BARBARA SUE CASTILLO
Barbara Sue Castillo, 78, of Lakeland, FL, formerly of Hurricane, passed away on February 19, 2025.
Born on April 2, 1946, Barbara was the daughter of the late James and Odessa (Bird) Lee. She was very active in her church, where she was the secretary and event coordinator. She had a passion helping those in need. Barbara loved to sing, tend to her flowers, find a bargain at a local yard sale, and was very active in politics.
In addition to her parents Barbara is preceded in death by her grandson, Angel Delgado.
She is survived by her husband of 17 ½ years, Nau “Jose” Castillo; grandchildren: Whitney and Alex Danton, Marissa Delgado and Ethan; great grandchildren: Cecelia and Alexander Danton, and Ari Delgado; step-children: Marina and Joey Castillo.
Funeral service for Barbara was Sunday, March 2, 2025, at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane. Burial was in Mount Vernon Cemetery, Hurricane.
LINDA DUNLAP CASTO
Linda Dunlap Casto, 73, of Buffalo, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, February 24, 2025.
Linda is a homemaker and a member of Wilkinson Memorial United Methodist Church.
She is preceded in death by her parents William and Ruby Dunlap and brother Mike Dunlap.
She is survived by her loving husband Mr. Roger Casto, Sr.; children Catherine (Forrest) Cooper of Leon, Iowa; Kenneth E. Dunlap of Buffalo; Connie (Thomas, Sr.) Carte of Buffalo; and Roger (Roberta) Casto, Jr. of Buffalo; sisters Judy (Melvin) Fletcher of Confidence and Patricia Armes of Belle; 9 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.
A celebration of Linda’s life will be held between 12:00 – 2:00 PM, Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Buffalo Church of the Nazarene, Buffalo.
DAVID FERRELL
David Michael Ferrell, 79, of Hurricane, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on February 17, 2025 after a long illness.
He was born on February 4, 1946, in Logan County, to the late Okie Shannon and Frieda Ferrell.
Dave was a graduate of Logan High School and West Virginia Tech. After graduation he joined the US Army and began his career working for the WV Tax Department where he retired after thirty years of employment.
Dave enjoyed playing softball and bowling in his younger years where he met the love of his life, Deborah “Cookie” Neeley Ferrell. He was an avid golfer and continued to bowl as long as his health allowed.
He is survived by his loving wife, Deborah “Cookie” Ferrell; nieces and nephews: Brian, Emily and Jillian Owens, Michelle Wright, Aaron and Aaralyn Barefield; sister-in-laws: Jorja Neeley and Chris Washington.
A Gathering of friends and family for Dave will be 11:00 am until 1:00 pm Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane.
RICHARD HENCHEY
Richard H. Henchey, 79, of Hurricane, passed away on February 22, 2025.
He was born on June 10, 1945 to the late Robert and Dorothy (Lightner) Henchey. In addition to his parents Richard was preceded in death by his sisters: Doris Buchanan and Donna Murtif.
He is survived by his loving wife, Rita; sons: Richard “Rick” Harry Henchey II (Nathalie) of Hurricane, and Russell Scott Henchey (Jennifer) of Rio Grande, Ohio; grandchildren: Alexandrine and Olivier Ratnani; Kenneth Andrew and Elizabeth Dyer; four great-grandchildren; brothers: Thomas Henchey (Nancy) of York, PA and William Henchey (Karen) of Altoona, PA; several nieces and nephews; special lifetime friends: Paul “Herk” and Mary Yingling.
A Celebration of Life will be held 2:00 pm, Saturday, March 22, 2025 at St. John United Methodist Churc, Scott Depot, with Rev. Teresa Markins officiating.
WANDA MCCLANAHAN
Wanda June McClanahan, 92, of Poca, passed away peacefully at home on February 26, 2025. She was born on June 12, 1932, at her family home on Poca River Road to the late James Hubert and Selva McClanahan. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Margaret H. Whittington, brother, James Harold McClanahan, and first cousin, Frank W. McClanahan who Wanda considered a brother.
Wanda is survived by her brother, Gilbert D. McClanahan (Sandra), along with a host of nieces and nephews who cherished her dearly.
A dedicated and compassionate professional, Wanda pursued higher education at Morris Harvey College and Indiana University, where she earned advanced degrees in social work. Her career was defined by her unwavering commitment to helping others, particularly children in need of loving homes. She spent several decades working as a social worker in New York City, where she played a vital role in placing children with families, changing countless lives through her dedication.
Wanda’s journey took her across the world, spending many years living in England, where she embraced the culture, built lifelong friendships, and further enriched her understanding of social welfare. Despite her travels, she remained deeply connected to her roots in West Virginia, carrying with her the values of resilience, compassion, and service.
After retiring, Wanda returned home, where she enjoyed a quiet life surrounded by family and friends. She will be remembered for her kind heart, her lifelong dedication to helping others, and her adventurous spirit.
As per Wanda’s wishes, there will be no funeral services.
Harold Ray Moles
Harold Ray Moles, 80, of Nitro, passed away Sunday, February 23, 2025 at Hubbard Hospice West at Thomas Memorial Hospital. He was a graduate of Poca High School. In 1986 he opened T&M Meats in Cross Lanes and continued to own and operate it for many years.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Audrey Moles; wife, Joyce Lynn Moles; wife, Laurel Edge Moles; infant children, Michael and Michelle.
Survivors include his son, H.R. (Amy) Moles Jr. of St. Albans; grandchildren, Casey Moles and Joycely Moles; half-sister, Rose Fox. He is also survived by his companion of 13 years, Sarah Mullis and her daughter, Brooke Perry.
Funeral service was Thursday, February 27, 2025 at Raynes Funeral Home, Eleanor, with Pastor James Legg officiating. Burial was in New Antioch Cemetery, Red House.
Paul Oxley
Paul Oral Oxley, 80, of Hurricane, passed away peacefully February 27, 2025, surrounded by family, after a short illness. He was born March 13, 1944 in Hurricane, to Oral and Virgie Oxley.
First and foremost Paul was a farmer. He greatly enjoyed farming the land he grew up on. He was retired from Union Carbide and also worked in maintenance at Teays Valley Hospital. He was a member of the Freemasonry, and a Christian by faith.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Ada Phelps Oxley, son, Gregory Charles Oxley, and his sisters Aredith Oxley and Elwanda Brown; and brothers-in-law Larry Sayre and Herald Whittington.
He is survived by his wife Carolyn Surface Ross Oxley, son Keith (Martha), step-children: Jerry Ross and Kim Ross; daughter-in-law Bobbi Oxley; sisters Diane Serjern, Jeanette Withrow (Jerry) and Janice Sayre; grandchildren: Gregory, Philip, Allison, Brandi, Jason, Stacy, Holly and Hope; great-grandchildren: Hailey, Kelsey, Jacob, Karsen, Lilly, Tritan, Zoe, Roman, Conner, Jase, Brinley, Easton, Xander, and Lillian; and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and friends.
Service was Monday, March 3rd, at Allen Funeral Home in Hurricane, with Tony Edwards and Keith Torman officiating. Burial was in the Bird Cemetery in Hurricane.
Wanda Pennington
Wanda Lee Salisbury Pennington, of Clay, formerly of Hurricane, went to her heavenly home on February 21, 2025, after a long illness. She was born on March 19, 1944, at Staats Hospital in Charleston to the late Arthur Lee Salisbury and the late Mary Ann Canfield Salisbury.
Wanda graduated Clay County High School in 1962 with a class that remained closely connected throughout the years. Following graduation, Wanda remained at home working part-time at the Triplett Ridge School Library while she continued to care for her grandmother, Lydia, until the matriarch’s passing in June of 1968. Wanda then moved to Charleston where she worked in dietary at Charleston General Hospital. She moved on to work at NAPA Warehouse for 30+ years until retirement.
She was an active member in the Hurricane Republican Women’s Club. Wanda was passionate about the American Red Cross and donated more than 62 units of blood in her lifetime.
She married Philip Nelson Pennington, on July 16, 1983 and shared 32 loving years together. They shared many hobbies and interests including the love of music, gardening, camping and traveling the world through reading. Her greatest passion was keeping her family history and stories alive.
She was preceded in death by her father, Arthur Salisbury, mother, Mary Canfield Salisbury, husband, Philip N. Pennington, sister, Pauletta Salisbury, brother, Richard Salisbury, stepson Phil Pennington, daughter-in-law, Denise Pennington, and niece-in-law, Melissa “Miss” Salisbury.
Left to cherish her memory are her brothers: Hobert (Reta) Salisbury of Wallback, Cary (Mary) Salisbury of Clay, Stepchildren: Charlie (late Denise) Pennington of New Market, AL, and Ann (David) Cooper of Jacksonville, FL, Step-grandsons Garrett Pennington, of New Market, AL and Matthew Tabler of Jacksonville, FL. She also leaves behind nieces and nephews, Angela (TG) Cruikshank, Donald (Betty) Salisbury, Julie (Rick) Allen, Mark (late Melissa) Salisbury, several great nieces and nephews and a host of beloved cousins and friends.
Funeral was Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Wilson Smith Funeral Home, Clay. Committal was in the Koch Cemetery on the Salisbury farm.
Bernard ‘BJ’ White
It is with sadness that we share the passing of Bernard (BJ) White on February 21, 2025. BJ was born at home in Scott Depot on January 10, 1931 to Maurice and Mary White.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Sandra; sister Nancy Oliver; stepdad Carl Miller; and step-granddaughter Chasity.
BJ was a bright young man who graduated from Hurricane High School, with honors, at age 16. He started work for Union Carbide at age 17 and retired as Regional Distribution Manager, after 38 years of service. BJ also served in the US Army and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant.
He had a love for sports and enjoyed hunting and playing golf. He also had his pilot’s license and enjoyed flying.
BJ was an active member of Twin City Bible Church, where he spent many years serving as an usher and regularly serving others in the church.
He is survived by his sister Phyllis Bowcott; nieces Sheila Harvey and Patty Oliver Matz; nephew Greg Hodges; stepson Jon Cyrus (Lisa); stepdaughter Lisa Cyrus; 4 step-grandchildren, and 6 step-greatgrandchildren.
Memorial service was Friday, February 28, 2025, at Bartlett-Nichols Funeral Home, St. Albans with Pastor Jon Cyrus officiating.
Carolyn Irene Wilkinson
Carolyn Irene (Sams) Wilkinson, 88, passed away on February 28, 2025, in Poca, West Virginia.
Born on October 19, 1936, in Vienna, West Virginia, Carolyn graduated from Poca High School before dedicating 30 years of service to the State of West Virginia. Her commitment and hard work left a lasting impact on those she worked with throughout her career.
Carolyn was a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is survived by her children, Carl D. Wilkinson, Deanna K. Wilkinson, and Angie F. Wilkinson. She also leaves behind a large and loving family that includes 15 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Guy “Frank” Wilkinson, and her son, Guy F. Wilkinson.
Carolyn’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
A tribute to the life of Carolyn was held Thursday, March 6, 2025, at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Paul Bailey officiating. Burial was in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens.
Connie Sue Wilmoth
Connie S. Wilmoth, 76, of Buffalo, and formerly of Winfield, passed away on February 22, 2025.
She was born the only child to the late Donald and Ivy Riffle King on July 3, 1948 in Montgomery.
Connie was a born again Christian and a loving wife, mother and grandmother.
She is survived by her husband, Maxwell Wilmoth; daughter: Jeannette “Jan” Forbes (Steven) of Teays Valley; sons: Phillip (Jenny) Wilmoth of Winfield and Eric Wilmoth of Buffalo; grandchildren: Derek & Aaron Forbes, Tyler, Evan, Maddie and Hannah Wilmoth; and best friend: Ruby Hurner of Washington, as well several family members and friends.
Funeral service for Connie was Friday, February 28, 2025 at Chapman Funeral Home, Winfield. Burial was in Winfield Cemetery.
