CHARLES F. CHAPMAN
Charles Fred Chapman Jr., 79, of Hurricane, passed away on February 1, 2025.
He was born on July 3, 1945, to the late William Walter (Bill) and Mozzel (Johnson) Chapman. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his sister, Loretta Bassham; and brother, David Chapman.
Charles was an independent owner and operator Truck Driver throughout his life.
He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Frances Chapman; children: Sharon Tolson (Jim) and George Chapman; sisters: Brenda McCray and Yvonne Grams; brothers: John Chapman, Clinton Chapman and Calvin Chapman; his loyal fur-baby, Diesel and several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Graveside service for Charles was Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at Pineview Cemetery, Orgas, with Chaplain Pete Thompson officiating.
ROBERT MORRIS DOWNS
Robert M. Downs, 63, of Bancroft, passed away on February 3, 2025.
He was born on October 13, 1961, to the late Robert and Marie (Harmon) Downs. In addition to his parents Robert was preceded in death by many friends and relatives.
Robert enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling, antiquing, going to flea markets, and collecting “Old Crocks”. He loved his family and was very proud of his granddaughter and watching her dance recitals.
He is survived by his son, Jonathan Downs (Devon); granddaughter, Maddie Downs; sister, Vicky Henry (Mike); brothers: Mike Downs (Frances), Steven Downs (Jan), Gary Downs (Carey Shae); companion, Kaye Ellis; bonus children: Eric Beaver and Alisha Duffield; bonus grandchildren: Isaac Duffield and Avalee Duffield; many nieces, nephews and extended family.
GERALD EDWARD GARRETT
Gerald Edward Garrett, 86, of Scott Depot, passed away on February 1, 2025 after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease.
The Garrett family originated in the Isle of Man and later settled in Colorado to pursue silver and gold mining.
Ed was born in Denver, Colorado, on August 19, 1938, to the late Lewis and Elsie Garrett. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Carolyn Jo Garrett; and brothers: Robert and Raymond Garrett.
After graduating from the University of Denver with a degree in Chemical Engineering, Ed started his career with Union Carbide in Charleston, followed by later stints in New Orleans, LA and Houston, TX. After retiring from Carbide, Ed worked at John Brown and Clarion. In his later years, he traveled the world and had more time for his hobbies of photography, playing bridge, baking, grilling, fishing, camping, visiting national parks, and spending time with friends and family.
Ed is survived by his wife: Carolyn Layne Garrett; son, Andrew Clark Garrett of St. Albans; daughters: Michelle Garrett Cassese of Cleveland, OH and Carrie Mollohan Mercado of Seattle, Washington; grandchildren: Michael Garrett Cassese and Katherine Anne Cassese of Cleveland, OH.
Memorial service was Thursday February 6, 2025 at St. Timothy’s in-the-Valley Episcopal Church, Hurricane.
BONNIE LUE MOORE
Bonnie Lue Moore, 58, of Poca, passed away on February 4, 2025 at home.
She was born on May 14, 1966, in Long Beach, California, to Earnestine Lorene Lee Cooper and the late Morris Lee Cooper.
Bonnie was employed at Oakwood Homes of Nitro, where she worked as a general manager for 18.5 years. She enjoyed traveling, spending time with her friends and family, and spoiling her grandchildren. She loved going to sporting events also so that she could spend time with her son. She truly lived life to the fullest and loved helping anyone in need. She was a lover of all animals, but especially her cat, Zoey.
The impact and legacy that she will leave behind to anyone she has met will be vast and larger than life.
In addition to her mother, Bonnie is survived by her loving son, Derek Scott Moore (Charla Beth Davis); Derek’s father, John Moore; grandchildren: McKenna, Olivia, and Haidyn; sisters: Laura Pauley and Crystal Cooper-Kincaid (Jason); brothers: Michael and Stephen Cooper; along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family.
A Celebration of Life will be 7:00 pm Friday, February 21, 2025, at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane.
Martin ‘Marty’ D. Powers
Martin “Marty” Powers, 54, of Hurricane, passed away on February 1, 2025.
Marty was born on September 9, 1970 to Larry (Karen) Powers and Rebecca Martin. He was preceded in death by his brother, Timothy Chapman.
In addition to his parents, Marty is survived by his brother, Jonathan Chapman; sisters: Heather Powers, Melissa Joseph, Candace Case, Julie VanDine, Tracy Adams-Rayburn, Crystal Wilkinson, and Natalie Grant.
A Celebration of Marty’s Life was held Monday, February 10, 2025, at Valley Conference Center, Hurricane, with John Gray officiating.
Michael G. Rader
Michael Rader, 66, of Culloden, passed away peacefully at home on February 1, 2025.
Mike was born on December 28, 1958, in Charleston to the late Jack Q. and Wanda L. Wright Rader in Charleston. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Rebecca Bassitt.
He grew up in St. Albans and graduated from St. Albans High School Class of 1977.
Mike is survived by his longtime girlfriend, Dinah McClure; son, Josh (Amanda) Rader; his adored granddaughter: Madison Rader; step grandson: Brayden Holley; all of Scott Depot; his three siblings: Ann (Dave) Fillingim of Gulf Breeze, FL., Brenda (Steve) Sheppard of Scott Depot, and Jack Rader of South Charleston; step-children: Timmy (Amy) McClure of Hurricane, Cassandra (Hodge) Martin of St. Albans, Justin Davis of Charleston, and Courtney (Joseph) Bailes of Poca; his beloved boxers: Lucy and Brutus, and several step-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other extended family.
Funeral service for Mike was Friday, February 7, 2025, at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane. Burial was in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans.
Patricia Ann Rinick
Patricia Ann Rinick, 78, of Red House, passed away on February 4, 2025, her beloved husband’s birthday.
She was born on October 26, 1946, to the late Warren G. and Ruth V. Walker Pitchford. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Rinick II.
Patricia was a graduate of Dunbar High School and Kanawha County Practical School of Nursing, then she retired as a nurse from Dunbar Medical Associates in Hurricane and was a member of Winfield Baptist Church.
She is survived by her family: Leigh Johns (David) of Winfield, James Rinick III (Nancy) of Cross Lanes, and Daniel Rinick (Crissy) of Buffalo; grandchildren: Katie, Samuel, Vlad, Krissy, Emily, Anna, Johnny and Hope; great grandson, Cayde; brother, Garry Pitchford; as well as other family members, friends and church family.
Funeral service for Patricia was Saturday, February 8, 2025, at Winfield Baptist Church, Winfield Road, with Pastor Andrew Gordon officiating. Burial was in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens, Cross Lanes.
DARRYL JOSEPH SCHENCK
Darryl Schenck, 75, of Hurricane, passed away on February 4, 2025.
A native of New Orleans, LA, Darryl was a Navy veteran who retired as a truck driver. He loved sports, especially Tulane, LSU, and the Saints. He also cherished time spent with his wife, Sharon, before her passing in 2022.
In addition to his wife, Darryl was predeceased by both parents and his brother Kevin.
Surviving are his brother Vernon Louis Schenck and nephew, Daniel Schenck, both of New Orleans; stepson John Paul Kesler of Charleston, and stepdaughters Ruth Kesler and Ann Kesler, of New Orleans; four grandchildren and many friends.
Dr. George Robert Schneiter
Dr. George Robert Schneiter, 87, of Hurricane, passed away on Wednesday, February 5, 2025.
He was the third child of the late Elmer Robert Schneiter and Clara Roemer Schneiter. His two older sisters, Dottie and Marjorie, spoiled him well, buying him matchbox cars with their paychecks. He received his PhD. in Aeronautical Engineering from Purdue University, where he also met his late-wife Dorothy Jean (Cooper) Schneiter. He was editor in chief of the school newspaper.
After serving in the U.S. Army he had a distinguished career serving his country at the Department of Defense, receiving awards including the Distinguished Executive Service Award. In his last few years in the Pentagon as the Director of Strategic and Tactical Systems, he had oversight of ALL major defense acquisition programs (planes, ships, missiles, vehicle, and other systems). He was described by one former colleague as “one of the finest people I ever worked for or served with.” He was also Deputy Director of the SALT Task Force in the ‘70s. His time in Geneva spurred a life filled with international travel, which he enjoyed with his entire family. This enabled showing off his skill in photography, which he had perfected in dark rooms as an undergrad.
George and Jeannie had two children: Christine Louise Shaffer and Calvin Robert Schneiter; and four grandchildren: Emma Louise Shaffer, Lauren Grace Shaffer, Talia Jane Schneiter and Rex Harry Schneiter.
He was very active in church, participating in Bible study, discipleship classes, and Sunday school, attending both Lutheran and Methodist churches. He was often complimented on the smoothness of his voice and delivery when being the liturgist. He was a skilled tennis player into his 80’s. He had a wonderful sense of humor even through his final days, winning the hearts of his caregivers, and selfless to the end.
A Memorial Service for George will be scheduled at a later date in April.
Sara Wood
Sara Leann Wood passed away on February 6, 2025, in Huntington, West Virginia. Born on October 26, 1974, in Hurricane, Sara’s journey was one of love and connection, leaving an unforgettable mark on those who knew her.
She is lovingly remembered by her parents, Virgil and Jerry Wood; her siblings, Doug Wood, Mary Wood, and Diane Milhorn; her spouse, James King; and their cherished daughters, Gracie King and Maeve King.
Sara’s presence brought warmth and light to the lives she touched. Though she is no longer with us, her memory will continue to bring comfort to all who mourn her passing.
Memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2025 from 11 to 1 at Allen Funeral Home.
