SANDRA K. BROWN
Sandra K. Brown, 72, of Cross Lanes, passed away Thursday, December 19, 2024 at CAMC Memorial following a long illness. She was a 1970 graduate of Nitro High School and attended WV Tech. She retired from West Virginia Roundtable with over 30 years of service.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Neva Mae Haer; aunts, Vada Haer, Margaret Dunn, Gracie Dunn, Elva Bane and Hazel Kimberling; uncle, Oliver Haer; her beloved fur companion, Zach and numerous cousins.
Survivors include her loving husband of 22 years, Tommy Brown; sister, Judy (Nyle) Whittington of Eleanor; niece, Noel (Jaren) McCrae; nephew, Nicholas (Alicen) Whittington; special grandniece that she loved and adored, Corina McCrae and special cousin, Doris Dunn Dameron. Sandy is also survived by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Thomas and Kathy Brown, grandmother, Sue Davis, several cousins, extended family and friends.
Funeral service was Monday, December 23, 2024 at Raynes Funeral Home, Buffalo, with Preacher Gordon Ford officiating. Entombment was in Haven of Rest Memory Gardens, Red House.
JACKLINE JUNE BROWNING
Jackline June Browning, 87, of Scott Depot, passed away on December 25, 2024.
She was born on November 2, 1937 to the late Frank and Rosetta (Goble) Wroten in Huntington. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Charles Browning.
Jackline is survived by her sons: Butch, Jerry, and Bill; grandchildren: Sarah Browning, Connie (Dan) Carney, Tammy (Dawson) Snyder and Mike (Kera) Taylor; great-grandchildren: Masen Carney, Evan and Owen Taylor, Isiah, Trinton, Natalie, Dakota, and Harmony Browning; sister, Gaynell Tolley; and brother, John Wroten.
A Gathering of Family and Friends will be Friday, January 3, 2024, from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane.
BARTON ‘TADPOLE’ CRAIG
Barton Carroll “Tadpole” Craig, 85, of Leon, passed on to Heaven on Friday December 28, 2024, following a long battle with cancer. Tad spent his last week surrounded by his family and loved ones. He was admired and respected by everyone he came into contact with. Everyone enjoyed listening to his stories of mischief, adventures and work.
Tad was a proud U.S. Army veteran. He member of the IBEW Local 31 in Huntington and was a member of Kanawha Valley Lodge No. 36 A.F & A.M. in Buffalo. He was the owner of Craig’s Excavating for many years. He was an avid woodworker and was always in his shop creating beautiful gifts for his family. His favorite times were spent in the shop, on his tractor or operating a piece of heavy equipment. He always stayed busy making improvements to his land, cutting trails or putting up zip lines for family adventures. Tad loved planes and adventure which once included a trip skydiving.
Born June 18, 1939, he was the son of the late Clinton and Lottie Craig. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sons, Carroll Craig Jr. and Jeffrey Todd Craig; brothers, Darrell Craig, Wendell Craig, Paul Craig and Mark Craig; sisters, Gail Buck, Eva Dean Buck and Marilyn Crump.
Survivors include his loving wife of 62 years, Janet M. Craig; son, Tony (Kim) Craig of Leon; daughters, Sabrina (Bruce) Harper of Amanda OH and Michelle (Michael) Hanshaw of Eleanor; grandchildren, Cody (Katie) Craig, Carson Craig, Eli Craig, Ella Craig, Blaise Floyd, Lance (Vanessa) Floyd, Daytona Boyer, Joseph (Mikaela) Hanshaw, J.T. Hanshaw and Dustin Hanshaw; great grandchild, Marcus Floyd; brother, Danny Craig; sisters, Darlena Craig and Ernie Ruth Plant. Tad is also survived by his special niece, Wendy Bailey; special sister-in-law, Wilma Craig; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Funeral service will be held at 12:00 P.M. on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at Raynes Funeral Home, Buffalo, with Pastor Carl Bailes officiating. Burial will follow in Buffalo Memorial Park, Buffalo. The family will receive friends from 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. on Friday at the funeral home in Buffalo.
Clinton Eugene Gillispie
Clinton Eugene Gillispie, 67, of Nitro and formerly of Hurricane, passed away on Thursday, December 19, 2024 after a courageous battle.
He was born on August 10, 1957 to the late Lawrence L. and Jessie Louise Sovine Gillispie, he was the last living child of the marriage. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his brothers: Roger, Mike, Steve and Joe Gillispie; and sister, Leoda McDaniel.
Clinton retired as a driver from US Foods and enjoyed spending time on the family farm on Gillispie Holler.
He is survived by his son, Jonathan W. (Amanda) Gillispie of Barboursville, and their son, Austin; his daughter, Miranda D. (Ryan) Wade of Culloden, and their children, Lillian and Landon Wade; longtime loving companion: Karin Pauley of Nitro, and her daughter, Brandi Pauley and her children: Aidan Smith and Noah Wileman.
Graveside service was Monday, December 23, 2024 at Duncan Cemetery on Gillispie Hollow Road, Hurricane, with Pastor Larry Cooper officiating.
Edward ‘Buddy’ Hanna
Edward L. “Buddy” Hanna, 85, of Liberty, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, December 26, 2024, at home with his family by his side.
Buddy is a graduate of Poca High School and a master electrician and carpenter. He is retired from Mining Technologies as a maintenance supervisor and is a member and former deacon and Sunday School teacher at Liberty Community Church. Buddy loved hunting, golfing, and especially spending time with his family.
He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 49 years, Reba Ranson Hanna and son Eddie Hanna.
Buddy is survived by his wife, Barbara Casto Harrison; two children Ricky Hanna of Liberty and Carrie and her husband Raymond Shaffer of Liberty; sister Marlene Harris of Winfield; two brothers Michael Hanna of Liberty and Cecil Hanna, Jr. and his wife Janet of Red House; four grandchildren Eric, Cassidi, Olivia, and Trenton; and two great grandchildren Lorelai and Sadie.
A tribute to the life of Buddy was held Monday, December 30, 2024 at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home with Pastor Michael Hanna officiating. Burial was in Emma Chapel Cemetery.
Elza Johnson
Elza Owen Johnson, born March 9, 1958, passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 21, at the age of 66. He was preceded in death by his wife, Norma Johnson, of 34 years, and a daughter Nellie Nicole Johnson.
He is survived by his children Page Johnson and Rick Crocker, Tanna Johnson, Coal (Deanna) Johnson, Sabrina Payton Barnes and Marvin (Deavan) Payton. His grandchildren Kelcyn, Tristyn, Aaron, Elaina, Shelby, Willow, Coal II, Gracelynne, Chloe, Paige, Mary Jane, Damein, Turner and Christian.
He will be buried beside his wife in Johnson Cemetery. Visitation was Saturday, December 28, 2024 at Allen Funeral Home.
Dale Dewayne Parsons
Dale Dewayne Parsons, 60, of Scott Depot, passed away on December 24, 2024 at Thomas Memorial Hospital.
He was born to the late Frank and Wanda Meyers Parsons on March 29, 1964 in Charleston. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his wife, Peggy Ann Parsons.
Dale was a retired landscaper.
He is survived by his fiancé: Patricia McAdams of Scott Depot; stepdaughter: Amanda Dowell (Jonathan Logue) and her children: Tressalina and Joseph all of Scott Depot, and sister: Jenny Parsons of Charleston.
In accordance with his wishes there will be no public services at this time.
Brady R. Paxton
Brady R. Paxton, 78, of Poca, passed away on Christmas Evening, December 25, 2024. His memorial service was Sunday, December 29th, at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home in Poca. Burial was in Donel C. Kinnard State Veterans Cemetery, Institute.
Brady Paxton was a Father, Teacher, Coach, Leader of men and High ranking WV State Delegate. Brady will be missed by all those whose life he has touched and guided in one way or another. He is survived by his children Brandon, Ethan (Julia), Aaron (Mendy), Molly (Anna) and his grandchildren Attison (Brianna), Cameron, Nick, Bella, Gabe, Ainsley, and great grandchildren Briar and William.
Brady was preceded in death by his parents Herman and Florence Paxton, Brothers Ray Paxton, David Paxton, Jimmy Fridley, Rick Fridley and sisters, Rosa Huffman, Eloise Pickering, Betty Barrett, Erma Paxton, Irene Daugherty, Cathy McCann, Mary McFarland, and Angie Daugherty.
As a soldier Brady served his country in the US Army as a Tank Commander, during the Vietnam War. He fought for Veteran’s Rights and would later represent them at a State and National level.
Coach Paxton taught in the Putnam County School system for 30 years and coached football, track and field, cross country running and girls’ volleyball. His students came back to see him frequently to share their successes after graduating. To some he was more than a teacher or coach– he was a mentor and father figure.
As the Putnam County Health Director and Poca City Councilman he helped bring safe water, sewer and clean air to citizens of Putnam County. For almost 20 years in the WV House of Delegates his door was always open to the citizens of Putnam and Mason Counties to support their needs.
Rudy Lee Raynes
Rudy Lee Raynes, 73, of Eleanor, passed away Wednesday, December 25, 2024 at his home following a short illness. He was a 1969 graduate of Buffalo High School and a graduate of Morris Harvey College. He was a volunteer firefighter and served as Chief of the Eleanor Volunteer Fire Department for many years. Rudy was a former employee of Kyser Aluminum and retired from the West Virginia State Fire Marshall’s office with 26 years of service. He formerly attended the First Baptist Church of Eleanor.
Born August 24, 1951, he was the son of the late Clyde E. Raynes and Lillian N. Runyon Raynes. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his great niece, Katie Cobb.
Survivors include his brothers, Clyde (Becky) Raynes of Eleanor and Zachary (LuAnn) Raynes of Eleanor. Rudy is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews and extended family.
Graveside service was Monday, December 30, 2024 at Beech Grove Cemetery, Eleanor, with Pastor David Panaro Jr. officiating.
Robert Keary Reynolds
Robert Keary Reynolds passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Monday, December 23, 2024, after suffering a massive stroke.
Keary was the first child born to Bob and Delilah Reynolds. He was born on April 25, 1957 in Louisville, Kentucky. He enjoyed a childhood filled with family, fishing, golfing, and friends. In July 1976, he began working for L&N Railroad as a boiler maker in Louisville.
In 1980, he married Linda Bishop and they had two children together, Jennifer and Robert John. Keary continued to work for CSX Corporation after they acquired the L&N Railroad and relocated his family to Milton, West Virginia in 1987. He retired from the railroad after 40 years of service.
In retirement, Keary focused on spending time with his children and their families. He was a very proud grandfather to Savannah, Cordell, and Christian. He remained close to his parents and frequently visited Florida to spend time with them.
Keary was a kind and gentle man. He offered big hugs and he loved to laugh. He loved God and enjoyed fellowship with others.
Keary was preceded in death by his mother, Delilah Reynolds. He is survived by his loving children, Jennifer (Jimmie) Meadows and Robert John Reynolds, and his three grandchildren, Savannah and Cordell Meadows and Christian Reynolds. He is also survived by his father and golfing partner, Bob, and his sister Karen (Sam) Dean.
Funeral service was Saturday, December 28, 2024 at Raynes Funeral Home, Eleanor. Burial was in Buffalo Memorial Park, Buffalo.
David Allen Young, Sr.
David Allen Young, Sr., 66, of Eleanor, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, December 20, 2024, at home surrounded by his loving family after a long courageous battle with cancer.
David was born February 18, 1958, in South Charleston, to the late Charles and Burchell Adkins Young. He is also preceded in death by his sister Gloria and brother Robert.
David loved the Lord and never met a stranger. He was a walking testimony, and you could always find him talking to people about Jesus. David attended Freedom’s Promise Ministries, was an Army Veteran, and a proud WVU Mountaineer fan.
Left to cherish his memories are his loving wife of 37 ½ years, Carolyn Sue Young; daughter Jennifer Marie Wine of St. Albans; four sons David Allen (Crystal) Young, Jr. of St. Albans, Mathew Dewayne (Amy) Young of St. Albans, Mark (Kristy) Keeney of Parkersburg, and Michael (Katie) Keeney of South Carolina; eight grandchildren Cody (Heather) Young of St. Albans, Collin (Maddie) Young of St. Albans, Ethan Gray of St. Albans, Kaitlyn Wine of St. Albans, Holden Young of St. Albans, Lakin (Josh) Morgan of Eleanor, Kimberly (Trey) McClanahan of Kenova, and Colton Griffin of South Carolina; four great grandchildren Marcus, Levi, Myles, and Maleah; siblings Barbara, Jerry (Rex), Mary, Linda (Stanley), Loretta, Helen, Carol, and Tom; special sister Pastor Sherry (Harry) Shamblin; and a host of other family, friends, and church family.
In accordance of his wishes there will be no services.