GARY WAYNE ARCHER
Gary Wayne Archer, 81, was born to Freda and Garland Archer on November 17, 1942 and passed away August 1, 2024. He was the second of four siblings; he had two brothers and a sister.
Gary spent his childhood in Kanawha Valley and attended Nitro High School. He joined the United States Marine Corps and while in the Marine Corps he met and married his wife, Betty Arbaugh. A marriage that celebrated 62 years this past December.
He and Betty had two children, Angela and Paul. His family included his daughter-in-law Michelle and his two grandchildren, Nick and Sydney.
When Gary left the Marine Corps, he returned to WV where he supported his young family by working as a welder at Putnam Fabricating, pipefitter and logger before accepting a position with the Department of Defense where he finished his career as a boiler and elevator inspector. He and his family lived in Virginia, West Virginia and Florida, then while working with the Department of Defense, he and Betty lived and worked in Okinawa Japan. They were grateful for the opportunity to travel and visit mainland Japan and China.
Throughout his life, Gary enjoyed gardening, sketching, horseback riding, woodworking, genealogy and coon hunting. He was gifted with the ability to problem solve and fix pretty much anything that needed fixing.
There’s honor in such a well-lived life. There’s healing in remembering and there’s hope in knowing that the love shared goes on.
Honoring his wishes a private family service was held.

Mary Lynn Casto
Mary Lynn Britton Casto went home to the Lord’s care on August 8, 2024. She was a lifelong resident of Poca, member of Poca United Methodist Church and the Poca Homemakers. She loved the sport of bowling and was on a bowling team for 50 years. She also loved to paint and bake for her family and friends, especially her famous “Casto (chocolate chip) Cookies”.
She was a dedicated daughter, sister, wife, homemaker, mother, mother in-law, grandmother and great grandmother, great-great grandmother. She truly loved every role she played in life. Her days were never idle and always willing to help or give what she had to help. Her beautiful smile and sweetness will be in our memories forever.
Mary Lynn was preceded in death by her parents John and Martha Britton, Larus D. Casto, her loving husband of 33 years before his death in 1989 and granddaughter, Michelle Riddle. A widow for 35 years she never stopped, moving or learning.
Mary Lynn is survived by sister, Rita Jane Britton Bailey (Lee); four sons and their spouses, William Johnathan and Patty Casto, Alan Neil and Vickey Casto, Gregory Wayne and Brenda Casto, Kenneth Ray and Courtney Casto; granddaughters, Lisa Marie Nicholson (Brandon), Laura Dawn Casto – Boggess ( Donald III), Erica Michelle Casto, Kaila Mitchell (Ryan Wilfong), Brooke Bailey, Jennifer Lynn Casto (Jacob McQuire), Harmony Casto, Caroline Casto; grandsons, Jimmy Riddle (Amy), Cameron Casto; great- granddaughters, Brooklyn Morris (Michael), Brianna Blackburn (Eric), Rachael Torman (Caleb); great-grandsons; Logan Riddle, Brayden Nicholson, Ezra Nicholson, Kaiden Maggio, Parker Casto (coming very soon); great-great-grandsons, Grant Blackburn and Gunner Torman.
Funeral service was Monday, August 12, 2024 at Raynes Funeral Home, Eleanor, with Pastor Steve White and Pastor Delbert Hawley officiating. Burial was in Haven of Rest Memory Gardens, Red House.

REV. JOYCE MARIE ADKINS CONNOLLY TH. D.
Rev. Joyce M. Adkins (Connolly)Th. D. left this earthly world August 4, 2024 and now is dancing, singing and shouting praises to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords on the streets of gold. She lived a life devoted to Jesus, evangelizing and witnessing to everyone she met. She asked that if you have not placed your full faith and trust in God, do it now because a time will come when it is too late.
Joyce was born October 31, 1940 to the late Troy Lee and Stella Brown Adkins on Mud Fork in Logan County. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her loving husbands: Ed Hartman, Bob Connolly, Gary Adkins and Richard Thomas. She has also gone on to meet her children in Heaven: Kim Hartman and Eddie Hartman; her sister: Bobbie Ann Markham; and brother: Mark Kisamore.
A coal miner’s daughter, her father said on the day she was born, “I rejoice that my wife and baby girl are alive – we will name her Joyce!” Moving from coal camps to the big city, she graduated from Charleston High School in 1958. She was strikingly beautiful. She won several beauty contests in the Kanawha Valley and the State. She was featured in a few early 1970’s movies – one of which was called “Little Laura and Big John.”
Joyce became a lifelong ordained minister having preached in England, Belgium, Martinique, and more than a dozen States. She was so proud to have earned her Doctorate of Theology, Master of Christian Psychology and Bachelor of Biblical Studies from Jacksonville Theological Seminary. She also studied at Liberty University and Broward Community College. Joyce had a host of lifelong friends and relatives which she called frequently until the day she passed.
Her greatest pride and joy was her family. She is survived by her Daughter: Sabrina (Jack) Fauver; Son: Steve Connolly; along with 9 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and dozens of nephews, nieces and cousins. Joyce is also survived by her loving Sister: Linda (Gary) Robinson.
Funeral Service for Miss Joyce was Saturday August 10, 2024 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane, with Rev. Chris Kilbert officiating. Burial was in Sunset Memorial Park, South Charleston.

DR. JOSEPH W. CORDER US ARMY LTC RET
Dr. Joseph W. Corder Jr., LTC US ARMY (Retired), 84, of Hurricane, passed away August 5, 2024 after a sudden illness at his home.
He was born in Charleston on September 21, 1939 to the late Joseph W. Corder Jr., of Clarksburg and the late Pearl Harper Corder DeWitt of Braxton County. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his wife of nearly 60 years, Marilyn Mills Corder.
He is survived by his son, Joseph W. Corder IV (Glenna) of Marmet, and his daughter, Carolyn M. Wright(Jeffrey) of Scott Depot. Dr. Corder is also survived by his sister, Barbara Corder Walker (Bruce) of Chillicothe, Ohio; two grandsons: J. Scott Wright II (Erin) of Dunbar, and Jonathan A. Wright of Huntington; great grandchildren: Emerson and Eloise Wright both of Dunbar; and several loving nieces and nephews.
Colonel Corder graduated from Charleston High School in 1957, attended both Marshall College and Virginia Tech. Shortly after he and Marilyn were married in 1960, he entered active duty in the U.S. Army and upon completion of the Field Artillery Officer Candidate School Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where he earned a commission in the Regular Army of the United States. He continued on active duty until his Army retirement in 1982. During those approximate twenty-two years, he completed a BGS Degree at the University of Nebraska (Omaha), an MBA from Marshall University, as well as U.S. Army Command and General Staff College Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He also commanded artillery units at Fort Sill, in Germany and in Vietnam. In 1967, he briefly commanded the Armed Forces Examining and Entrance Station in Beckley, WV prior to his first Vietnam tour, and the Army ROTC Program at Marshall University from 1976 to 1979, after his second Vietnam tour. Colonel Corder’s awards include the Legion of Merit, three Bronze Stars, the Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal, and three Army Commendation Medals, as well as other decorations and service ribbons.
In 1983, Dr. Corder was employed by the West Virginia Board of Regents for Higher Education. His primary function for about the next nineteen years involved keeping West Virginia’s schools and training programs in compliance with G.I. Bill regulations so students and trainees could further their education under the G.I. Bill. He completed the requirements for the Doctor of Education Degree from WVU in 1992. Among his other duties as assigned, he worked with Admissions and Records Advisory Committees where he managed West Virginia’s participation in the SREB Academic Common Market, as well as contract programs for Veterinary Medicine, Podiatry, and Optometry.
He was active in the National Association of State Approving Agencies (a G.I. Bill function) serving four years as National Treasurer and one year as President. At about the same time, 1995-98 Dr. Corder was appointed a Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army.
Dr. Corder retired in 2002, after about a 20-year layoff, golf became almost a daily routine. Never very good at it, he enjoyed almost daily rounds with neighborhood friends. He also enjoyed old cars, especially Porsche and playing bridge in various groups around Teays Valley.
Funeral Service for Dr. Corder was Thursday, August 8, 2024 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane, with Rev. David Bowen officiating. Burial was in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans.

Jackie Lee Creasey, Sr.
Jackie Lee Creasey, Sr., 85, of Poca, passed away August 4, 2024.
Jackie was born December 26, 1938, to the late Roy and Margie Buchanon Creasey. He is retired from Ironworkers Local #301 and an Army Veteran.
He is also preceded in death by his sisters Connie Johnson, Diane Dorsey, and Sharon Craigo.
He is survived by his son Jackie Creasey, Jr. and his wife Carrie; grandchildren Chloe, Isaiah and wife Gabby, and Bailey; sisters Louanna Higginbotham and Carol Jean; and a host of nieces and nephews.
A tribute to the life of Jackie was held Thursday, August 15, 2024 at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel with Jerry Young officiating.

Gary L. Davis
Gary Lee Davis, 54, of Poca, went to his heavenly home on August 7, 2024, at Hubbard Hospice House West after a short illness.
He was born August 29, 1969, in Charleston. Gary was a devoted father, and an avid sports fan who enjoyed fitness and working out. His family and friends were everything to him. He loved spending time with his children, Colby and Megan, and his beloved fiancé, April Burns.
He was preceded in death by his brothers, Dennis Davis and Bob Davis.
He is survived by his mother Louise Davis of Poca, his son Colby Davis of Poca, daughter Megan Davis of Nitro, brother Ronnie (Debbie) Davis of Poca, sister-in-law Jennifer Davis of Red House, and fiancé April Burns of Hometown.
Memorial service will be held at the Hometown Apostolic Church on Saturday, August 17 at 1:00 p.m., with Pastor Joel Sites and Pastor Darren Persinger officiating.

Debbie Lynn Harris
Debbie Lynn Harris, 65, of Poca, gained her wings on August 5, 2024, after battling a long illness.
She is preceded in death by her daughter, Melissa Perry. She is survived by her two sons: Gary (Cara) Fugate of Bancroft and Larry (Kelli) Fugate of Nitro; grandchildren: Amber (Matt), Joseph (Carragan) Fugate, Brianna Perry, Lexy Fugate, Jaylan (Kelly) Fugate, Heaven Perry and Chase Fugate. Great Grandchildren: Briella, Keelan, Ryker, Callie, Aubrey, Nolan, Jackson, Alanna, Harper and Charlie Jo.
In keeping with Debbie’s wishes, there will be no services.

Frances Marie Harris
Frances Marie Harris, 90, of Poca, passed away on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at her home. Frances worked as a seamstress for Bobbie Brooks Co. a sewing factory in Nitro and the Sport Mart in Charleston. During her employment at Sport Mart, she sewed the lettering, emblems, and patches on the school’s sport uniforms and jackets for many years. Fran loved to travel with the Jolly Travelers Bus Tours. She has visited all 50 states in the United States, plus providences in Canada and went on many cruises. Fran also loved spending time at the beach where she hunted seashells and she was an avid seashell collector. She enjoyed working outside, taking care of her yard and working on word search puzzles.
Frances was born on May 17, 1934 in Red House to the late Dora “Dode” R. Wagner and Mabel E. Wagner Shannahan. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 69 years, Walter D. “Bud” Harris, brother, Jack R. Wagner, and sisters, Anna Mae Evans and Letha Heberling.
She is survived by her daughter, Deborah K. Slack of Poca; son, Richard D. (Gail) Harris of Scott Depot; grandsons, Jesse A. Slack of Poca, who was her caregiver, Travis D. Harris, (Amanda Ailes) of Marion, Indiana, Jeremy R. (Brittany) Harris of Milton; great-grandsons, Paxton G. Harris and Owen M. Harris of Chapmanville and Ezra O. Harris and Ezra’s sister, Eisley M. Miller of Marion, Indiana; brothers, Roy F. (Sue) Wagner of Charleston and John D. Wagner of Hometown; many nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members and two of her traveling friends, Patsy and Marilyn.
In accordance with her wishes, there were no services. Inurnment was in the Haven of Rest Memory Gardens, Red House.

Jack Lee Lewis
Jack Lee Lewis, 90, of Red House, passed peacefully away Tuesday, August 6, 2024 surrounded by his family.
Jack loved spending time with his family. He also enjoyed watching old westerns and sitting on the front porch watching the river.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents Stanley and Olive Lewis and brothers Gene, Chick, Bill, and Roger Lewis. He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years Elizabeth “Liz” Lewis, daughters Eleanor “Elly” and husband Charles Edwards, Angela Dixon (Tim), Melissa Parsons, Brother Jerry and wife Retta Lee Lewis, 6 grandchildren Daniel and Jeremy Edwards, Jeffery and wife Kelli and Justin Dixon, Mark and wife Brittany, and Chelsey Parsons, 7 great grandchildren Aurora, Elliott, Laney, Graycen, Anistyn, Kaylea, Christopher and Elodie on the way, he is also survived by a host of other family and friends.
A tribute to the life of Jack Lewis was held Sunday, August 11, 2024 at Haven of Rest Memory Gardens Chapel with Pastor Pete Thompson officiating.

Dr. H. Alan Morris D.D.S.
Dr. H. Alan Morris, D.D.S., of Scott Depot, passed away peacefully Monday, August 5, 2024 after a short illness.
Alan was born December 1st, 1942 in Charleston, and was a 1960 graduate of Charleston High School. He earned his pre-med undergraduate degree from West Virginia University, and graduated from WVU’s School of Dentistry in 1969. He then served in the United States Air Force at the rank of Captain as a dentist.
Alan opened his dental practice in Teays Valley in the early 1970s, and gave conscientious care to his patients for more than 50 years, up until July of this year. Alan cherished his patients, many of whom became good friends over the years.
Alan was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was happiest at his second home on Hilton Head Island, where he loved to boat, fish, and enjoy the beaches and restaurants of the island.
Alan was preceded in death by his parents, Jessie Isabel Halbert Morris and William Harold Morris. He is survived by his bonus children: Mylissa Spradling (Andy) of St. Albans; Shawn Allen of Louisiana; Grandchildren: 2nd Lt. (Army) Evan Spradling, of Texas; Audrey Spradling of St. Albans; Claire Spradling of St. Albans; Phoenix Allen; Alex Allen; Brandon Allen, Gabby Allen; and Lilly Allen, all of Louisiana; his beloved Yorkie, Annie, at home; and many special friends.
Alan is also survived by his dedicated dental staff, Jo Swann, Wanda Thomasson, and Julie Stowers. These ladies were much more than staff to Dr. Morris, they were good friends to him and his family.
Funeral service for Alan was Monday, August 12, 2024 at Bartlett-Nichols Funeral Home, St. Albans, with Lee Hamrick officiating. Entombment with full military honors was at Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans.