JESSE WAYNE BUCK
Jesse Wayne Buck, 43, of Leon, passed away Sunday, February 2, 2025, at his home following a long illness. He was a 2000 graduate of Point Pleasant High School. Jesse worked as an auto mechanic and was great at his job. He loved to spend time outdoors hunting and fishing. He loved his wife and children and will be deeply missed.
Born August 7, 1981, he was the son of Rodney “Butch” Buck of Buffalo and the late Ava “Donna” Buck. In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by mother-in-law, Connie Mitchem.
In addition to his father, he is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Laura Buck; children, Hunter Gage Buck, Braedon Wayne Buck and Jacob Emerson Buck all of Leon; sister, Tonja Klinger of Pt. Pleasant; niece, Courtney (Austin) Hissom; nephew, Chad Klinger; great nieces, Baileigh and Addison. Jesse is also survived by special nieces, Jasmine Williams, Samatha and Chrissy Johnson along with several extended family and friends.
Memorial service will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at Raynes Funeral Home, Buffalo. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home in Buffalo.
KENNETH RAY CARTWRIGHT
Kenneth Cartwright, 71, of Poca, passed away on January 21, 2025, at home, of cardiac arrest. He was a 1971 graduate of Poca High School and a 1974 graduate of WV State College.
Kenneth was retired from WVDEP, where he was an environmental inspector. Formally, he worked various positions at Charleston Police Dept. Also, as a Conservation Officer at WV DNR and a Deputy at Putnam County Sheriff’s Office.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William “Boo” Jr and Wanda Gibson Cartwright. Surviving are his sister, Pat Priddy (Clayton) of Scott Depot, two nephews, one niece, three great nephews and one great niece.
Honoring Kenneth’s wishes, no service will be held.
NATHAN M COBB
Nathan M. Cobb, of Buffalo, peacefully entered the presence of his Lord and Savior on January 23 at the age of 42. Beloved father, husband, son, brother and friend, he is survived by his devoted wife Ashley, two beautiful and loving children, Tyler and Hannah, parents Oatis and Cathy Cobb, sister Katrina (Joe) Harmon and nephews Nathaniel, Brody and niece Mia. And cherished best friend Charlie (Valerie) Cain.
They are surrounded in comfort by extended family, as well as Nathan’s host of friends and Christian family that enriched his journey of life.
Nathan was a graduate of Buffalo High School Class of 2001 and proudly graduated from Liberty University with a degree in Theology & Seminary Studies and additional Bachelor’s degree in Fire, Service & Emergency Management.
He had the great privilege to preach God’s word in several churches throughout the state and loved to sing beautiful traditional gospel songs.
“Blue” was a former employee of Institute Chemical Plants and dedicated many volunteer hours as Buffalo Fire Department Assistant Chief. He proudly served as an advance fire instructor at Texas A&M for 3 summers.
Most importantly, he lived his life in constant pursuit of Christ. First saved on August 11, 1989 he attended Cross Creek Community Church and was joyously baptized October 21, 2007.
He strived to show others the light of God by sharing the good news of Matthew 7:7 – A-S-K: Ask, Seek, Knock.
Funeral service was Thursday, January 30, 2025 at Raynes Funeral Home, Eleanor, with Pastor Joe Scarberry officiating. Burial was in Haven of Rest Memory Gardens, Red House.
Betty (Lorrie) Cooper
Betty Loraine “Lorrie” Gillenwater Cooper, 68, of Scott Depot, passed away peacefully February 1, 2025, at Hubbard Hospice House West surrounded by her family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Caroll Waren (Billy) Gillenwater and Juanita Gillenwater, brother, Denny Gillenwater, sisters, Judy Gillenwater and Karen Lovejoy, and niece Holly Gillenwater.
She is survived by her daughters, Trista Cooper (Eric), Tracie Wade (Billy), sons, Shane Cooper (Tonya), and Travis Cooper, brothers, Steve Gillenwater, Billy Joe Gillenwater, Jason Gillenwater (Shelly), grandchildren Kody, Zachary, William, Corey, Gracie (Will), Hunter, Ali, Hayden, and Cameron, Great Grandchildren, Hadley and Grayson, several nieces, nephews and extended family.
Graveside service was Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at Orchard Hills Cemetery, Sumerco, with Pastor Richard McCallister officiating.
Teresa Ann Gillispie
Teresa Ann Gillispie, 56, of Poca, passed away January 26, 2025, in CAMC Memorial.
Teresa was born May 22, 1968, in Charleston to the late Sam and Gertrude Payne. She is also preceded in death by her brothers Richard, Jerry, and Samuel Payne. Teresa loved the outdoors and was a former housekeeper at Tri-State Gaming Center.
She is survived by her husband of 40 years, Ricky Gillispie; children Tonya Ann Walker and Ricky D. Gillispie, Jr.; sisters Mildred Menchaca and Cindy Hall; and four grandchildren Morgan Faith Gillispie, Justin Donavan Ranson, Kayleigh Ann Gillispie and Donavon Gillispie.
A tribute to the life of Teresa was held Thursday, January 30, 2025 at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel. Burial was in Schowen Cemetery, Bancroft.
Wanda P. Hescht
Wanda P. Hescht, 86, of Eleanor, passed away Monday, January 27, 2025 at St. Mary’s Medical Center. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Eleanor, and former Town Recorder for the Town of Eleanor.
Born February 21, 1938, in Eleanor, she was the daughter of the late Samuel and Sylvia Pickens. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by son-in-law, Edward Yates; brother, Elida L. Pickens; sister, Lorraine Arbaugh, and an infant sister; and a brother-in-law, Robert Arbaugh.
Survivors include her husband of 63 years, Dale Hescht, Sr.; her children, Pamela Yates of Cross Lanes, Deborah Mallory of Nitro, Dale Hescht, Jr. of Eleanor, and Carolyn (Robbie) Smith of Red House; grandchildren, Renee Townsend, Edward Yates, Shane (Natasha) Yates, Jarrett (Taylor) Smith, Joel Smith, Bobbie Jo Hescht, Kayla Mallory, Jacob Mallory, and Joni Smith; great-grandchildren, Charlie, Levi, Christian, Kenzie, Ryan, Hailey, Mikey, Kaisley, Langston, and Owen; as well as her beloved dog, Ru Ru.
Funeral service was Friday, January 31, 2025 at Raynes Funeral Hom, Eleanor, with Pastor David Panaro, Jr. officiating. Burial was in Beech Grove Cemetery, Eleanor.
Ronald Wayne High
Ronald Wayne High, 69, of Hurricane, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2025. A devoted member of First United Baptist Church of Hurricane, Ron had a deep and abiding passion for his faith. Despite life’s hardships, Ron always had a good joke ready and a smile to share. He found joy in basketball, laughter, and making sure his nieces and nephews were happy, healthy, and just ornery enough.
Ron is survived by his loving brother, Stephen High of Hurricane, and his sister, Sandy Bragg (Darrell) of Granville, OH. He will be deeply missed by his niece and nephews: Andrea Silhanek of Johnstown, OH; Matthew High of Hurricane; Todd High of Frazeysburg, OH; and Adam Bragg of Sarasota, FL.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Marion and JoAnn High.
Ron’s kindness, laughter, and faith will be cherished forever by those who knew and loved him.
Ron was a true “Hurricane boy” through and through, proud to call this town home for his entire life. His family is deeply grateful to the community for the kindness, care, and love shown to him over the years. They would also like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to his dedicated nursing staff, whose compassion, patience, and unwavering support meant the world to Ron and those who loved him.
Christopher Brady Lansdale
Christopher Brady Lansdale, 58, of Hurricane, passed away suddenly on January 27, 2025. He was a beloved father, son, brother, uncle, and friend whose kindness, humor, and hardworking spirit touched everyone who knew him. Christopher had a passion for building, whether it was with his hands or in the relationships he cherished. He was a lifelong fan of the Cincinnati Reds, an animal lover with a special place in his heart for dogs, and someone who could always be counted on for support and laughter.
He is survived by his loving child, Samantha Lansdale; his longtime partner Lora Crouser; his siblings, Mary Lenz, Laura Hardesty, Michael Lansdale, and David Lansdale; and his many nieces, nephews, and extended family members who adored him dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents Carolyn and George Lansdale. Christopher will be remembered for his generosity, his love for family, and the way he made life brighter for those around him.
A service honoring and celebrating his life was held on Sunday, the 2nd of February at Henson and Kitchen Mortuary, Huntington.
Gregory K. ‘Greg’ Nowlin
Gregory Kim Nowlin, 68, of Fraziers Bottom, born March 18, 1956, passed away at home on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, after a long illness.
He was preceded in death by his parents, A. K. “Keith” and Avon Mae Neal Nowlin; his brother, Michael Keith Nowlin and nephew, Jonathan Nowlin.
Greg was a paramedic for over 14 years with 12 of those years for the City of Charleston. He graduated in 1991 from Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. He was manager for several different funeral homes over his 20 years of service as a Funeral Director / Embalmer. After his retirement, he became the Funeral Home Inspector for the West Virginia Funeral Service Examiners Board. He was a very compassionate person and loved helping people in their time of need.
Music has always been a big part of his life, since he was a teenager. He played the drums for several bands over the years and self-taught himself other instruments later in life.
He was a member of the Nitro Masonic Lodge # 170 A.F. & A.M., Knights Templar of Kanawha Commandery # 4 and the Royal Arch Masons Tyrian Chapter # 13.
Surviving Greg is his loving wife of 42 years, Barbara Jo Workman Nowlin; daughter and granddaughter, Lindsay Jo Nowlin and Eden Jo Ferguson; son, Benjamin Scott Nowlin; daughter, Amy Elizabeth Nowlin.
Graveside service was held Saturday, February 1, 2025, at the Nowlin Addition of Mount Union United Methodist Church Cemetery, Pliny, with Pastor Rex Nance.
Wade Taylor
Wade B. Taylor, 60, of Hurricane, passed away Wednesday, January 29, 2025 in St. Marys Medical Center after an extended illness.
He was preceded in death by his parents Locie and Rebecca Taylor and brother Terry Taylor.
He is survived by his brother Lee Taylor of Hurricane, Allen Taylor of Hurricane, Joe Taylor of Hurricane, Rex Clinton of Roane County, Cricket Summers of Culloden, and cousin, Bobby and Debbie Workman and several other cousins, friends and extended family.
Private service will be held at his request and burial will be in Forest Memorial Park in Milton.
Jeuredda ‘Judy’ Marie Thomas
Jeuredda “Judy” Marie Thomas, 74, of Hurricane, passed away on January 20, 2025 at home after a long illness surrounded by loved ones.
Judy was born on December 20, 1950, to the late Wesley Loyde and Mildred Marie Rose Beckett in Hurricane. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Calvin Clinton Thomas; and brother, William “Bill” Beckett.
She is survived by her sons: Donald “Sam” Thomas (Aggie) and Jon Thomas (Millie) both of Hurricane; sister, Mae Faulkner; several honorary sons, daughters, nieces, nephews and grandchildren.
Funeral service for Judy was Friday, January 24, 2025 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane, with Pastor Brian Haber officiating. Burial was in Culloden Community Cemetery on Benedict Road, Culloden.
