Featured, Obituaries

Obituaries for Week of April 24

DEMPSEY DICKSON II
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Dempsey Orville Dickson II, age 56, of Scott Depot, on April 14, 2025. Dempsey passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, following complications from Influenza A.
Dempsey was born on June 21, 1968, in Dearborn, Michigan, to John and Janice Dickson. He graduated from Hurricane High School and went on to build a career with Verizon and the state of West Virginia. Dempsey was a dedicated professional who found great fulfillment in his work, always fully engaged and committed to doing his best.
Dempsey Dickson was a man who loved whole heartedly. His presence brought warmth and joy to everyone who knew him. Dempsey was encouraging, compassionate, and always present for those who needed him. Thoughtful in his words and actions, he had a heart for the Lord and sought to live with kindness and understanding. He enjoyed life to the fullest—whether it was through photography, exercising, music, or hiking with those he loved. He was always up for a challenge and a bowl of ice cream. His love, laughter, and loyalty will never be forgotten.
Dempsey is survived by his two beloved sons, Chandler (Olivia) Dickson and Grant Dickson who will carry his memory forever with love.
A celebration of life was held on April 17, 2025, at Allen Funeral Home in Hurricane. The service was officiated by Dempsey’s close friend, Pastor James Bowles, whose unwavering support and compassion have been a true blessing to the family.

JOHN MARK HAGER
John Hager, 60, of Scott Depot, died April 13, 2025. He was a 1983 Hamlin High School graduate, a U.S. Air Force Veteran and a Truck Driver for Pitt Ohio for several years.
Funeral service was Thursday, April 17, 2025 at Koontz Funeral Home, Hamlin. Interment was in Lincoln Memorial Park, Hamlin.

JOSEPH HOLLEY
Joe, aged 90, passed away on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at home in Hurricane. He was born on June 29, 1934, in Hurricane to Early and Nannie (Whitt) Holley. Joe was a well respected and cherished member of his community, willingly helping friends and strangers alike. After graduating from Hurricane High School in 1952, he worked in the heavy equipment construction industry until going to work at INCO (Special Metals} in 1964. He retired in 1994 and finally had time to enjoy his youngest two grandchildren. Joe and Joyce enjoyed taking all the grandkids camping and fishing.
Joe was a man of God and a prayer warrior throughout his life. His Bible was always at his side. His peaceful demeaner assisted in keeping those around him calm.
Joe is survived by three children, Malinda Shanklin (David), Bradley Holley, and Mark Holley (Terri). Five grandchildren, Clifton Shanklin (Alyson), Adam Holley (Jenny), Tracy Garrett (Jason), Nicholas Holley (Kaylee Mullins), and Chloe Ashton (Hunter). He is also survived by six greatgrandchildren, Bryce Pfeiff, Makenzy Shanklin, Annabelle Garrett, Haley Shanklin, Elliana Garrett, and Barrett Holley. He leaves behind three siblings Marvin Holley, Janice Blackshire, and Judy Houck. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Hersel Holley and David Holley.
He leaves a huge hole in many people’s lives and has left high standards to live up to. But he once told us, “I know you’ll miss me and cry for me but remember this is what I have lived my whole life for.”
Funeral service was Thursday, April 24, 2025, at Allen Funeral Home with Pastor Larry Cooper officiating. Burial was in Holley Cemetery.

Earldine Eloise Ingram
Earldine Eloise Ingram, 92, of Poca, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, April 17, 2025, in the Hubbard Hospice House West surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on December 20, 1932, to the late Orda and Lurie West. She is a member of Heizer Creek Community Church and Hometown Senior Center where she loved singing in the choir. She loved her family and put them first and foremost. She enjoyed cooking, canning, sewing, and spending time with her family.
In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by her husband Clyde Ingram, Sr.; son Steve Ingram; son-in-law Robert Swanson; daughters-in-law Oma Ingram and Shirley Ingram; and sister Elostine Phillips.
Left to cherish her memories are her seven children, Pamela Swanson, Clyde (Kathy) Ingram, Mike Ingram, Rodney Ingram, Donna Ingram, Regina Leiva, and Tim (Cindy) Ingram; 12 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, 5 great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.
A tribute to the life of Earldine Ingram was held Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Randy Carter officiating. Burial was in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens.

Homer Meadows
Homer Owen Meadows, 94, died peacefully in the early hours of April 19, 2025.
Homer was born on March 15, 1931 in Rumble, WV, to the late Leonard B. and Dessie (Walker) Meadows. He was married to Martha E. (Snodgrass) Meadows on June 17, 1949. Homer lived most of his life in Hurricane, but moved with Martha to Oklahoma City late in 2021.
Homer worked for 37 years with Union Carbide before his early retirement in 1986 and was an active and beloved member of the Hurricane First Church of the Nazarene until moving to Oklahoma.
He is remembered as a positive example of the Silent Generation for his love of family, his strong work ethic, his sense of civic duty, and his thriftiness. Homer and Martha imparted the importance of family connection, love of travel, and playfulness not only to their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, but also to nieces and nephews. To quote one of his grandsons, “…my grandfather [was] the shining example of[a] gruff exterior and big softy on the inside. He leaves us a legacy of love, commitment, get ‘er done attitude, and a desire to travel and explore the beauty of this country.” Homer led several cross-country car expeditions during his life (1965, 1983, and 1994) taking children and grandchildren through national parks and sharing their joy in the natural and historical wonders of the United States. There were also camping trips all over West Virginia, and lots of trips to the parks in Orlando; however, his very favorite place (and now a favorite of most of his family) was Sunset Beach, NC. He spent endless hours as the official lifeguard to his family, walking in the sand, bodysurfing, and introducing the youngest family members to the ocean by holding their hands and shouting to the waves, “Take it easy, Joe! I’m ticklish!” The little voices giggled, and the kids began to feel at ease in the water.
From baseball and football to dominoes, Phase 10, and Qwirkle, Homer had a love of sport and games. Family times at the Meadows household always include spending time together playing. To say Homer was competitive would grossly understate just how much he enjoyed besting everyone around the table or playing field – thankfully there was almost always a grin that let everyone know that he was also there for the fun.
In addition to his wife of nearly 76 years, Homer is survived by his children, Andria Phillips, Marsha (John) Billet, Thomas Meadows, and Julie Miller. He also was the proud grandfather of 10 wonderful grandchildren, great-grandfather to 18 beautiful young souls, and cherished uncle to many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Friday, April 25, 2025, from 6pm-8pm at the Allen Funeral Home in Hurricane. Funeral services will be held at Hurricane First Church of the Nazarene on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 11am.

JANET SUE MIDKIFF
Janet Midkiff, 81, of Milton, entered Heaven on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. Janet was the daughter of Oliver (Pete) and Violet Childers. She devoted nearly 60 years of loyal service as the organist at Antioch Baptist Church, where she and her sister, Brenda, were the first members to join the church when they opened their doors on Little Fudge in 1966. She retired from Putnam PSD in Teays Valley. She was a graduate of Milton High School in 1961and enjoyed every school reunion; visiting classmates and reminiscing.
Janet was preceded in death by her parents, her son; Darren Midkiff, her sister; Brenda K. Lane, and her brother; Everett L. Childers. She is survived by her husband of 62 years; Larry Midkiff, her daughter; Dee Harner, her son-in-law; Ed Harner, her granddaughter; Tabatha Cooper (Andy) and her grandchildren; Reagan and Tyson Cooper.
A memorial service was conducted Saturday, April 19, 2025, at Allen Funeral Home in Hurricane by Pastor Troy Nicely.

Susan Elise Miller
Susan Elise Miller, 71, of Hurricane, passed away on April 17, 2025.
Susan was born May 19, 1953, to the late Gwendolyn and James Draper Jr. in Albion, New York. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Michael James Miller; and sisters: Wendy Kennedy and Terri LaClair.
Susan enjoyed spending time with her family, watching old TV shows, reading, playing card games with friends, anything Elvis and her 2 beloved cats: OC and Jack.
Left to cherish her memory is her son, Jason Scott Miller; and grandchildren: Olivia and Aiden Miller.
Per her request there will be no services.

William R. ‘Yank’ Moore
William R. “Yank” Moore, 81, of Rock Branch, passed away April 16, 2025, at home.
Yank was born on January 16, 1944, to the late Roy and Clarice Moore. He is a graduate of Poca High School and retired from Robert Young Contracting. Yank served his country proudly and is an Army Veteran and enjoys woodworking. Along with his parents he is preceded in death by his brothers Eugene Moore and Hubert “Dink” Moore.
Left to cherish his memories are his brother Roy “Junk” and wife Goldie Moore; and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
At his request there will be no services.

Lester Carlos Searls
Lester Carlos Searls, 83, of Winfield, passed away on Thursday, April 17, 2025 at home.
He was born on September 5, 1941 to the late Virgil and Flossie Nelson Searls in Lincoln County. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters: Donnafine Ray, Patricia Gates, Janavive Trolio; and brothers: Winsel, Delvin, Hollis, Mansel, O.J., and Ronnie Searls.
Lester was a Christian, proudly served his country in the US Army, retired from AEP after 30 years of service and an active member of the Putnam County Republican Club.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley; daughters: Lesa Sass (Dan) of Charlotte, NC, Donna (Brian) Gray of Winfield, and Tara Altadonna (Larry) of Smith Mountain Lake, VA; brother, Steven Searls (Sherry) of Fraziers Bottom; grandchildren: Brett Rorabaugh, Brook Rorabaugh, Taylor Vories, Isabella Altadonna and Alessia Altadonna; a great-grandchild: Alani Vories; special nephew that he considered a son, David Searls; as well as numerous other family, friends and neighbors.
Funeral service for Lester was Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Chapman Funeral Home, Winfield. Burial was in Winfield Cemetery, Winfield.

Roy Edward Snyder, Jr.
Roy Edward Snyder, Jr., 59, of Poca, passed away April 17, 2025, in CAMC Hospice.
Junior is a graduate of Charleston High School and an avid Pool Player playing on many different leagues.
He is preceded in death by his brothers Dennis LeRoy Snyder and David Edward Snyder.
He is survived by his parents Doloris and Roy Snyder; sister Marsha Snyder; brother Donald Ray Snyder; and a host of nieces and nephews.
A tribute to the life of Roy E. Snyder, Jr. was held Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel. Burial was in Sunset Memorial Park.

Emmet William White III
Emmet William White III, 67, of Nitro, left this world for his eternal life in the early morning hours of April 11, 2025.
He was born May 24, 1957, to the late Emmet Jr. and Mickey (Holston) White in South Charleston. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his dad, Lee Linkfield.
Emmet lived in the Kanawha Valley his whole life. He was a band kid during his years at Hurricane High School then went on to join ROTC while attending WV State College in Institute. Emmet and Melinda (Griffith) married right out of college and raised 4 children together. He was a hard worker and he enjoyed serving the community. He worked at Kanawha Valley Data Control and later MTech in Dunbar before becoming a clerk at Video Town in Saint Albans. While he loved movies, he soon moved on to gas stations. He worked at Go-Mart briefly before switching to One Stop where he worked for decades in various stores around the Valley. When it was time for Emmet to settle into a quieter job, he enjoyed a spell at Kinkos in Charleston before he retired.
Emmet spent most of his adult life volunteering at Dunbar Jr High School, where Melinda was the computer teacher. He loved helping students learn to appreciate computers the way he did. He shared his love of programming and video games with all who cared to learn. He also helped coach the chess team. He enjoyed helping others and sharing his love of strategy games and puzzles almost as much as he enjoyed sharing corny puns and “dad” jokes. Perhaps the role Emmet loved more than Dad or teacher, was Grandpa. The promotion to Paw-Paw Emmet came in 2000 and he embraced it with open arms, supporting his own children in the raising of theirs in every way he knew how and beaming along the way.
He was a loving husband and father who will be mourned by his wife of 46 years, Melinda Griffith White; his children: Shanna Kingry (Barry), Susan White (Norman), James White (Sarah), and Jonny White; grandchildren: Josh, Tyler, Samantha, Leanna, Kiran, Emily, and Eli; as well as all the students and friends he encouraged along the way.
Memorial service was Thursday, April 17, 2025 at Pine Grove Church of Christ, Scott Depot.

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