JACK FRANCIS HASTINGS
Jack Francis Hastings, 87, of Scott Depot, passed away on December 8, 2025 at English Meadows.
Jack was a proud graduate of East Bank High School and retired from IUOE Local 132 in Charleston. A dedicated and respected member of his community. He was a 50 year member of the Kanawha Valley Lodge No. 36 AF and AM in Buffalo, a 32nd Degree Mason, and a member of the Beni Kedem Shriners. Jack was also a proud member of the UMW and his constant companion Hercules stayed by his side until the end. Gifted with both his hands and his mind, whether building a house, repairing a car, or offering his wisdom, Jack could do anything. He had a special talent for mentoring younger men and guided them with patience, skill, and integrity.
He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Janice Hastings; his daughter, Pat Hastings; his sisters Phyllis Hill, Maxine Hughey, Patsy Hughes, Judy Buckley, and Eva Hastings Meadows; and his brother, James Hastings.
Jack is survived by his children Anita Callicoat, Jackie (Tim) Adams, and Barbie Hastings; his sister Betty Ellis; his brother in law Charles “Rick” Lewis and his wife Carole; his grandchildren Camie Callicoat, Courtney (Jason) Skaggs, Katie (John) Ward, Haley Russell, Jacob Lett, Kacey Hudnall, Jack Callicoat, Madison Adams, Jacob (Brooke) Lett, Lucy Adams, and Gracie Adams; and his great grandchildren Bryce Skaggs, Brent Skaggs, Rayna Callicoat, Austin Ward, Gavin Ward, Wyatt Lett, Colt Skaggs, Calianne Skaggs, Ara Ward, and Ace Ward. Each of them brought tremendous joy to his life.
Jack was also blessed with a lifetime of friends who were like family, too many to list by name. Among them was Darrin Moore, whom Jack loved as a son for more than fifty years. Their bond was deep and enduring. Darrin remained faithfully present in Jack’s life, visiting often and standing by him throughout the years.
A tribute to Jack’s life was held Thursday, December 11, 2025 with Pastor Greg Blake officiating. He was cremated and his urn laid to rest in Marmet Cemetery.

ELLA MARIE FAYE HAYES
Ella Marie Faye Hayes, 8, of Brandywine, WV, formerly of Scott Depot, passed away on December 5, 2025 at home.
Ella was born to Kaitlyn Bird and CJ Hayes on April 6, 2017 in Charleston.
She loved to be “a farm girl” and spend time with her horse, as well as having cheered for Winfield Midget League and playing softball. Ella formerly attended Eastbrook Elementary School and was currently attending Brandywine Elementary School in Pendleton County.
Ella is survived by her mother, Kaitlyn Bird (Jeremiah Spencer) of Brandywine; father, Charles E. “CJ” Hayes Jr. (Angel Harless) of South Charleston; maternal siblings: Audralee Nelson and Elijah Bird; maternal stepsiblings: Aniayah Spencer; paternal siblings: Hanley Null and Ayden Glenn; maternal grandparents: Jennifer and James Bird; paternal grandparents: Angel Hayes and Charlie Hayes (Vera); great grandparents: Michael and Sheryl Pittman, Jim and Mary Bird, Brenda (Wendell) Sanders, Joe (Sue) Collins, Janet (Claude) Richards, and Eddie (Marian) Cooper; great-great grandparents: Alfred “Sonny” (Joyce) Sovine; aunts: Lauren (Zach) Ross, Sada Roberts, Grace (Ethan) Raines, Destiny Bird, Alyssa Bird, and Destiny (Zack) Hayes; uncles: Dakota Bird, Chase Bias, Jayson Bird, James Bird, and Colt Bird; great uncle: Joey (Joanne) Collins; special cousins: Breanna (Matt) and kids, Joey (Corey) Collins and their son, Adelynn Raines, Jaxson and Raylee Ross, Dawysn and Haven Bird.
She was preceded in death by her maternal great-great grandparents: Olin and Mary Ella Bird; and great aunt, Wanda Collins.
Funeral service for Ella was Saturday, December 13, 2025, with Pastor Gary Hale officiating. Burial was in Mount Vernon Cemetery in Hurricane.

PATRICIA A. LOWEN
Patricia A. Lowen, 89, of Scott Depot, passed away Sunday, December 7, 2025, at Riverside Valley following a short illness. She was a 1955 graduate of Poca High School and retired from Rhodes-St. Claire car dealership.
Born July 19, 1936, she was the daughter of the late Harold C. King and Leoma B. McClannahan King. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Lowen; brothers, Gary King, Larry King, Frank King and Terry King.
Survivors include her sisters, Paula King and Pamela Witt.
Graveside funeral service was at Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans.

DAWSON COLE-WOODROW LUCAS
With hearts forever changed, we share that our precious son, Dawson Cole-Woodrow Lucas 2, of Hurricane, passed away peacefully in the loving arms of his parents, surrounded by comfort, warmth, and unconditional love. Though his time on earth was far too short, Dawson’s life was overflowing with meaning, purpose, and a light that will never fade.
Dawson was a miracle from the very beginning. He was brave in ways most will never understand and strong beyond his tiny frame. Every breath he took was a testament to resilience, and every moment he shared with us was a gift we will cherish for the rest of our lives.
He loved Spidey and Friends, Ms. Rachel, and watching his favorite movies: Elemental and Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas, often curled up in bed with his mommy and daddy. Even on the hardest days, Dawson brought joy simply by being himself. His presence filled our home with love, laughter, and a sweetness that cannot be put into words.
In his final moments, Dawson gave us one last, unforgettable gift, he opened his eyes and smiled at us, as if to say he was at peace, as if to reassure us that he was okay. That smile will live in our hearts forever.
Dawson knew nothing but love. He was held, comforted, sang to, prayed over, and cherished every single day of his life. He taught us more in his short time here than many learn in a lifetime, about strength, faith, unconditional love, and what truly matters.
He is survived by his loving mom and dad: (Dylan and Kristina Lucas); as well as his grandparents: (Linda Priddy, David Campbell, Dennis Lucas); and great-grandparents: (Lorna Priddy, Donald Campbell, Doris Dameron, Martha Mynes and Harold Mynes); many cousins, aunts, and uncles all of whom will carry his memory in their hearts forever. Dawson was preceded in death by his grandmother, Mary Lucas; great-grandfather, Oscar Priddy; and great-grandmother, Melissa Campbell.
Though our house is quieter now, it will forever echo with his memory. We will miss him every single day of our lives. A piece of our hearts left with him, but we find comfort in knowing he is whole, healed, and held by Jesus. We believe he is running free, no longer in pain, watching over us until we meet again.
Dawson will always be our greatest miracle, our sweetest boy, and our forever angel.
Celebration of Dawson’s Life was Wednesday, December 17, at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane, with Pastor Sherry Shamblin and Pastor Ashley Rocco officiating.

JUDITH CUNNINGHAM MATTEA
Judith “Judy” Lynn Cunningham Mattea, 70, of Racine, OH, formerly of Poca, passed away on December 6, 2025.
Judy was a proud graduate of Poca High School and later earned her accounting degree from West Virginia State College. She dedicated many years to her work in accounting, but her greatest joy in life was the time she spent with her family, her grandchildren, and her beloved dogs. Judy had a gentle, loving spirit and a warm presence that made others feel at ease. Those who knew her will remember her for her kindness, devotion, and the deep love she carried for the people and pets who filled her life.
She is preceded in death by her parents, William and Beulah Cunningham; brother, Jim Cunningham; and sisters, Carol Echols and Betty Boggs.
Left to cherish her memory are her sons, Jon Mattea, Jeremy (Samantha Gilbert) Manley, and Joshua Manley; her boyfriend, Mark Still; ex-husband, Michael Mattea; brother, Randy Cunningham; sister, Sherry Winter; a host of grandchildren; and her cherished dogs, Day Day, Wheezy, and Kujo.
A tribute to the life of Judy was held Thursday, December 11, 2025, at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel. Judy was cremated and laid to rest with her parents at Haven of Rest Memory Gardens, Red House.

John McCallister
John Christopher McCallister, 62, of Hurricane, passed away December 7, 2025, at CAMC Memorial after a ten year battle with heart disease. He was a graduate of Hurricane High School and retired union carpenter.
John was preceded in death by his parents Donald and Frances McCallister, and sister, Penny Wingo. He is survived by his sisters Heather McClanahan, Viola McCallister and Belinda McCallister.
Following John’s wishes there will be no services.

Thomas Wayne Michels
Thomas Wayne Michels, 79, of Red House, formerly of St. Albans, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday morning, December 7, 2025.
Thomas was a 1965 graduate of Charleston High School and continued his education at Morris Harvey College. He proudly served his country as a Navy Veteran and later built a successful career as a real estate broker and appraiser. In 2009, he made a public profession of faith through salvation and baptism, and he attended Winfield Baptist Church.
Thomas loved being outdoors and staying active. He enjoyed playing golf, watching baseball, and exploring the underwater world through scuba diving. Some of his greatest joys came from watching his sons play sports when they were young, always their biggest supporter.
He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Mary Michels; sister Ann Wince; and niece Courtney Wince.
He is survived by his sons Tommy (Nicki) Michels and Brent Michels and their mother Susan Bryan; grandchildren Madison, Park, Abigail, and Nathan; brother-in-law Phil Wince; stepmother Gretna Michels; nephew Buck and Kathy Wince; and niece Beth and Mark Hughes.
A tribute to the life Thomas Wayne Michels was held Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Winfield Baptist Church with Pastors Andrew Gordon and Joey Stevens officiating.

Reba Evelyn Tucker
Reba Evelyn Persinger Tucker, 99, of Pliny, formerly of Vero Beach, FL, passed away on December 12, 2025 at her home.
She was born to the late Herbert H. “Mike” and Hazel Pringle Persinger on Sept. 3, 1926 in Nitro. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin Claude Tucker; brothers: Robert, Clyde, Charles, and infant brother, Ralph “Buddy” Persinger; and sisters: Helen Persinger Jett and Rosalie Persinger Perkins.
Reba moved to Vero Beach, FL in 1957 and returned to WV in 1973 to Pliny where she made her home for over 50 years. She was a homemaker for majority of her life although while in FL after the kids were raised, she worked at F W Woolworth. While living in WV, she attended Mount Union Church over the years and was a 1942 member of the Golden Horseshoe Club of WV.
She is survived by her children: Linda Tucker (Edwin) Bolton, Melvin (Marie) Tucker, and Thomas (Denise) Tucker; grandchildren: Lori Moore, Melissa Hardesty, Michael Bolton, Timothy Tucker, Michael Tucker, Christopher Tucker, and Briana Knapp; 18 great grandchildren; 2 step great grandchildren; 22 great great-grandchildren; 1 great great-great-grandchild.
Funeral service for Reba was Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at Mount Union Church, Pliny. Burial was in Winfield Cemetery in Winfield.

Roger Laymond Sowards
Roger Laymond Sowards, 85, of Poca, passed away Saturday, December 13, 2025, in the Hubbard Hospice House.
He was a retired automotive mechanic from AAMCO in St. Albans. As a young man, he enjoyed racing cars and had a lifelong appreciation for automobiles and mechanics. He proudly served his country as a United States Army Veteran.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Kathy Sowards; and his parents, Cecil and Mary Sowards.
He is survived by his son, Randy (Tammy) Sowards; three grandchildren, Randy Sowards, Jr., Amber Sowards, and Daniel Sowards; and three great-grandchildren, Chaylyn Presley, Bryonna Bailes, and Daxton Bailes.
A tribute to the life of Roger Sowards, with military honors, was held Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery.

Justin Adam Warner
Justin Adam Warner 43, of Buffalo, passed away Thursday, December 11, 2025, following a short illness. He was a 2001 graduate of Poca High School. He was currently employed at Appalachian Electric Power and was a member of Shiloah Independent Church. Justin was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing and farming. He loved his wife and children and will be greatly missed.
Survivors include his parents, Charles “Tyke” Warner and his wife Angela; Jacqueline Holland and her husband Doug Blobner; loving wife of 22 years, Krystal Pearson Warner; children, Andrew Warner, Abagale Warner and Aciel Warner all of Buffalo; sisters, Kerri (Todd) Given of Dunbar, Heather (Don) Henson of Hurricane and Katelyn (Andy) Womack of Hamlin; brother, Benjamin (Betsy) Warner of OH. Justin is also survived by several nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Funeral service was Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at Shiloah Independent Church, Red House, with Pastor Nyle Fisher Jr. officiating. Burial was in Shiloah Cemetery.

Dorothy Woodall
Dorothy Mae Woodall, 95, passed away Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at her home in Poca.
“MeeMaw”, as she was referred to by her 5 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren, was born at the home of her parents, Ida Mae (Chambers) and John William Hooper in Poca. She would choose a “Poca Dot” for her life’s companion, Ernest Willard Woodall Sr. who preceded her in death. They shared a life together for 74 years and had 4 children. Completing the family were many pets – 4 of whom they named after the Kennedys – John, Jackie, John-John and Caroline – Mom always said the dogs were Democrats.
Dorothy attended Morris Harvey College (now known as the University of Charleston). She taught school on an emergency certificate at Fish Elementary at Upper Harmons Creek which was a one room school house. After one year she learned that it was not her forte so she became a full – time homemaker.
When you visited at her home you didn’t leave until you heard the story of her winning a 2009 Blue Subaru thru a reverse drawing from V100. (her favorite radio station) She was also a loyal WVU Football fan.
Dorothy is survived by three of her children – Ramona Lockwood (Ron), Melody Priest (Karl) and Mike Woodall (Linda). Ernest Woodall Jr. (her son) preceded her in death.
Dorothy donated her body to the Marshall University Human Gift Registry.

Robert W. ‘Tim’ Wray
Robert “Tim” William Wray, born November 11, 1954, passed away December 10, 2025 at Ruby Memorial Hospital, Morgantown at the age of 71.
Tim served in the United States Army and was honorably discharged in December of 1973.
He is proceeded in death by parents Earl and Emilee Wray, wife Shirley Ann Wray, siblings Eddie, Tom, Pamela, Rose Mary and Peggy.
He is survived by siblings Paulette, Nondra, Tammy and Ronnie (Claudia). Also survived by stepchildren Kathy Oiler & Michael Hayes; as well as grandchildren Vinson, James, & Sarah – great grandchildren Junior, Jeremiah, Johnathon, Emily, James, Zack, Destiny & Autumn as well as host of other family and friends.
A tribute to the life of Tim was held Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel. Burial was in Pine Grove Cemetery, Fraziers Bottom.