson (David) of Scott Depot, and Kathy Parkins (Butch) of Hurricane/Florida.
Everett was saved in 1980 and was a faithful member of Bancroft Church of God Mission. He and Lola were baptized together at Plymouth Backwater on an Easter Sunday morning soon after he became a Christian. He was held in high esteem while serving as Church Treasurer for 25 years.
Everett was a 1949 graduate of Poca High School where he remained an avid sports fan thereafter for many years. He also obtained a degree as an Instrument Technician from The Ward School of Electronics in Hartford, CT. Shortly thereafter he was employed by Union Carbide Institute Plant as an Instrument Mechanic, retiring in 1993 with 36 years of service.
Everett served our country beginning in 1949 when enlisting as a member of The Marine Corps Reserves. He was called to Active Duty in 1950 and fought in the Korean War during 1951-1952. After discharge from Active Duty with a rank of Corporal, he completed his Military Service as a member of the Air National Guard until 1955.
Everett was a man of few words, but possessed an abundance of wisdom and integrity. One memory he enjoyed sharing with family was when he taught grades 1-8 in a one-room schoolhouse on Red House Hill shortly after being discharged from Active Duty in 1952. Another fond memory he greatly enjoyed was that of being Assistant Coach for the renowned girls’ softball team, The Putnam Jets, for 10 years during the 1960’s.
Everett had five grandchildren whom he loved very much (and seven great-grandchildren) that brought him a great wealth of joy: Chad Westfall and spouse Constance (Michael and Connor); Farrah Caruthers (Kaylee, Audrey and Macie); Nathan Westfall; Brooke Hawkins and spouse Larry (Savannah and Alayna); and Lindsey Gibson.
Everett is survived by siblings, Melvin “Bill” Asbury of Nitro; Verna Mae Perdue of Goshen, IN; Ronald of Nitro; Delmar of Nitro; and Mary Lou Shamblin of Cross Lanes, as well as a host of many friends and family. He is preceded in death by his brother, Homer Asbury, infant siblings, Sterling and Brenda, and a son-in-law, Larry Westfall.
A tribute of life for Everett will be held on Monday, August 5, 2024, at 3:00 pm, at Bancroft Church of God Mission, Bancroft, with Pastor Jim Legg and Elder Frank Allen officiating. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Haven of Rest Memory Gardens, Red House. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the Church.
ROBERT ‘BOB’ BONNETT
On July 26th, 2024, Robert Bonnett, better known as Bob to his friends, family and community, passed away at 3:57 AM at CAMC Memorial Hospital in Charleston.
Born to Chris and Louise Bonnett on July 21st, 1960, at Thomas Memorial Hospital, Bob was a person whose kindness and generous spirit will always be remembered by those who knew and loved him.
Though he faced many challenges in life, nothing mattered more to him than God and his family. There was little he loved more than spending time with them, ideally paired with a good meal. He was a 1978 graduate of Poca High School, and retired from Verizon where he worked dispatch for many years. He was a huge Steelers fan, never tired of debating life and politics, and had a sense of humor that stayed with him until the very end. More than anything, he was so very, incredibly kind and never ran out of compassion.
He was a devoted father to his surviving children, Robbie and Katie Bonnett, and was married to the love of his life, Julie Bonnett, for 31 years before becoming a widower. His sister, Terri Bonnett-O’Connor, and many other family members who remain, mourn his loss heavily.
A celebration of his life will be held at Otter Branch Church, 18 Mile Creek Rd, Buffalo, on Sunday, August 4th, from 2PM-4PM.
Paul Edward Casto
Paul Edward Casto, 80, of Black Betsy, passed away July 26, 2024.
Paul is a graduate of Poca High School and retired Iron Worker with the Iron Workers Local #787. He attended Faith Independent Church and was well known for his taxidermy. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and traveling abroad.
He is preceded in death by his parents Flavis and Oma Casto; wives Carol Sue Casto and Judy Casto; son Timmy Casto; and siblings Patricia Abbott, Sue Miller, Hermie Wagner, Francis Casto, Dane Casto, and Cora Lee Legg.
Paul is survived by his wife, Dinah K. Casto; brother Mike and wife Claudette Haverland; and a host of stepchildren, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
A tribute to the life of Paul was held Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Randy Browning officiating. Burial was in Haven of Rest Memory Gardens, Red House.
Fredric Harvey
Fredric Mondel “Reddog” Harvey, 65, of Culloden, passed away Thursday, July 25, 2024 in CAMC Memorial. He was preceded in death by his mother and father Fred and Norma Lee Harvey. He is survived by his aunt Oreda O’Daniels and a host of cousins and friends. Burial was in Tyler Mountain Memorial Gardens.
James Edward Prince
James Edward Prince, 80, of Winfield, passed away July 27, 2024, at home, surrounded by his loving family.
Jim is a graduate of Sutton High School and retired from the Department of HUD, Charleston office. He was a lifetime outdoorsman and loved to hunt.
He is preceded in death by his son Michael Prince and his parents Dick and Retta Taylor.
He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Mrs. Linda K. Prince; daughter Melissa and her husband Matt Booth; daughter-in-law Crissy Prince; brother Robert Prince; sisters Judy McCarthy and Edna Mollahan; and three grandchildren Mariah Booth, Zachary Booth, and Sarah Prince.
At his request there will be no services.
Harold ‘Bob’ Roberts
Harold “Bob” Roberts, age 95, sadly left our world on July 24, 2024, after a full life richly lived in helping others and kindness. Known for always willing to help others, whether it be pet sitting or helping with construction of building homes – he never said no and was always happy to help.
Bob was born March 5, 1929 in Hamlin to the late Leonard and Esther (Burton) Roberts. He lead an active youthful life.
Bob joined the U.S. Marines in 1945 to serve his beloved country, but luckily the day after he joined, WWII ended. He continued to serve another year.
He married his sweetheart, Doris Jean Dent, on June 14th,1949 and they continued 75 years of marriage until his death. He is survived by loving wife, Doris and two daughters Brenda Dlugos (Jay) of Scott Depot, and Pam Gregory (Tom) of Rockwall, TX. He is also survived by three grandsons J.J., Jeremy and Jacob and three great grandsons John, Nick and Logan – all whom he adored.
Bob worked for Union Carbide for 43 years as a Disposal Supervisor, He became an avid antique (junk) collector and very proud of his fiesta collection.
He will be greatly missed by his friends and family. May you now rest in peace dear husband, father, pa-paw and great pa-paw. We love you.
Service was Monday, July 29th at the Allen Funeral Hom.
Dora Rooper
Dora Lee Rooper, 78, of Hurricane, passed away on Monday, July 22, 2024. She was born to the late Junior and Vola Rose and lived most of her life in Hurricane. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Joyce Ann Martin and brother, Jerry Robert Rose.
She is survived by her daughter, Melissa Darlene Rose Rooper Meddings Goldberry (Steve Davis) of Hurricane and son, Tony Rooper (Jenny Horrell) of Currie NC; grandchildren, James Anthony Meddings, Whitney Grace Meddings, Megan Marie Rooper, Morgan Michell Rooper. 6 great grandchildren. and host of family and friends.
Funeral service was Friday, July 26, 2024, at Allen Funeral Home. Burial was in Valley View Memorial Park.
Kenny Watson
William (Kenny) Watson, 54, of Winfield, passed away on Thursday, July 25, 2024 at Genesis Putnam Center after a long illness. Born on March 16, 1970, he was the son of the late Kenneth “Alum” and Pattie Watson.
Surviving him are his loving aunts: Linda Meeks and Mae Erwin both of Winfield, and Caroline King of Hurricane; several cousins and a host friends who are also left to mourn his passing.
Funeral service for Kenny was Saturday, July 27, 2024 at Chapman Funeral Home, Winfield, with Michael Wray officiating. Burial was in Winfield Cemetery.
