RANDALL BARRETT
Randall H. Barrett, 85, of Hurricane, died peacefully July 7, 2025 at St. Marys Hospital after a long illness.
Randall was Born March 12, 1940 to the late Herman and Virginia Cummings Barrett in Hurricane. He was also preceded in death by his sister Donna Taylor and grandson Kevin Caleb Barrett.
Randall is survived by his wife Tassa Wanna Gibson Barrett and his sons Randy (Judy) of Winfield and Kevin (Chris) of South Charleston. 4 Grandchildren and 7 Great-Grandchildren.
He was a 1958 graduate of Hurricane High and retired from Asbestoses local 80. He attended Hurricane First Baptist Church. Randall loved being outside hunting and enjoying his farm.
Funeral service will be Friday, July 11, 2025 at 11 a.m. at Allen Funeral Home in Hurricane with Alan Bays officiating. burial will be held at Mt. Moriah Cemetery.
Visitation with family and friend will be Thursday July 10, 2025 from 6-8 pm at the funeral home.
DELBERT RAY CHILDERS
Delbert Ray Childers, 85, of Scott Depot, went Home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at home surrounded by his loving family after a short illness.
Born October 1, 1939, Delbert was one of four children born to the late Chester S. and Leona Bias Childers, of Winfield. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Glenna Coburn Childers, of 56 years, his daughter, Michelle Allen, his great-granddaughter, Addison Michelle Hazlett, his sister, Mildred Lowe, and his brothers, Hobert and Virgil Childers.
Delbert was a 1957 graduate of Winfield High School. In the early 1960’s he served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam era for two years and retired from the Carbide Institute Plant with over 40 years of service. After retirement, he worked at Lowe’s in Nitro for almost 20 years. He was a member of Judson Baptist Church.
Delbert was devout Christian, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Left to cherish his memory are his son, Stephen (Michelle) of Winfield; his daughter, Mia Huffman of Hurricane; his grandchildren: Ashley Hazlett (Shannon) of Scott Depot, David and Devin Childers of Winfield; and great-grandson, Grayson Hazlett of Scott Depot.
A service celebrating the life of Delbert was held Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at Judson Baptist Church, Winfield, with Rev. Bobby Goldsburg and Pastor Sam Gasaway officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.
ROY LEE HIVELY
Roy Lee Hively, 56, of Poca, passed away Tuesday, July 1, 2025.
Roy was a laborer and attended Kingdom Life Fellowship Church. He enjoyed fishing and riding the back roads with his son Travis, but his life was Annette, Travis, and Jesus.
He is preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Helen Hively; brother Mike; and sisters Debbie, Millie, and Lucille.
He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Annette Sue Hively; son Travis Hively; brothers Bub and Glen; and sisters Sugar, Helen, and Sylvia.
A tribute to the life of Roy was held Saturday, July 5, 2025 at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Kevin E. Witcher officiating.
BRENDA JOYCE MCCLANAHAN
Brenda Joyce McClanahan, 82, of Poca, passed away Sunday, June 29, 2025, at home.
Brenda was a homemaker and a 1961 graduate of Poca High School.
She is preceded in death by her son Jesse McClanahan, parents Homer Lester and Rosetta Pearl Lovejoy, and sisters Mary Wilson and Mildred Cunningham.
Brenda is survived by her husband of 64 years, Bob McClanahan; son Bobby McClanahan; three grandsons Terry, Dylan, and Caleb; one great granddaughter; and a host of nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Friday, July 11, 2025 at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home.
MELVIA LOUISE ROOPER
Melvia L. Rooper, 84, of Hurricane, went to be with the Lord on July 1, 2025.
She was born to the late William and June Carroll on April 5, 1941 in Olive Hill, KY. In addition to her parents, Melvia was also preceded in death by her previous husband, Albert Laird Coyner and several siblings.
She was a hard worker, never met a stranger and worked for many years with Putnam County EMS as a Dispatcher. She loved the Lord, tending to her flowers, and enjoyed spending every chance she got with her family.
Melvia is survived by her beloved children: David Coyner, Pamela McCallister (Michael), Bobby Coyner (Mary), and Christine Roberts (Lafe); 19 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; and her brother, Johnny Carroll (Jeannie).
A family graveside service will be Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Mount Vernon Cemetery, Hurricane, with Pastor Robert Osborne officiating.
THOMAS PAUL SCHMADER, III
Thomas Paul “Tom” Schmader, III, 73, of Eleanor, passed away Saturday, July 5, 2025 at his home, surrounded by his family. He was a graduate of George Washington High School, and attended Morris Harvey College. At the age of 20, he purchased his first rental property, and continued buying, selling and renting properties throughout his lifetime. He retired after 35 years as an owner and manager of a wholesale magazine distribution business. Tom loved the Town of Eleanor, and was a past Eleanor Town Council Member, and was the current Building Inspector. He volunteered many hours to the town he loved over the years.
Born June 26, 1952, in Charleston, he was the son of the late Thomas P. Schmader, II and Alice Smith Schmader.
He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Neda K. Schmader; his sons, Thomas Paul (Staci) Schmader, IV of Eleanor, and Brandon Paul (Angee) Schmader of Scott Depot; grandchildren, Landyn Schmader, who lovingly knew his grandpa by the nickname “Cake”; and Mattie, Cayson, and Quentin Schmader, who lovingly knew him as “Gramps”; a brother, Steve Schmader of Boise, Idaho; as well as several beloved nieces and nephews.
In accordance with his wishes, his body was cremated. A Memorial Service was held Thursday, July 10, 2025 at Raynes Funeral Home, Eleanor, with Pastor John Hudson officiating.
AUBREY LYNN SHELTON
Aubrey Lynn Shelton, 48 years old, from Hurricane, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 after a sudden illness.
She is survived by her mother, Dreama Ann Fain; daughter, Isabella Rose Fazio (Chase Vance); sister, Ashley Searls (Stephen); niece, Lilly Searls; aunt, Judy Lewis (Uncle David); uncle, David Bishop; step uncle, Gary Fain, and step aunt, Shawna Fain Foster.
She had a large extended family including cousins, lifelong friends, and church family. Aubrey was of Pentecostal faith and grew up attending First Assembly of God Church in St Albans, now known as King’s River Worship Center.
Aub came full circle in life….she was funny, kind, compassionate, and had a great love for animals. Her compassion extended beyond this life and she will live on through the three lives she was able to save through organ donation. Although her last years were challenging due to the effects of Myasthenia Gravis, a relentless autoimmune disease, she remained an incredible force in our family always providing humor, support, and love beyond measure. Aubrey was taken away too soon and our hearts are broken…..but we stand on God’s promise of eternal life where there will be no more tears, no more goodbyes, no more pain, and no more judgement. Reunion day is coming and until then heaven just got a little sweeter. A service to celebrate her life will follow at a later date.
JAMES SOVINE
James R. Sovine, affectionately known as “Coach,” passed away peacefully on July 5, 2025, at the age of 91. He lived in Hurricane, West Virginia, with his devoted wife, Ruth Anne.
A proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps, James went on to serve his community as a teacher and longtime football coach, impacting countless lives with his leadership, dedication, and heart. His passion for mentoring young people and his commitment to excellence left a lasting legacy both on and off the field.
Coach was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, and tying his own flies for bait. He found joy in nature and cherished the time he spent doing what he loved.
He was preceded in death by his son, William “Rusty” Sovine.
He is survived by his loving wife Ruth Anne; his daughter Anita Stewart and her husband John of New Jersey; stepsons Jimmy Armstrong, Robbie Armstrong, and Jeff Daniels and his wife Jessica; stepdaughter Amy Overton and her husband Allen; and grandchildren Sean, Brittany and her husband Lord, Ian, and Jadyn, his great grandchildren Reza and Dara.
In accordance with his wishes, Coach Sovine was cremated. A celebration of his life was held on Thursday, July 10th, 2025, at Allen Funeral Home in Hurricane.
Evelyn Fisher Kimberling Stewart
Evelyn Fisher Kimberling Stewart, 85, of Hurricane, left this world on July 1, 2025 to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She grew up in Eleanor, the daughter of the late Lesta Gayle Dudding Fisher and Sebert Fisher. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Ellen Gayle Fisher Allison.
Evelyn graduated from Poca High School and WV State College and practiced as a Registered Dietician for over 50 years. She is survived by her husband, Clark L. Stewart; sons: C. David Kimberling (Marcie) and Darren Kimberling (Tammy); grandchildren: Owen Kimberling, Grant Kimberling, and Miranda Sexton (Jeremy); plus her great-granddaughter, Madilynn Ruth. She was baptized at Grace Baptist Temple in St. Albans and was currently attending the First Baptist Church of Eleanor.
Evelyn has departed this life but left a legacy of grace, generosity, caring, thoughtfulness and love! Everyone she ever met has been touched by her kindness and carries with them a lasting piece of her spirit.
Per Evelyn’s wishes there will be no services.
