Ulysses Dawson
Ulysses Kenvil Dawson, 99, of Poca, passed away February 4, 2026, at his daughter’s home following a short illness.
He was a World War II U.S. Army veteran, a longtime truck driver known by his CB handle “Copper Dragon,” and a member of Teamsters Local Union 175. He worked for Bell Lines and retired from Smith’s Transfer. He was a devoted member of Harmons Creek Church of the Nazarene for over 40 years. As his age advanced and he could no longer drive, his faith remained strong, and he would ride his four-wheeler to attend church services, reflecting his devotion, determination, and love for the Lord.
Ulysses found great joy in music, playing the harmonica and guitar, and teaching all of his children the joy of singing and music.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 76 years, Lorraine Dawson; daughter Janet Marie Dawson; sisters Eliza Grubb and Virginia Beckner; brother Clyde Dawson; granddaughter Kinsey Hill; grandson Greg Hill; great-grandson Nicholas Hodge; great-great-grandson Marquel Smith; and son-in-law Chuck Meadows.
Surviving are his children Gary (Rhonda) Dawson of West Jefferson, OH; Laverna (Steve) Adkins of Russell, KY; Neil (Judy) Dawson of Belleview, FL; Vivian Kolasinski of Cross Lanes; Randy Dawson of Poca; Rita (Mike) Poling of Bremen, OH; Judith Meadows of Winfield; Timothy (Sandy) Dawson of Brandon, FL; and Donna McClaskie of Pettyville, WV; brothers Freeman Crowder of Amelia, OH, and Lewis Crowder of Bellview, OH; 24 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren, and 34 great-great-grandchildren.
Celebration of Ulysses’s life was held Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at Tyler Mt. Funeral Home. Burial was in Tyler Mt. Memory Gardens, Cross Lanes, with Military Graveside Rites conducted by St Albans VFW Post 6418 and American Legion Post 73.

Debora Lynn Pauley
Debora “Debbie” Lynn Pauley, (nee Estep), of Hurricane, passed away peacefully on February 11, 2026.
Born on December 28, 1958, she was the beloved daughter of Eugene and Helen Estep. Debbie attended DuPont High School and later Marshall University. She dedicated more than 20 years of service as a Lab Technician at Bayer Crop Science, where she was respected for her strong work ethic and attention to detail.
Debbie had a deeply caring heart and a special love for animals. Over the years, she fostered many dogs and cats and generously supported countless others in need. Her compassion extended far beyond her home, touching the lives of both people and animals alike.
More than anything, Debbie cherished time spent with her loved ones. She found joy in reading- often with a cat curled up beside her- and treasured the quiet moments just as much as family gatherings.
She is survived by her children: Allison Pauley, Jillian Priddy, and Jason Pauley; her beloved grandchildren: Lilah and Raena, who brought her immeasurable pride and happiness; and her two sisters: Linda Sadler and Sherry Traylor.
Debbie will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, faith, unrelenting strength, and even a bit of stubbornness that made her who she was.
Funeral service for Debbie was Tuesday, February 17th, at Chapman Funeral Home, Hurricane.

Deloris N. Rooper
Deloris N. Rooper, 88, of New Castle, Indiana, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on February 4, 2026. She was born in Hurricane, on November 9, 1937, to the late Frank and Elizabeth (Searles) Campbell.
Deloris graduated from Hurricane High School in 1955. She lived most of her life in Hurricane, where she retired from Hurricane Elementary Schools. Deloris was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother who cherished her family and friends.
Deloris is survived by her daughters, Elice (Randy) Bailey and Sue (Brad) Houser; grandchildren, Nick Houser, Brittney Tilden, and Dylan Houser; and great grandchildren, Sadie, Dalton, Jaxson, and Nicholas.
In addition to her parents, Deloris was preceded in death by her first husband, Carl Breedlove, who passed in 1998; and her second husband, Wayne Rooper, who passed in 2023.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle, Indiana. Condolences and memories of Deloris may be shared at www.hinsey-brown.com.

Allen ‘Joe’ Savilla
Allen Anthony “Joe” Savilla, 86, of Nitro, passed away on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at home after a long illness.
Known to many as Joe and lovingly referred to as “Papa Joe” by his family, friends, and church community, he was a steady and familiar presence to all who knew him. He will be remembered for his quiet strength, generous heart, and the care he showed in simple, meaningful ways. Joe faced life—and its challenges—with resilience, dignity, and grace.
Joe was a graduate of Nicholas County High School, Class of 1957, and furthered his education at West Virginia State College. He spent many years in the oil industry, working for Texaco, Mobil, and other notable companies, retiring as Vice President of Lubricant Sales at Petroleum Products, Inc. of Charleston, West Virginia. Loyal to his customers and deeply committed to his work, Joe was known for going above and beyond—often delivering a drum or even a single bucket of oil in the middle of the night to help a customer through an emergency until a full order could arrive. For this dedication, he was affectionately nicknamed “One Bucket” by his friends.
In the 1970s and ’80s, Joe and his family operated Savilla’s Nitro Texaco, where countless memories were made and are still fondly talked about today. Joe’s generosity was well known, and on occasion he allowed customers to “pawn” something for a tank of gas. His wife, Joan, once recalled him bringing home a rusty hand saw with several teeth missing, which he had accepted until a customer was able to get paid.
Joe devoted much of his life to serving his community. He served on the Nitro City Council in Ward I for a total of twenty years and was a dedicated member of the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, Kiwanis Club, Sons of Italy Lodge of Charleston, West Virginia, and many other civic organizations. A lifelong mentor, Joe coached Nitro Little League baseball, football, and basketball for many years, and many of his former athletes still affectionately refer to him as “Coach.”
One of Joe’s greatest joys was singing. He shared his beautiful voice in the Choir at Holy Trinity Catholic Church for over 50 years, bringing comfort, joy, and inspiration to generations of parishioners. He was also renowned for his authentic spaghetti sauce, which he lovingly prepared for church events and school fund-raising activities.
A romantic at heart, Joe’s devotion to his wife, Joan, was recognized nationally when he was named “America’s Most Romantic Husband” by Woman’s Day magazine in the February 1998 issue.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Joan, with whom he shared 62 years of marriage, and by his children: Allen Anthony Savilla II (Molly) of Hurricane; James Joseph Garland Savilla (Catherine) of St. Augustine, Florida; and Rocco Roland Savilla (Candace) of Lake Wylie, South Carolina. Joe was blessed with seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him great pride and joy.
He is also survived by his siblings: Charles Manville Savilla of Hurricane; Samuel Basil Richard (Dolly) Savilla of Nitro; Rebecca Savilla Stofflet (George) of West Chester, Pennsylvania; and Kenneth Howard Savilla of Cross Lanes, as well as a host of nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his father, Garland C. “Mallie” Savilla, and mother, Ruth Rigney Savilla, and by his brothers, Bennie Lee Savilla, Arlen “Jim” Savilla, and Garland Savilla. A faithful man, Joe was a devoted member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Nitro, where he worshiped since 1957.
The Funeral Mass was Saturday, February 14, 2026, with Father John Chapin Engler officiating. Entombment was Sunday, February 15, at Haven of Rest Memory Gardens in Red House.

Larry Oren Smith
Larry Oren Smith, 86, of Buffalo, passed away Saturday, February 14, 2026. He was a veteran of the United States Army, and a retiree of the Union Carbide plant in Institute. He enjoyed spending time in the outdoors and hunting. He dedicated his life to his family, children and grandchildren, and will be sadly missed.
Born March 6, 1939, he was the son of the late Oren W. Smith, Jr. and Imogene Morris Smith. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Judith Ann “Pug” Smith; a son, Jeffrey B. “Deg” Smith; a sister, Reva Jean Meadows, and an infant sister, Annis Aluise Smith.
Survivors include his sons, Larry O. “Dusty” (Leigh) Smith, II of Morgantown, and Kerry A. “Deak” (Tina) Smith of Eleanor; grandchildren, Jada Powell of Pompano Beach, Florida, Casey Smith and Evan Smith, both of Morgantown, Cali Ann Hudnall of Charleston, South Carolina, Jerod Taylor of Cumberland, Maryland, and Ty Smith and Sydney Smith, both of Eleanor; great-grandchildren, Ella Rae Taylor and Nolan Wayne Taylor; sister, Avis Ann Newman; brothers, Marvin Wayne Smith, Dallas Edward Smith, and Jamez Morris-Smith; as well as extended family and friends.
In accordance with his wishes, his body was cremated, and there are no services planned at this time.

Berton Straight
Berton Theodore Straight, our loving earthly father, is now at peace in the presence of his eternal heavenly Father.
Bert was born on August 6, 1936, in Spencer, to Hobert and Mildred Straight. He passed away peacefully in his home in Hurricane, WV on February 7, 2026 at the age of 89 years old.
Bert and Bonnie Lou Johnson were married on June 14, 1957. They were members of the Church of Christ on Main Street in Hurricane. Bonnie passed away in 2012 after fifty-five years of marriage. Their four children were raised with their great example of enduring love. Teresa and her husband, Cris Myers, live in Louisa, VA. Tina Straight lives in Saint Albans. Sherri and her husband, Dean Monington live in Leon. Ted lives in Hurricane where he has been Dad’s devoted caregiver.
Bert was preceded in death by Bonnie, his parents, and four siblings, Marsalee, Jack, Susie, and Charles. He has seven surviving sisters, Reba, Dora, Rebecca, Linda, Brenda, Nora, and Mildred.
Bert and Bonnie were so proud of their eight grandchildren, Isaac, Sarah, Becky, Rachel, Philip, Keri, Hannah, and Hayden, twenty-four great grandchildren, and three great great grandchildren.
Bert served our country proudly in the US Army in Korea. He was employed by the WV State Road Commission, Chemical Leaman Tank Lines, and Hubert Jones Trucking. His mechanic and leadership skills were highly respected professionally.
Bert was an avid outdoorsman. He loved hunting, fishing, and gardening. His sense of Godly humor, Godly wisdom, and Godly love will be sorely missed.
Celebration of Life service was Friday, February 13, at Allen Funeral Home . Burial was in Valley View Cemetery, Hurricane.

Daniel Lee Thomas
Daniel Lee “Danny” Thomas, 75, of Winfield, went to his Heavenly reward on February 14, 2026.
Danny was born with a love for life, laughter, and the Lord. A 1969 graduate of Nitro High School, he went on to proudly serve his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Following his military service, Danny dedicated many years of hard work to Libbey-Owens Glass before retiring.
Danny had a deep love for NFL football and could often be found cheering on his favorite team. He was known for his gift of storytelling, his quick wit, and his ability to make others laugh. Whether sharing memories or cracking a joke, Danny’s presence always brought warmth and joy to those around him.
He spent 18 years living in California before returning home to West Virginia in the early 2000s after giving his life to the Lord. His faith became the cornerstone of his life. With a heart full of gratitude and purpose, Danny returned home to be a devoted son to his parents and to publicly profess his faith through baptism in Heizer Creek by Pastor Ray Humphrey and Jimmy Totten. That day marked a meaningful chapter in his spiritual journey.
Danny was also a proud member of the 40th Street Bridge Boys Club, where friendships were treasured and memories were made. He will be missed greatly by all who knew and loved him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Gloria Thomas, and his brother, Keith Thomas.
Left to cherish his memory are his sister, Joyce (Steve) Hanna of Winfield; his brother, Joe (Mary) Thomas of Aiken, SC; two nephews, Aaron Hanna of Winfield and Matt Hanna of York, PA; three nieces, Christy Thomas of Summerville, SC, Celeste Hanna of York, PA, and Lillian Hanna of Winfield; and a host of other loving family members and dear friends.
A tribute to the life of Danny was held aTuesday, February 17, 2026, at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Jim Legg officiating. Burial with military honors was in Haven of Rest Memory Gardens, Red House.

Cody Alan Warner
Cody Alan Warner, 34, of Leon, passed away Wednesday, February 11, 2026. He was a graduate of Point Pleasant High School, and upon graduation enlisted in the United States Army National Guard. His service included a deployment to Afghanistan. Cody enjoyed hunting and fishing and spending time in the outdoors. He also enjoyed sports, especially football.
Born February 23, 1991, he was the son of Danny M. Warner, and the late Judith Green Warner. In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by a brother, Ryan Lee Warner.
In addition to his father, he is survived by his fiancé, Chelsea Stiffler; his brother, Jason Lee Warner of Pataskala, Ohio; as well as extended family and friends.
Funeral service was Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at Raynes Funeral Home, Buffalo. Burial was in Stewart & Warner Cemetery, Leon.

Gregory Wilhelm
Gregory Lynn Wilhelm, 64, of Hurricane, passed peacefully at home on February 8, 2026, with his family at his side. Gregory was born on January 17, 1962, to the late David Lynn Wilhelm and Merley Earlene Smith. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Rick Wilhelm and granddaughter, Valyn Wilhelm. Greg was a veteran of the US Navy and an avid pool player. He loved anything WVU! (Let’s Go Mountaineers!).
He is survived by his loving wife, Sherry Maynard Phillips Wilhelm; stepdaughter, Terra Riley; step grandchildren, Emmi, Lexi, Cayden and Ethan; son, Sean (Chelsea) Wilhelm and their children, Daphne and Dauson; daughter, Ashley (Tony) Tennant and their children, Aleigha and Baylea; sister, Kim (late husband, Wolfgang) Radzat; niece, Courtney (Dan) Roes and their children, Casey, Avery, and Daniel; sister, Lisa (Jeff) Adams and their children, Logan and Dustin.
Greg, you will be missed by all. Always a smile on your face and a loving nature. RIP
Interment with Military Honors was held Friday, February 13, 2026, at Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery.