ADONNA J. COMBS
Adonna J. Withrow Combs, 91, of Buffalo, passed away Sunday, May 25, 2025 at Teays Valley Center. She was a 1951 graduate of Poca High School. On July 3, 1951 she married Ernest “Sonny” Combs Jr. after he returned home from Korea. He passed away on their 21st wedding anniversary. After her husband’s passing, she returned to school and became a licensed CNA and LPN. It was her wish not leave her youngest son alone at night, so she worked at various other jobs until her retirement.
She was born on July 21, 1933 in Putnam County to the late Floyd Edward Withrow and Opal Beatrice Dunn Withrow. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Ernest “Sonny” Combs Jr., sons, Ricky A. Combs and Michael W. Combs; grandson, Jason Combs; sisters, Brenda Kay Lett, Virginia “Ginny” Skinner, Betty Jane Lewis and Peggy Jo Roberts.
Survivors include her sons, Ernest W. “Skip” (Cora) Combs III of Eleanor and Todd E. (Andrea) Combs of Winfield; grandchildren, Cheyne, Mickey, Timmie, Caroline, Carli, April, Jessica and Jed. Adonna is also survived by several brothers, sisters, two great grandchildren and extended family. Her special great grandson, Axel “always had kisses and hugs for her.”
Adonna wanted to make special mention of her granddaughters, Caroline and Carli. “The girls have brought a lot of love and laughter to our family.” “I love them very much.” She also wanted to mention her special ex-daughter in law’s Gloria and Donna.
Funeral service was Friday, May 30, 2025 at Raynes Funeral Home, Eleanor, with Pastor Scott Casto officiating. Burial was in Buffalo Memorial Park, Buffalo.
JAMES L. CORSARO
A gentle man has passed to his eternal reward. Jim Corsaro passed away at home on May 25, 2025. He lived a life devoted to his family, his God, and to improving the coal industry. He was a loving, honest, ethical and loyal husband, father, son, brother, uncle, friend, and mentor, but his favorite role was ‘Pops’ to his six grandchildren.
He was born on June 3, 1943 in a mining camp in Stickney, WV to immigrant parents from southern Italy. His father and both grandfathers were coal miners. After graduating from DuPont High School, he received a scholarship to study Mining Engineering at West Virginia University. He earned a BS in Mining Engineering in 1966, and a MS Degree in Mining Engineering in 1968. He was a registered professional engineer.
He went to work for Eastern Associated Coal Corp. in 1968 and moved through the ranks. He was the youngest superintendent in the company’s history. He served as vice president for safety and training for Eastern Coal. During that period, as a result of the improvement achieved at Eastern Coal, he provided expert testimony before the National Academy of Sciences Committee on Underground Mine Safety regarding the development and implementation of effective safety programs and reduction of mine injuries and accidents at the Eastern Coal mines. In 1986, he was appointed vice president of corporate engineering at Eastern Coal.
Furthering his career, he accepted the position of vice president of development for Carbon Industries and was appointed president in 1990. The assets of Carbon Industries were purchased by Penn Virginia Operating Co. in 1999 and Jim served as vice president until his retirement in 2012 after 54 years in the coal industry.
He served as president of the WV Coal Mining Institute, president of the WV Land and Mineral Owners Association, chairman of Careers in Coal, president of the WV College of Mineral and Energy Resources Alumni Council, and as a member of the WVU Department of Mining Engineering Visiting and Advisory Committee. He was appointed by Gov. Rockefeller to the WV Board of Miner Training, Education, and Certification in 1984. He also served 10 years as president of the Kanawha Valley Mining Institute. KVMI supports the education community and West Virginia by raising and distributing annual scholarships to deserving students each year. In 2019 Jim was inducted into the West Virginia Coal Hall of Fame which recognizes leaders in the coal industry.
Jim often mentioned his appreciation for the mentors and friends that guided and encouraged him throughout his career, and he took pride in those individuals whom he mentored in the development of their careers and their contributions to the coal industry, the coal community, West Virginia, and the many lives they touched.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Michelangelo and Palma Corsaro; sister, Mary Angeles; and brother, Larry Corsaro.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Betty; and sons: Michael (Misty), David (Stephanie) of Hurricane, WV and Matthew (Jia) of Carmel, IN. The lights of his life were his grandchildren who include: Holly, Lauren, Christopher, Zachary, Mia, Haley Corsaro, and Brayden Pauley.
Mass of Christian Burial was on June 6, 2025 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Nitro. Burial was in St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Scott Depot.
STEVEN CROUCH
Steven “Steve” Crouch, 78, of Winfield, passed away May 28, 2025 at his residence with his family by his side.
He was born April 23, 1947 in South Charleston, the son Charles B. and Virginia Crouch.
Steve was a US Army Veteran having served during the Vietnam Conflict. He was retired from Union Carbide with over 30 years of service. After retirement Steve owned and operated Crouch Plumbing Services. He was an avid golfer. A loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and friend that will be missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Coni, sons, Cary Crouch (Tracy), of Teays Valley, Casey Crouch, of Titusville, FL, grandchildren, Carson Crouch, Kendyl Crouch, Stella Crouch, Phoebe Crouch, Hannah Sargent (Robby), and Adam Mooney, (Maddie), and great grandson J.R. Sargent, sister Charlotte Atkinson, and a host of other relatives and friends.
Celebration of Steve’s life was held Monday, June 2, 2025 at Tyler Mt. Funeral Home with Celebrant H. R. Whittington presiding. Burial was in Donel C. Kinnard State Veteran’s Cemetery, Institute.
JAMES HOYT HUNTER
James Hoyt Hunter of Red House, West Virginia, passed away on May 18, 2025, at his family home.
James was born in South Charleston, on February 12, 1957. James attended Poca High School, where he cultivated a passion for popular culture and music, and became an accomplished piano player. He went on to graduate from the University of Kentucky in 1979 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, and the University of Virginia with a Master of Arts degree. James had an extensive freelance writing career, published in the New York Times and Rolling Stone Magazine, among others. He interviewed and wrote pieces on artists as diverse as Bono, Prince, Tim McGraw, Carly Simon, and Alan Jackson.
James was predeceased by his parents, Lewis Hoyt Hunter and Fern Blackwell Hunter. He is survived by his sister, Jill H. Pullen (Robert).
A private service will be held later this summer.
LORRI JOHNSON
Lorri Lea Johnson, 65, of Hurricane, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, May 29, 2025, after an extended illness.
She was a graduate of Milton High School and attended Huntington School of Business. She was preceded in death by her parents Carl and Marie Foster.
She is survived by her husband of 40 years Steven W. Johnson and daughter Kaylan Johnson, Brother Steven Lee Foster of Wayne County and Greg Foster of Branchland and Lonnie “Butch” Foster of Milton. Several nieces nephews and cousins.
Burial was in Mt. Moriah Cemetery.
K. GENE NELSON JR
K. Gene Nelson Jr. went to be with the Lord on Friday, May 30, 2025 after a short illness. He was born to Kelly G. Nelson Sr. and Betty June Rice in Cleveland, OH on September 1, 1967.
He was a member of Providence Baptist Church and attended Cross Lanes Baptist Church. He graduated from Winfield High School in 1986 and taught at the Charleston School of Beauty Culture. He worked at HealthTeam Critical Care Transport as an EMT in Charleston.
He loved his family and spending time with his grandchildren. He loved to fish when he had the opportunity. He was very helpful to others.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents Charles and Martha Nelson, Clarence and Audra Canterbury, and several uncles. He is survived by his father Kelly G. Nelson of Hurricane, and mother Betty June Rice of Foster, WV. Children: Trey (Emily), Bobby, Danny (Jessica), and David. Grandchildren: Shyanne, Kerrigan, Ella, Audralee, Kash, Keegan, Burklee, and Kingsley.
Viewing will be from 6 til 8 on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at Cross Lanes Baptist Church and Funeral services will be at 12 p.m., Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at Providence Baptist Church on Rocky Step at with gravesite service to follow.
ELNORAH GAYLE RIVERS
Elnorah Gayle Rivers, 77, of Scott Depot, passed away Tuesday, May 27, 2025.
Born on January 2, 1948, Elnorah was the daughter of the late Eugene and Juanita Hill. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Eugena Karson.
She loved people, and visiting and spending time with family and friends. She also enjoyed working with her husband at Rivers Mobile Home Movers for over 40 years.
She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Johnny Rivers of Scott Depot; daughter Kemmeth Rivers of Hurricane; nephew Jonathan Karson of Huntington; her special little buddy, Braxton; her precious Holly Blue; all her cousins who were like brothers and sisters to her; honorary nieces and nephews; and many friends.
Funeral was Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at Bartlett-Nichols Funeral Home, Saint Albans. Burial was in Cunningham Memorial Park, Saint Albans.
