Ira Lee Belcher
Ira Lee Belcher 92, of Hurricane, passed away January 28, 2026 at CAMC Teays Valley Hospital.
He was born on July 16, 1933 to the late Ira Wilbur and Frances Elizabeth Belcher. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his wife, Donna Ruth Belcher; and brothers: Omar and David Belcher.
Ira was a Civil Engineer in the US Army Corp of Engineers, a member of St. John United Methodist Church in Scott Depot, WV and proudly served his country in the US Navy.
He is survived by his daughters: Kendra (Donald) Burch of Waldorf, MD and Trina (Clyde) Stover of Canal Winchester, OH; and granddaughter: Kaylin Stover.
Funeral service for Ira was Thursday, February 5, 2026 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane, with Rev. Teresa Markins officiating. Burial was in Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery in Dunbar.
Beverly Helen Bright
Beverly Helen Sandt Bright, 83, of Winfield, went home to be with the Lord on January 24, 2026 after an extended illness at CAMC Memorial Division with her loving family by her side.
She was born on January 8, 1943 to the late Herman Howard and Mary Charlotte Speck Sandt in Charleston. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her sister, Charlotte Ann Comer; brother, Kenny Sandt; and nephew, Tim Comer.
Beverly was a proud graduate of Winfield High School class of 1960, where she remained close to her beloved classmates and until recently assisted with coordinating class reunions and monthly luncheons. She worked at the Scott Depot Dairy Queen while her husband was actively serving our country during the Vietnam War. In the late 70s, she took a position as a pre-school teacher at Teays Valley Child Development Center. Beverly was a fervent prayer warrior and an active participant in the group known as “Betty’s Prayer Girls.” She was a loyal member of Teays Valley Church of God as well as the prayer group there. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, cousin and friend to many who stayed true to their friendship checking on her during her illness.
Beverly is survived by her loving and caring husband of 64 years, Kenneth M. Bright; children: Kelli Harrah (Douglas) of Scott Depot, WV and Randy Bright (Cindy) of Winfield, WV; grandchildren: Gabrielle Harrah, Braeden Hammar, Jamae Heidelberger (Travis), and Sierra DeHaven (Jason); 3 great-grandsons: Gavin, Justin and Devin; brother, Terry Sandt of Winfield, WV; niece: Daphene Knox (Murry) and nephews: Frank Comer (Sherry), Joshua Sandt and Jason Sandt. Beverly also leaves behind several cousins who were more like sisters and brothers, along with great-nieces and great-nephews, friends and other family members who will all miss her and cherish her memory.
After her chronic illness began in 2022, the family was blessed with an additional four years with her. Funeral Service for Beverly was Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane, with Pastor Kim Miller and Pastor David Bowen officiating. Burial was in Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery Dunbar.
Joseph Elswick
Joseph Ryan Elswick, 41, born March 4, 1984, passed away January 25, 2026. It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved son, brother and dad. He is predeceased by his grandmother, Patsy Ammoscato, who adored him! Joey is survived by his parents, John and Donna Elswick, his son’s Joseph Ryan Elswick Jr. and Johnathan Chayse Elswick, daughters Elara Marie and Maylyn Jolie, brothers Johnny and Dustin Elswick and sister Brandy Felcan.
He was truly a special person with a good heart. His life was full of struggles, but the light of goodness in him will remain in the hearts of those who loved him. There is nothing he wouldn’t have done for the ones he loved. You will never be forgotten Joey.
A Memorial Gathering will be from 6 til 8 on Friday, February 6, 2026 at Allen Funeral Home.
Denver Lee Grady
Denver Lee Grady, 76, of Leon, passed away Monday, January 26, 2026 at his home. He was a United States Army Veteran, having served in the 4th Infantry Division. A member of Teamsters Local # 175, he was a truck driver for many years, working for several different companies. At the end of his career, he retired from the West Virginia Department of Highways. He enjoyed farming, and restoring old cars and tractors. Denver was a Christian, and loved to sing Gospel music. He was a former member of the gospel group “The Peaceful Echoes”. He loved his wife and family dearly, especially his grandkids, and will be sadly missed by all.
Born December 21, 1949, he was the son of the late Wilbert and Nola V. “Jigs” Grady. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Linda Lou Barr.
Survivors include his loving wife of 54 years, Vivian R. Grady; his children, Denver Dale (Melissa) Grady of Buffalo, Amanda Rose (Steven) Simonson of Leon, and Laura Lea (Jonathan) Murriner of Leon; grandchildren, Nicholas (Amanda) Simonson of West Union, Ohio, Nathaniel (Tasha) Simonson of West Union, Ohio, Sandra Rose (Lee) Slate of Liberty, Emily Grady of Buffalo, Sierra Murriner of Leon, and Samantha Murriner of Leon; great-grandchildren, Lannie Simonson, Jayden Simonson, and Alexander Simonson; a sister, Wanda Harmon of Buffalo; a brother, Dencil (Judith) Grady of Leon; as well as nieces, nephews, and extended family.
In accordance with his wishes, his body was cremated. There are no services for the public scheduled at this time.
Bruce Allen Priestley
Bruce Allen Priestley, 61, of Hurricane, went Home to be with the Lord on January 27, 2026, after an extended illness at St. Mary’s Hospital with his loving wife, Virginia by his side.
Though his days on Earth were fewer than hoped, his faith was steadfast and his love eternal. Now healed and whole, he rests in God’s presence, where there is no pain, only peace.
He was preceded in death by his father, Rudy Priestley; and nephew, Cody Priestley.
He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Virginia Priestley; mother, Judy Priestley; children: Jeremy, Jamison, and Jessica; brothers: David and Brent Priestley; sister: Tammy Priestley Jordan; grandchildren: Kamdyn, Isaiah, Jaliyah, Jaevion, Keaton, and Aubrey; and a host of nieces and nephews, as well as other family members.
Funeral service for Bruce was Monday, February 2, 2026, at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane, with Pastor Mayford Witt officiating. Burial was in Valley View Memorial Park, Hurricane.
Jack Richards
Jack Davidson Richards, 85, of St Albans, was born on January 13, 1941, and passed away on February 1, 2026, at United Hospital Center in Bridgeport.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Hattie Richards, sisters, Irene Chase, Tressie McCallister and Velma Richards, brothers Paul, Clyde and Robert Richards.
Jack is survived by his wife Vicki, stepdaughter, Misty Kelley, stepson Buck Saul (Beth), Grandchildren, Luke Saul (Maddie), Gracen Kelley and Brycen Kelley. Beloved niece, Brenda Hopkins (Mike), and nephew Jeff Hayes (Robin) and brother, Harold Richards
Jack retired from AT&T in 1999, following retirement he worked part time for Sleepy Hollow Golf Club and was a faithful member of the WV Golf Association.
Memorial service will be held at 3:00 on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Allen Funeral Home and visititation will be held from 1 til 3 prior to the service.
Olan A. Toppings
With deep love and gratitude, we remember Olan A. Toppings, age 86, of Hurricane, who peacefully went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at Hubbard Hospice House after an extended illness. Born in Harts Creek, West Virginia, to the late Walter and Alberta Toppings, Olan built a life defined by dedication, kindness, and a passion for the outdoors.
Throughout his career at UMWA Cypress A-max, Olan served as the lead loader operator, earning the respect of colleagues until his retirement. His interests extended far beyond work—he was a proud member of the West Virginia Trappers Association, the National Wild Turkey Federation, the Upper Kanawha Valley CB Club, and the NRA. Olan was an avid outdoorsman who found great joy in hunting, gardening, trapping, beekeeping, coon hunting, and countless other hobbies that brought him close to nature.
Family was at the heart of Olan’s life. He was preceded in death by twelve brothers—Walter Jr., Osen, Fredrick, James, Merrel, Nolan, Daniel, Roger, Walton, Samuel, Marvin, and Joseph Toppings—as well as his sister Evelyn Adams and son-in-law Thomas Cole.
He is survived by his loving wife, Carol Jean Toppings; daughters Marsha Cole of Sanford, NC, and Donna Francisco (Mark) of Scott Depot, WV; grandchildren Justin Dunlap and Kristin Cole, both of Pittsburgh, PA; and sisters Clara Ferguson (Kenneth), Juanita Brewster (Dean), and Ruth Slusher (Mel). and several nieces, nephews and close family and friends.
Funeral service to celebrate Olan’s life was held Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Allen Funeral Home with Jody Sowards officiating. Burial was in Mt. Vernon Cemetery.
John Jay Walker
John J. Walker, 64, of Hurricane, passed away on January 28, 2026.
He was born to the late Major Morgan Walker and Elizabeth Jean Walker Ellis on August 15, 1961 in South Charleston. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his wife, Deborah Marie Turner Walker; paternal grandparents: Fred and Helen Walker; maternal grandparents: Hobart D. Lacy Sr. and Opal Louise Childers Lacy; and great-grandparents: Jasper and Carrie Harris.
John was a graduate of Hurricane High School, attended WV State College and was a member of Forest Burdette Memorial United Methodist Church. His military career started in the 130th Tactical Air National Guard, later he proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, having served in Desert Storm.
He is survived by his sister, Susan Duryea of Hurricane; uncle, Dan (Jackie) Walker; aunt, Ellen Walker; and numerous cousins and friends.
Funeral service for John was Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane. Burial with Military Honors was in Cunningham Memorial Park.
Jon Walter Wetherholt
Jon Walter Wetherholt, 69, of Eleanor, formerly of Charleston, passed away peacefully at his home on January 29, 2026.
Jon retired in 2016 after many years as a long-haul truck driver, a career that reflected his strong work ethic and love of the open road. Outside of work, he enjoyed the things that brought him peace and joy—deer hunting, trout fishing, collecting guns and knives, and cheering on the WV Mountaineers. Above all else, Jon loved his family deeply. He was a devoted father to his sons and a proud grandfather who cherished every moment spent with his grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Barbara Ann Wetherholt, and his sister, Susan Rayhill.
Jon is survived by his two sons, Joshua (Sophia) Wetherholt and Steven (Rachael) Wetherholt; and his four beloved grandchildren, Addilyn, Bradley, Wyatt, and Amelia, who were the light of his life.
A celebration of Jon’s life will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at First Baptist Church of South Charleston, with Pastor Jody Pistore officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.
Bruce Edward Wilkes
Bruce E. Wilkes, 88, of Red House passed away Monday, February 2, 2026. He was a Veteran of the United States Air Force, having served in Japan and the Philippines. He worked for many years at Dow Chemical. Bruce loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing.
Born July 7, 1937 in Syracuse, New York, he was the son of the late Doc and Dottie Wilkes. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Joan Wilkes; and one brother.
In accordance with his wishes, his body was cremated. There are no services planned for the public at this time.
