WILLIAM CLINTON BALLARD
William Clinton “Clint” Ballard, 82, of Red House, passed away Tuesday, April 21, 2026.
Clint was born and raised in Chemical City, St. Albans, before making his home in Red House. He worked as a mechanic at Harrah’s Garage in South Charleston. Clint enjoyed anything NASCAR, spending time outdoors with his dogs, working in his yard, playing golf, and traveling to Pigeon Forge, Watoga, Babcock, and other state parks.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Becky.
Clint is survived by his son, Ronald; his life partner, Gipsy Williams; his brothers, Jim, Wayne, and John; his close friend, Pete Absten; and his beloved dachshund, Lucy.
A tribute to the life of William Clinton Ballard was held Monday, April 27, 2026, at Gatens–Harding Chapel. Burial was in Haven of Rest Memory Gardens in Red House.

THOMAS JOHN BEASLEY
Thomas John Beasley, 73, of Scott Depot, passed away on Tuesday April 21, 2026, at home surrounded by his family.
He was born on July 3, 1952 to the late Burnice “Bun” and Anna James Beasley. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his sister, Judy (Beasley) Greene and her infant twin brother, Bruce A. Beasley.
Tom was a graduate of Winfield High School, retired as a Maintenance Superintendent with Alpha Natural Resources and was a member of Cross Lanes Baptist Church. He built many friendships and extended families through his love of drag racing, playing golf, riding the Hatfield McCoy trails and bird hunting with Alan and his dog Ash.
He was survived by his wife of 46 years, Connie Chaney Beasley; sons: Alan (Brandi) with grandchildren Maddie and Henry of Barboursville, WV and Eric (Sarah) of Winfield, WV; granddaughter: Kodi (Max) Simpson; great grandchildren: Stella and Sylvie; sisters: Sandy (Michael) Bello of MD and Linda (Joe) Fritts of FL; and brother, Frank (Anne) Beasley of NC. Tom also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, friends and family that will miss his presence every day.
Tom loved spending time with his “Grands”.
Funeral Service for Tom was Monday, April 27, 2026 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane, with Dr. Seth Polk officiating. Burial was in Valley View Memorial Park, Hurricane.

GARY LEE COOPER
Gary Lee Cooper, 77, of Hurricane, Wpassed away on April 27, 2026 at CAMC General.
He was born to the late Clyde and Madge Cooper on July 4, 1948 in Charleston. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his sister, Vickie; and brothers: Randy Bailey, Ronnie Bailey, and Billy Selby.
Gary was a member of Teays Valley Church of God in Scott Depot, and a retired Coal Miner. He loved to fish and spend time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Barbara Jean Buzzard Cooper; children: Shawn, Jeffrey, and Michael Cooper; step-children: Michael and Tammy Brown; 10 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; sister, Jody Pauley; brothers: Charles Cooper and Roger Bailey; as well as a host of extended family and friends.
Funeral Service for Gary will be 12:00 pm, Monday, May 4, 2026, at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane, WV with Pastor David Bowen officiating. Burial will follow in Kanawha Valley Memorial Gardens, Glasgow, WV.

CORA KING
Cora Dynese King, 27, of Hurricane, passed peacefully on April 18, 2026. Cora was born on June 19, 1998, to Steven King and Ellen “Marie” Mitchell and was raised by her loving Uncle Joe and Aunt Lori Bailey. She is preceded in death by her father Steven King, great grandparents Charles and Verna Hale, grandparents Josephine “Josie” Neil, Virginia “Jenny” Bailey and Elaine Hale. She is survived by her precious daughter Daisy Mae, beloved fiancé John Miller, her Aunt Lori and Uncle Joe Bailey, mother Marie Mitchell and grandfather Jerry Mitchell. She was lovingly called “Sis” or “Sissy” by her brother Joey (Meghan) Bailey and their children Carson and Josie, Lucas (Lee) Walker, Marcus & Mindie Riley, Trinity Jordan, Kaylee Runyan and Kiera & Braxton King. Cora was also very special to many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Cora was a member of the 2016 Hurricane High School graduating class where she was student body president and a member of the Red Hot Show Choir. She was also named the 2015 Miss WV Teen USA during high school where she went on to the national pageant and received the honor of becoming Miss Congeniality Teen USA. During her reign she created the program “Christmas Blessings” in her hometown of Hurricane. This tradition still grows and continues today. Growing up Cora attended Forrest Burdette United Methodist Church where she loved to attend youth group and volunteer with her Uncle Joe in the REACH program. Recently, Cora, John and Daisy enjoyed attending Bridge Church in Scott Depot.
Cora has made a huge impact on her family and community. She spent most of her recent days having the best adventures with Daisy and John. She also loved supporting local businesses, helping to run her family’s business, photography, enjoying nature and being kind to the Earth, and spending as much time with family and friends as possible. She leaves a legacy of love and kindness to all those she’s ever met.
Please join us in celebrating the beautiful life of Cora on Saturday, May 2nd at 3:00 p.m. at Bridge Church in Scott Depot, following a visitation from 1 until 3 prior to the service.

WANDA MAE KINSER
Wanda Mae Kinser, 94, of Red House, passed away Saturday, April 25, 202,6 following a short illness. She was a graduate of Nitro High School. She was owner/manager of Country Mart in Red House for several years and worked at a local loan company in Nitro. She enjoyed spending time outdoors working in her flowers. Wanda loved her family and will be greatly missed.
Born February 26, 1932, she was the daughter of the late Beecher Hill and Stacia Turley Hill. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William A. Kinser; daughter, Sheri D. Kinser and sister, Vada Lee Hill Muck.
Survivors include her daughter, Tara Kinser Thornton and her husband Leslie of Red House; brother, Ray Hill of Orville OH; grandson, Jonathan Matt (Lauren) Davis; granddaughter, Skye Kinser; great grandchildren, Jackson Lawson and Logan Davis.
Graveside service was Thursday April 30, 2026, at Wade Chapel Cemetery, Red House, with Rev. Randy Parsons officiating.

MAT EVERT KITCHEN
Mat Evert Kitchen, 49, of Scott Depot, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
Mat was a dedicated member of Pipefitters Local #538 and was employed by Ames Goldsmith Catalyst Refiners. He was also a faithful member of Teays Valley Church of the Nazarene. A quiet and humble man, Mat lived with a servant’s heart, often working behind the scenes without seeking recognition. He found joy in life’s simple pleasures—riding his Harley on country roads, reading, walking his dog, playing video games, and most importantly, spending time with his beloved family.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Linda Geyer; father, Carl Kitchen; grandparents, Edward and Doris Geyer; and father-in-law, David Vannatter.
Mat is survived by his loving wife, Stefany Kitchen; children, Drusilla Kitchen, Lewis Kitchen, Aaron Kitchen, and Alexandra “Dot” Kitchen; mother-in-law, Dru Vannatter; brothers, Robert Kitchen, Seth Kitchen, and Adam (Ashley) Kitchen; sister, Amy (Ron Bayes) Kitchen; special friends Nicole Bishop, the Caufield family, the O’Brien family, and the Lemasters family; along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who will cherish his memory.
A tribute to Mat’s life was held Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at Teays Valley Church of the Nazarene, with Pastor Charles V. Williams officiating. Burial was in Haven of Rest Memory Gardens in Red House.

Anita D. Lanham
Anita D. Lanham, 63, of Red House, passed away Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at CAMC Memorial following a short illness. She was a graduate of Buffalo High School. She loved children and worked in the childcare field for several years. Anita loved crafting, sewing and trips to the beach in the Otter Banks of North Carolina. She loved the Lord, her children and her beloved cats.
Born November 19, 1962, she was the daughter of the late Phillip K. Darby and Betty F. Odell Darby. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, Barry E. Lanham.
Survivors include her daughter, Brooke (Craig) Goldsberry of Seebert; son, Ben (Ica) Lanham of North Page; daughter, Alexa Lanham of Red House; brothers, Mark (Lynn) Darby of Florida and David (Berna) Darby of Eleanor; grandchildren, Hailey Goldsberry and James Goldsberry.
Funeral service was Monday, April 27, 2026, at Raynes Funeral Home, Eleanor, with Pastor David Panaro Jr. officiating. Burial was in Beech Grove Cemetery, Eleanor.

Freddie Joe Newman
Freddie Joe Newman entered peacefully into the presence of his Savior on April 17, 2026, at the age of 92, in Greenville, South Carolina (formerly of Hurricane).
He was born to the late James G. Newman and Goldie Mae Walker Newman on December 19, 1933, in Salt Rock. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara Ellis Newman. They were married 61 years before her passing in 2019. Also, preceded in death by his brothers: James, Robert, David, and Douglas Newman.
He was the beloved father of his daughter, Rhonda Newman Groves and son-in-law, Scott Groves; grandson, Collin Groves; and granddaughter, Cara Groves. Also, survived by his sister, Dreama Newman Landacre of Greensboro, North Carolina; and his nieces: Amber Dawn Williams, Angela Newman, Sandra Coombs, Christin Landacre, and Laura Sergott.
After high school graduation, Freddie served in the United States Marine Corp. achieving the rank of Corporal and was honorably discharged in 1956. He followed in his father’s career path of operating heavy equipment. He loved machinery, mechanics, and working outdoors.
While studying the Bible on his lunch breaks with a co-worker, Freddie trusted Christ as his Lord and Savior. He now served a new Master, and that direction was seen in all aspects of his life. Freddie had a true servant’s heart and was ever willing to help someone in need or with a task. In his later years he kept busy with lawn care for neighbors and friends and was the neighborhood repairman – from bikes to mowers. If he could fix it, he would.
After his wife Barbara passed in 2019, he continued living in Hurricane. He enjoyed the fellowship of his church family, neighbors, and friends at the Putnam Senior Center and participated in the Annual Senior Games.
After suffering a mild stroke in 2023, he moved to South Carolina to live with his daughter and son-in-law. Friends and caregivers knew him to be a sweet and kind man and enjoyed his quiet sense of humor. Freddie will be remembered for his love for Christ and his selfless love for others.
Funeral service for Freddie was Saturday, April 25, 2026 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane. Burial was in Forest Memorial Park in Milton.

David Lester Patrick
David Lester Patrick, of Poca, passed away on April 21, 2026 at the age of Seventy Three. He was born on December 03, 1952 to the late Nellie and Rhee Patrick and is also preceded in death by three siblings, Loretta Patrick, Wanda Siders, and Ken Patrick.
David pastored many churches throughout his life, retiring as pastor from Harmons Creek Church of the Nazarene in Poca. He was in the US Army Reserves, afterwards working as Charleston firefighter and worked a long career retiring from Constellium, formerly known as Ravenswood Aluminum, where he served as president for the steel workers union. He was an avid coin collector, active in the Kanawha Valley Coin Club.
Those left to cherish his memory include his beloved wife, Judith Lynn Patrick; three children, Gregory Scott Patrick, April Dawn Webb and Shawn David Patrick; one brother-in-law Bruce Siders; one sister-in-law, Vickie Patrick; five special grandchildren; Desiree, Gavan, Christian Evan, Jackson; and seven grandchildren; Austin, Hailey, Caleb, Haiden, Lilly, James and Julian.
A Memorial Service was Friday, April 24, 2026 at Harmons Creek Church of the Nazarene, in Poca.

Rhonda Kay Quentrill
Rhonda Kay Quentrill, 66, of Culloden, passed away on Friday, April 24, 2026 at home surrounded by her family.
She was born to the late Forest L. Vance and Bethel G. Jenkins-Vance on April 26, 1959. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her brother, Rusty L. Vance; and her grandson, Xavier Quentrill.
Surviving Rhonda are her children: Michael R. Quentrill and Jessica C. Quentrill; grandchildren: Ty, Tre, Madison, Mason, and Scotty; two great-grandchildren; brother, Dusty Vance; her three dogs: Daisy, Capone, and Doosha; as well as a host of other family and friends.
In keeping with her wishes, Rhonda will be cremated. There will be no services at this time.

Roger Thornton
Roger Dale “Tiny” Thornton, 73, of Red House, passed away Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at CAMC Memorial Division.
He was a 1972 graduate of Poca High School and retired from Parkline in Eleanor with over 30 years of service. He will be remembered for his love of singing, old cars, fishing, and, most of all, the time he cherished with his family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Houston and Gladys Thornton; and his brothers and sisters, Gilbert Thornton, Donna Wilson, Sue Wick, and Richard Thornton.
Roger is survived by his loving wife, Gail Thornton; his sons, Dicky Thornton and Jesse Thornton (Casie Marker); and his special niece, Karin “Missy” French. He also leaves behind many other nieces and nephews who will fondly remember him.
He was a proud grandfather to Maverick Thornton, Ryder Ennis, Nevaeh Thornton, Dominic Thornton, and Serenity Thornton.
He is also survived by Paige Ennis, mother of Maverick and Ryder.
At his request, there will be no service.

Ernest Porter West, Sr.
Ernest Porter West Sr. began his pilgrimage on June 19, 1941, ending April 23, 2026. He is the son of the late Lowell and Helen West. Dad was raised in the Nitro United Methodist church and was active in Boy Scouts, through which he earned many honors including the Order of the Arrow, Eagle Scout, and in his adult life, troop leader.
In his youth, Dad met and later married the love of his life, our late mother, Barbara Grace West on May 31, 1963, who preceded him in ending her pilgrimage July 29th, 2015. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, and service, and we take comfort in knowing they are together again in the presence of our Lord.
Dad and Mom attended Poca Methodist, Rock Branch Independent, and Mineral Baptist Church in Virginia. Dad served faithfully in many roles, including youth teacher, deacon, elder, church choir and even in a singing quartet.
Dad began his working life as a paper boy for the Charleston Newspaper, and later as an ambulance attendant for Cooke Funeral Home. He went on to work at FMC Corporation of Nitro, and then the Monsanto plant in Nitro until its closing. He and Mom later moved to Lousia, Virginia, where he continued working before returning to Poca, West Virginia, where he served at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home. There, Dad touched many lives by sharing the love and peace of God until a stroke led to his retirement in 2021.
As Dad and Mom walked hand in hand through life, they introduced a family of their own into the pilgrimage. He is survived by his children retired Colonel Ernest “Jay” (Pam) West, Janice (Tim) Christy, Shawn (Becky) West, and Matthew (Kathy) West. Their legacy continues through Dad’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren Zach (Nikki) West and their son Ethan; Sami (Ryan) Hoilman and their children Luca and Shep; Raegan Christy; Madi (Briggs) Badurski and their daughter Miller Grace; Tracy (Brent) Bechtel and their children Claire and Rylie; Tori (Clint) Thaxton and their children Emma, Gracelynn, and Easton; Lissi (Matt) Hambrick; Austin West; and Gabe West. Dad also shared a special bond with his “baby girl,” 3 year old Mckena, whose love, songs, and laughter brought him comfort and joy in his final days.
Dad ensured his home was a Godly one and raised us to be servants of the Lord. He remained steadfast in his faith and, in his final hour, professed his love for God.
A tribute to the life of Ernest Porter West, Sr. was held Sunday, April 26, 2026, at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel with his son Jay West and Pete Thompson officiating. Burial was in Haven of Rest Memory Gardens, Red House.