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Wednesday, February 23, 2011

February 2011 updates: obits and news

Use the search function to find Nitro High School alums' obits and news noteworthies:

Lowell Wesley Stevens Sr.

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Lowell Wesley Stevens, Sr., 69, of Fayetteville, N.C., made the leap into eternity on January 26, 2011.

Lowell arrived on this earth as the first child of a coal mining family on July 8, 1941, at Putney, W.Va. The coal mining camp of Putney was located at the head of a sixteen-mile hollow and no longer exists. He is the son of the late Elmer and Opal Young Stevens.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Larry; and his sister, Jean.

He was named after both of his grandfathers, Lowell H. Stevens and John Wesley Young.

Lowell was the first one in his family to graduate from high school, but had only two options after doing so; go to work in the coal mines, which had killed his Dad, or join the United States Military. His father had served as a machine gunner in Europe during the last stages of World War II with the 376th Infantry Regiment of the 94th Infantry Division and was immensely proud of his Combat Infantryman Badge. On July 29, 1959, Lowell entered the United States Army, having enlisted for Airborne unassigned. He graduated from Jump School in February 1960, and six years later was a master parachutist. Later on, he added HALO and HALO Master Wings to his chest. From December 1959 to May 1963, he was a proud member of the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Ky. In May 1963, he volunteered for Special Forces training and completed the course with MOS 112 (Heavy Weapons Infantryman) in November of that year.

In November 1963, Lowell was assigned to the 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) located on Okinawa and performed the duties of the heavy weapons man on A-Detachments. He served on Detachment A-312 from Company C on a six month TDY mission to South Vietnam from June to December 1964. From May to July 1965, he was a Squad leader in the Recon Platoon of the 1st Battalion, 503rd Parachute Infantry Regiment.

In October 1965, Lowell was assigned to the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) in South Vietnam. Between this date and August 1972, Lowell completed a total of seventy-one months with the 5th Group in Vietnam. His duties included serving on A-Camps, MACV SOG, Mike Force Company Commander, and Instructor at MACV Recondo School. He served for a total of six years and five months in Vietnam. After Vietnam, he was assigned once again to the 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) on Okinawa for eighteen months. In April, he was assigned to the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. During the last eight years of military service, he preformed the duties of the Team Sergeant on Operational Detachments. In his opinion, nothing in the Army was greater or more important than the Team Sergeant on an ODA. After retiring from the Army on March 1, 1980, he was an owner/operator of a new Peterbilt truck, leased to trucking companies that specialized in hauling steel and machinery until July 1983. During these three and a half years, he traveled the continental United Sates and visited with his rig all but two of our states. He enjoyed seeing our country from the vantage point afforded him by the cab of his truck. In July 1983, he started work on Camp Mackall as the Range Control Representative. He took an intense interest in the history of Mackall and for the next twenty-seven plus years, he endeavored all but daily to learn the rich history of the “Home of the Airborne during WWII.” He said many times that his service in Vietnam and his time at Camp Mackall defined his life and provided a degree of contentment that few men ever realized. On September 1, 2010, Lowell retired from Civil Service on Fort Bragg with more than forty-seven years of enjoyable service with the Federal government.

Although he did not like to enumerate the awards he received while in the Army, it is customary to do so, so here it goes: Silver Star Medal (three awards), Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal (six awards), Purple Heart (two awards), Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge and a handful of “I was there” awards. He was most proud of his Vietnam Campaign Medal, which indicated that he was awarded sixteen campaigns out of a total of seventeen awarded for the entire Vietnam War.

He is survived by sister, Frances Stevens James and husband, Cecil, of Thomson, Ga.; his wife of over 35 years, Emiko; son, Lowell Jr. and wife, Lauri; daughters, Natalie Stevens and husband, Bart Palmer, and Cheryl Stevens Mericle; two grandsons, Chance Palmer and Brandon Stevens; and two granddaughters, Brooke Stevens and Chasity Palmer, all of Fayetteville, N.C.

Memorial service will be held at 12:30 p.m. Monday, January 31, 2011, at Rogers and Breece Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Sandhills Veterans Cemetery with full military honors.

Service is entrusted to Rogers and Breece Funeral Home, Fayetteville, N.C.

Debra J. Kersey

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Debra J. Mollohan Kersey, 58, of Fairplain, formerly of Nitro, departed from this life after a courageous battle with cancer to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on January 29, 2011.

Mrs. Kersey was a member of Ripley Baptist Temple, where she sang in the choir.

She was born November 27, 1952, in Nitro, and was the daughter of the late James F. and Vida Lee Mollohan.

Mrs. Kersey is survived by her loving husband, Jim Kersey, of 26 wonderful years. She is also survived by her daughter, Ashley Kersey, who she adored and her fiancé Craig Waybright. Debbie had two stepdaughters, with whom she was very close, Nicole King and husband Steve, of Fairplain, and Denise Langmaack and husband Jack of Tampa, Fla.; along with five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. She has one sister, Beverly Mollohan Shahan and husband Dave, of Hedgesville; and two brothers, Michael Mollohan and wife Carol of Pinch, and Gregg Mollohan and wife Cherie of Bullhead City, Ariz. Debbie has four nieces and one nephew.

Mrs. Kersey was a graduate of Nitro High School and WV State College. She retired after 31 years of teaching for the Kanawha County Board of Education. She had a sincere love and concern for her students. She believed every child had potential. After retirement, she worked for WV Birth to Three and mentored future teachers.

Debbie was a wonderful wife, mother, sister, grandmother and aunt to her family and a special one of a kind caretaker for her dog, Maddie, who would not leave her side.

Anyone who knew Debbie knew she loved Myrtle Beach and camping at Summersville Lake.

The Kersey family would like to thank Waybright Funeral Home, Dr. Jubileer, Hospice, our church family and friends who stopped to visit and cook dinner for us throughout the past year.

A special heartfelt thanks to Teresa Brick and her family for their time, love and dedication in taking care of our family. No words can ever express our gratitude. You are not only family, you are an angel.

Dr. James Henson (NHS 1968) named DoD EPSCoR project director

Las Vegas, Nevada // April 21, 2008 -- Dr. James M. Henson was recently selected by the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) Research Affairs Council to act as the Project Director for the Department of Defense Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (DEPSCoR). He will also serve as a member of the NSHE Project Director Council. DEPSCoR is a federally funded program intended to increase research competitiveness in states that historically have not received significant research and development funding from DoD agencies. Nevada is one of 25 states and 2 territories authorized to participate in the program. Federal funding for the program in FY2008 amounted to $15.7 million.

Dr. Henson is the Associate Chair of the Department of Electrical and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Nevada, Reno. Since joining the faculty in 1991 he has served as principal investigator on numerous DoD supported grants and contracts – largely in the area of high resolution military imaging radar simulation and analysis. He has also worked with the Department of the Treasury and the Nevada Gaming Industry in areas related to the deterrence of counterfeit paper currencies. In 2002 he testified, on behalf of the Coalition of DEPSCoR States, before the US Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. Dr. Henson currently has five patents pending in the areas of the fabrication of covert media and 3D imaging radar systems.

As director of the DEPSCoR program, it will be Dr. Henson’s goal “to maximize the number of DEPSCoR research awards for researchers in Nevada and to seek continued congressional support for the DEPSCoR program at large.” According to Dr. Henson, “Not only does the DEPSCoR program help to fund and stimulate research in Nevada, it also provides DoD research laboratories with the seed money needed to stimulate innovative research in small to medium sized universities in the DEPSCoR states.”

Nevada DEPSCoR programs have successfully been awarded over $4 million. The research has been matched with over $2 million from the state and has been critical to increasing involvement in research projects that bring cutting-edge science to the real-world solution of critical issues for DoD. Nevada is the home of many DoD facilities, including Nellis Air Force Base, Fallon Naval Air Station which includes The Naval Surface Warfare Center and the TopGun program, and the Hawthorne Army Ammunition Depot.

For more information regarding the Nevada DoD EPSCoR program, visit www.nevada.edu/epscor

Bruce Frederick Angell

Bruce Frederick Angell, 56, of Nitro passed away Monday, January 17, 2011, at home surrounded by his loving family.

Bruce lived most of his life in Nitro and was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Nitro. Bruce proudly served in the U.S. Army in the 1970s. After leaving the military, he joined the Nitro Police Department in 1978, where he retired in 1990 with a Commendation for Bravery, as a sergeant and shift commander. He spent his retirement enjoying the outdoors, woodworking and storytelling.

Bruce leaves behind his wife and best friend, Dana Angell; their daughter, Meghan Angell; mother, Mabel Angell; sisters, Linda Bonnett and Mary Lois Hall; and a brother, Karl Angell Jr.

He joins in heaven: his father, Karl Angell Sr.; brother, Larry Angell Sr.; and sister, Vicky Angell.

Bruce will be remembered as a strong, sensitive, uniquely humored, and all-round awesome man.

He will be greatly missed and always deeply loved.

January 2, 2011

Four students qualified for the AP Scholars with Honor Award by earning an average grade of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and grades of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams. The Nitro High AP Scholars with Honor Award recipients are current senior, Katelynn Miller; Jacob Randolph, Jessica Roberts and Sarah Williams, all 2010 graduates.

Three students also qualified for the AP Scholar Award by scoring 3, out of a possible 5, or higher on three or more AP exams. The 2010 Nitro High AP Scholars are recent graduates Elizabeth Burdette, April Kahn and Zachary Sizemore.

Carl V. Honaker

Carl V. Honaker, 66, of Nitro went to be with the Lord, December 15, 2010, at his home.

He was the son of the late Clifford and Annabelle Honaker. Carl was an Army veteran and a member of the Masonic Lodge A.F. & A.M. 170 in Nitro. He was an employee of Union Carbide for more than 40 years.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sharon Honaker; son, Carl Victor Honaker Jr. (Dina); daughter, Melissa Honaker Wilson (Brett); son, Brian Honaker; stepsons; Johnny Markham (Melissa), Michael Markham and David Markham; and grandchildren, Caitlyn, Cole, Cylee, Christian, Nathan, Seth, and Kaidynce. He is also survived by his brother, Leonard Ray Honaker (Patricia); and sisters, Beverly Deweese (JR), and Leanore Burdette.

Dana Scott Harris

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Mr. Dana Scott Harris, 47, of Nitro went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, November 27, 2010, after a courageous battle with Multiple Myeloma. He was a Christian and a member of Maranatha Fellowship in St. Albans.

Dana attended Nitro High School and was employed by Kincaid Enterprises of Nitro and BJ Services of Dunbar. He was an avid Nascar fan and a huge Dale Earnhardt fan. He loved Mountaineer football and the New Orleans Saints. He collected guns, pocketknives, watches and Dale Earnhardt memorabilia.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Alex Ryan Harris; and grandparents, George and Lura Harris and Jeannette Winter and Benjamin Trent.

Dana is survived by his wife, Missy Harris; his daughter, Brittany Nicole Harris; his son, Alexander Benjamin Hunter Harris; and their mother, Karen Harris. He is also survived by his stepdaughter, Whitni Nicole Hawley; stepson, Hunter Thomas Hawley; his parents, Rhonda Jean and Adrian "Poodle" Harris; brother, Kevin Harris; sisters, Tara Arnold and Tracy Combs; brothers-in-law, Steve Combs and Mark Arnold; grandfather, Hershel Winter; and many nieces and nephews.

The family expresses a heartfelt thank you to Vickie Bailey, Tim Tomer and Hospice for their care given to Dana.

Amanda Harvey

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Amanda N. Harvey, 27, of Nitro passed away Wednesday, November 17, 2010, at home.

Amanda was a life long resident of Nitro and a 2001 graduate of Nitro High School and a Catholic.

She was preceded in death by father, Raymond Harvey; grandfather, hhe Honorable Robert M. Harvey; grandmother, Alice Maxine Harvey; and uncle, Robert M. Harvey Jr.

Surviving are daughter, Lakota Rae Pauley at home; mother, Debra Arbaugh Harvey of Nitro; grandparents, Ronald and Barbara Arbaugh of Nitro; uncle, Mark Arbaugh of Nitro; aunts, Lisa Wilkinson of Dunbar and Elaine Harvey of Ohio; and a host of family and friends.

Bob Baker

Robert F. “Bob” Baker, 77, of South Charleston died peacefully on October 8, 2010, at Hubbard Hospice House, of pulmonary fibrosis, an incurable lung disease.

Bob was born March 31, 1933, in Killbuck, Ohio. He was a son of the late Raymond and Dorothy Baker.

He was a graduate of Stonewall Jackson High School and Morris Harvey College and an Army Veteran, having served in the Korean Conflict.

Bob was a retired sports writer for The Charleston Gazette with 44 years of service. He retired in 1996, but continued to help former colleague, Domenick “Mickey” Furfari, to cover WVU football games. Bob started out as a newspaper delivery boy and said of his lifelong writing career that he “never wanted to do anything else.”

He was a numbers whiz, recalling game scores from decades ago. When it came to getting the facts, colleague and friend, Skip Johnson, said Bob was “like a vacuum cleaner. He was a very thorough writer.”

Bob covered Mountaineer football and basketball for The Gazette during the Don Nehlen and Gale Catlett eras, and was known for his accuracy and fairness.

One of his most memorable Gazette “leads” was written in 1956: “If motorists approaching the city limits of East Bank yesterday weren't basketball fans, they might have been puzzled by a sign reading: 'East Bank, now West Bank.'

“No, the 1,068 citizens of East Bank haven't officially changed the name of their town. They were just showing their excitement about Jerry West leading East Bank High School to it first state Class A basketball championship at Morgantown Saturday.”

Bob's favorite sport - which he also played in his retirement years - was golf. He recently completed a history of golf in the state. He was one of only four people to receive the England Award from the West Virginia Golf Association for service and dedication to the game of golf. Bob was “a wonderful guy - a great reporter. He wrote what you told him, and never twisted anything,” said Ken Tackett, executive director of the WVGA.

Among those who admired Bob's reporting skills was Barry Evans, the golf pro at Berry Hills Country Club and winner of the state golf championship.

The Rev. Homer Davis was one of Bob's closest friends and a golfing partner. “I am thankful for having experienced life with Bob,” Davis said. “He brought joy to the lives of so many people.”

Known as “Smiley,” in his neighborhood, Bob rarely talked about himself, but instead wanted to know how everyone else was doing. He followed up with lots of questions, making sure to get each person's “story” just right.

He devoted his retirement years to helping others. In addition to giving to several charities, he delivered Meals-on-Wheels for seven years, until his health began to fail.

He was a member of Christ Church United Methodist and a student of the Bible. He read modern versions of the Bible as well as the King James translation and earlier editions. Reverend Shauna Hyde recalled that even as his health declined, “His prayers were never about him. He asked me to pray for his friends.”

Bob was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Stanley.

He is survived by cousins, Kathleen “Kat” Hatcher, Bobby Rollins, Betty Young, Warren Rollins, and Raymond Rollins, all of Florida, and Edison Baker of Ohio.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m., Thursday, October 14, at Christ Church United Methodist Chapel with Dr. Randall F. Flanagan, Dr. Janet Flanagan, and the Rev. Shauna Hyde officiating, and David F. Donathan, organist. Burial will follow in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens with graveside rites.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.

You may send condolences at www.barlowbonsall.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Barlow-Bonsall Funeral Home, Charleston.

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Brian L. Black

Brian L. Black, 34, of Oak Hill died Oct. 10, 2010. Service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 13, at Tyree Funeral Home, Oak Hill. Friends may call one hour prior to service. Burial will be in Settle Cemetery, Wriston.

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Delbert Bostic Sr.

Delbert Bostic Sr., 63, of Renick died Oct. 9, 2010. Service will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 13, at Morgan Funeral Home, Lewisburg. Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday.

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Erma Grace Burgess

Erma Grace Burgess, 81, of South Charleston passed away on October 10, 2010, at Thomas Memorial Hospital.

She was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene, South Charleston. She attended South Charleston High School.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Beatrice Bays; as well as her brother, Thurman Bays.

Erma is survived by her husband, Commodore Burgess; daughters, Sharon Landers, Vickie Harper and Brenda Dunlap; sons, Norman Burgess and Rickie Burgess; grandchildren, Nathan Burgess, George William Landers, Josh Landers, Serena Sanders, Chris Holstein, Kenny Harper, Candace Harper, Samantha Burgess and Erin Burgess; stepgrandchildren, Robbie McCallister and Mindy Stephens; five great-grandchildren; and sister, Joyce Franklin.

A service to honor the life of Erma Grace Burgess will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, October 13, at First Church of the Nazarene, South Charleston, with Pastor Kent Estep officiating. Burial will be in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans.

Family and friends may visit from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston.

Memories of Erma may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary.

Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.

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Edward H. Burls

Edward H. Burls, 71, of Monmouth Junction, N.J., formerly of Charleston, died Oct. 5, 2010. Service will be at James Cole Home for Funerals, Detroit, Mich. Burial will be in Mount Hope Memorial Gardens, Livonia, Mich.

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Emory L. Canterbury

Emory L. Canterbury, 75, of Union died Oct. 10, 2010. Service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 13, at Groves Funeral Home, Union. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday. Burial will be Fairview Cemetery, Keenan.

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Jeanetta R. Carroll

Jeanetta R. Carroll, 67, of Glasgow passed away Saturday, October 9, 2010, at CAMC Memorial Hospital.

She was a cook for the Kanawha County Board of Education. She donated a lot of her time to the Cedar Grove Midget Football League and was a wonderful MaMaw.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles L. Sr. and Gladys Lett Barton; and brothers, Charles L. Barton Jr. and Clarence “Fuzz” Barton.

She is survived by her husband, Arlie Mickey Carroll; daughter, Teyanne M.

Chambers, sons; Rory T. (Anna) Carroll, Eric T. (Susan) Carroll and Willy

Barton; sister, Judith Barton Elswick; seven grandchildren, Tasha( Bobby), Sean (Kari), Erica, Shanna, Andrew, Caitlin and Lily Mae, five great-grandchildren, Tabby, Nolan, Madison, Abby and Zoey, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Services will be 11 a.m. Thursday, October 14, at Cooke Funeral Home Chapel, 600 Old Fort St., Cedar Grove, with Pastor Roy Lyons officiating. Burial will follow the services in Kanawha Valley Memorial Gardens, Glasgow.

Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Condolences may be sent to the family via our Web site: www.cookefuneralhome.com.

Cooke Funeral Home & Crematorium, Cedar Grove, is in charge of arrangements.

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Tina M. Casey

Tina M. Casey, 40, of Mount Alto died Oct. 7, 2010. Service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 16, at Willing Heart Outreach for Christ, Point Pleasant. Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at Deal Funeral Home, Point Pleasant. Burial will be in Kirkland Memorial Gardens

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Basil P. Cool

Basil P. Cool, 90, of Madison died Oct. 8, 2010. Graveside service will be noon Tuesday, Oct. 12, in Fairview Cemetery, Webster Springs. Friends may call prior to the service at Dodd & Reed Funeral Home, Webster Springs.

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Cecil R. Currence

Cecil R. Currence, 85, of St. Albans died October 10, 2010, at St. Mary's Medical Center, Huntington.

Born November 6, 1924, in Akron, Ohio, he was the son of the late, Robert and Mayme Currence. In addition to his parents, Cecil was preceded in death by his wife, Inez L. Hale Currence; sister, Mable Hutchinson; and brother, John Currence.

Cecil was a machinist with TruTemper and served his country with the United States Navy during World War II.

He is survived by his stepchildren, Myles Smith and wife, Carolyn, of Scott Depot, Diane Smith of St. Albans and Sharon Deltedesco of St. Albans; stepgrandchildren, Jennifer Hill and Julie Smith; stepgreat-grandchildren, Logan and Laken Hill; sister, Mary Smalley; nieces, Libby Williams, Linda Gaynor, S.K. Miller, and Terry Young; and nephews, Jerry Smalley and Doug Currence.

Visitation will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday, October 13, at Bartlett-Chapman Funeral Home, 409 Sixth Ave., St. Albans.

The funeral procession will leave the funeral home promptly at 2 p.m. for Sunset Memorial Park, South Charleston, where a graveside service with military rites will be held. Burial will follow in the memorial park.

Visit www.bartlettchapmanfuneralhome.com to share memories or to express condolences.

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Hope Dye

Hope Dye, 57, of Ravenswood died Oct. 11, 2010. Service will be 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 15, at Roush Funeral Home, Ravenswood. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday. Burial will be in Ravenswood Cemetery.

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Jonathan Andrew Foster

Mr. Jonathan Andrew Foster, 25, of Nitro passed away October 9, 2010, due to a motorcycle accident.

Jonathan attended Nitro High School and was a member of North Charleston Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Thomas William and Marjorie Matics Foster and Bill E. Walls.

He is survived by his mother, Joyce Lynn Foster of Nitro; son, Kayden Andrew Foster of Nitro; brother, Jamey Foster of Nitro; aunt, Karen Foster of Nitro; fiancée, Kayla Burdette of Nitro; father, James Clayton Walls of Charleston; grandmother, Sylvia Walls of Charleston; half sister, Misty Shaffer of Charleston; and half brother, Joey Shaffer of Charleston. He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Evelyn Eva Burdette

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Evelyn Eva Burdette, 86, of Cross Lanes went to be with the Lord September 30, 2010.

She was the daughter of the late Grover Cleveland and Emma Phares. She was born December 21, 1923, in Kanawha County.

Evelyn was a Granny for the Foster Grandparent program with Kanawha County schools and loved those children very much.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her sisters, Janette, Louise and Kathleen; brothers, Carl, Ott, Leslie, Walter, Earl, Dick and George; and a grandson, Brian.

She is survived by her children, James Burdette and wife, Dottie, Susan Burdette Lopez and husband, Mike, Rebecca Burdette Jones and husband, Jim, of California and Leslie “Skip” Burdette and wife Marie; and grandchildren, Jay, Kimberly, Tina, Nickie, Jimmy, Tiffany, Clay, Joe, Kasie, Joshua, Jon, Donna and Matthew. Evelyn is also survived by 22 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; and many nieces and nephews.

Blanche L. Cogar

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Blanche L. Cogar of Cross Lanes died Friday, September 17, 2010.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles; and parents, Glenn and Gertie Perwinkle.

She was a 45-year member of First Baptist Church, Nitro. She retired from FMC, Nitro, as an administration secretary with 28 years of service.

She is survived by her daughter, Sharon Cogar Cantrell of Jacksonville, Fla.; son, Terry Cogar; and granddaughter, Jodi Cogar, both of Cross Lanes.

Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, September 22, at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar, with the Rev. Lawrence Hoptry officiating. Burial will follow in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens.

Carney Caldwell

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Carney Caldwell, 86, of Nitro passed away July 30, 2010, at Thomas Memorial Hospital after a short illness.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Lillian Caldwell; and sister, Alma Wooten.

Carney was retired from Union Carbide after 36 years, where he was a lab assistant. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, and a member of Cross of Grace Lutheran Church, Hurricane.

He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Lucille; sons, Thomas Caldwell and his wife Patricia of Griffithsville, and Charles Caldwell and his wife Sally of Durham, N.C.; daughters, Ellen Caldwell Bragg of Nitro, Carolyn Caldwell Martin and her husband John of Charleston, and Debra Caldwell Maddox and Emil Coburn of Doraville, Ga.; 13 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and his pet dog Buford.

Helen Flanagan

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Helen Flanagan, 88, of Nitro passed away Thursday, July 29, 2010, at her residence.

She was a homemaker.

Helen is survived by her loving husband of 68 years, Elbert Flanagan Sr., who retired from the Department of Public Safety as director State Police communications with 37 years of service; daughter and son-in-law, Colleen Flanagan and Dale Nichols of Cross Lanes; son and daughter-in-law, Elbert Flanagan and Sharon Flanagan Jr. of Nitro; and sister, Peggy Jo York of Pensacola, Fla. Also surviving are four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, August 1, at Bartlett-Chapman Funeral Home, St. Albans, with Pastor Richard Corbin officiating. Burial will follow in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens, Cross Lanes.

Otis Lee Parrish

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Mr. Otis Lee Parrish, 25, of Nitro passed away July 25, 2010, in Thomas Memorial Hospital.

Otis is a graduate of Nitro High School and attended Harvest Time Fellowship.

He is survived by his parents, Leo and Adaline Parrish of Nitro; brother, Leo Parrish Jr. of Nitro; and sisters, Misty Parish Miller of Garrets Bend, Doreen Parish Moore of Charleston and Annette Parish Hively of St. Albans.

Ina M. Grant

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Ina M. Grant, 93, of Nitro passed away Friday, July 23, 2010, at Hubbard Hospice House, Charleston.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Cline W. Grant; and son, Dr. Michael A. Grant.

She was a salesclerk for Marrs Jewelry in Nitro. She was a member of the Nitro Church of God.

She is survived by one son, Thomas Gregory Greg Grant (NHS ’68)of Nitro; grandson, Christopher Grant of Fairmont; granddaughters, Susan Grant of Morgantown, and Elizabeth Grant of Fairmont; great-granddaughter, Molly Cook of Morgantown; daughter-in-law, Judy Grant of Fairmont; brother, Jesse Allen Frazier of Red House.

Thanks to Hubbard Hospice House for their excellent care of Ina and her family.

Service will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, July 26, 2010, at Cooke Funeral Home Chapel, 2002 20th Street, Nitro, with the Rev. Stephen Lewis and the Rev. Rob Van Fossen officiating. Burial will follow the service in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans.

Okey Junior Redman

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Mr. Okey Junior Redman, 86, of Cross Lanes passed away at home on July 9, 2010.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 59 years, Helen; his father, Okey W. Redman; and mother, Nona Redman.

He was retired from Kroger after 39 years of service as a warehouse worker. He was a World War II Army veteran and avid stock car racing fan.

He is survived by his three sons, Vernon Redman and wife, Barbara, and Harold Redman of Cross Lanes and Edward Redman and wife, Terrie, of Akron, Ohio; brother, Herbert Redman of South Charleston; and sisters, Betty Smith of Richmond, Va., and Irene Caruther of Charleston. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Benjamin, Jason, Douglas , Harold and Edward Jr. Redman, Beth Legg, Valerie Lemaster, and Tara Garanier.

Darrell Dexter Mullins Jr.

Darrell Dexter Mullins Jr., born January 23, 1951, died unexpectedly on July 3, 2010.

He had attended his high school reunion the prior evening and, by all accounts, had the time of his life. A man of many passions, Dexter loved history, especially the Civil War era, family genealogy and was a lifelong fan and player of baseball, recently playing in a tournament with his team, the Diamondbacks. Among his greatest joys were sharing these passions with his beloved grandsons.

Dexter graduated from Nitro High School and West Virginia State University. Throughout his career, Dexter held positions at Wright Tool and Forge, Packaging Corporation of America and was currently with the Morton Salt Company. He was a friend to all who worked with him.

He was preceded in death by his father, Darrell Dexter Mullins Sr.

He leaves behind his wife of 23 years, Katie (Mudd) Mullins; his children, Jason Mullins, Jamie Mullins (Greg Grimes), Jodie Mullins (Jim Shevel), and John Mullins; stepson, Chris McVay; grandsons, Nathan and Nicholas Grimes; his mother, Patty Mullins; sisters, Denise Mullins, Jenny (Mike) Harp and Amy Carpenter; nieces, Angie Pappas, Emily Mullins, Molly Harp and Ashlee (Charlie) Ash; four great-nephews and one great-niece; and many more family and friends in Ohio and West Virginia.

Dexter never knew a stranger. He was a kind and gentle man with a great wit and sense of humor. He will be greatly missed by all.

Charleen "Renee" Layman

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Charleen “Renee” Layman, 47, of Cross Lanes went to be with the Lord, July 2, 2010, at Hubbard Hospice House after a courageous battle with cancer.

Renee was preceded in death by her father, Charles Burkenbush Badger Jr.; and her grandparents, Charles Burkenbush Senior and Estelle Reams Badger.

She is survived by her loving husband of 23 years, David Layman; and sons, Brandon E. Layman and Jared Ray Layman, both of whom she was very proud. She is also survived by her mother, Donna Badger, who she was very close to and loved dearly.

Renee was a member of Cross Lanes Baptist Church and was very involved at the local high school as a Nitro High School mom and volunteered her time with the band boosters. She loved flowers, horses, her little dog Beau and recently fell in love with the city of New York after visiting it with her family. Renee was an excellent mother, wife and daughter and was a very kind and loving friend.

Jo M. Clendenin Cosgrove

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Jo M. Cosgrove, 45, of Cross Lanes passed away at CAMC Memorial Hospital in the early morning hours of June 28, 2010.

A resident of Cross Lanes for the majority of her 45 years, Jo graduated from Nitro High School in 1983 and WVSU in 1987 with an associate degree in secretarial science. She was employed for the last nine years with the West Virginia Tax Department. She was a parishioner at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in South Charleston. Mom was extremely loving, trusting, and proud of her family, and tried to help everyone she could in any way possible. A beloved mother, wife and friend, she will be greatly missed by all who know her.

She was preceded in death by maternal grandparents, Mildred and Walter Ashley of Belle; paternal grandparents, Mildred and Thomas Housh of Florida; and father, Paul Joseph Clendenin.

Surviving are her husband of 20 years, Daniel Cosgrove; daughters, Kassie and Kayla Cosgrove of Cross Lanes; and mother, Eva Clendenin of Charleston; as well as special aunt and uncle, Jean and Robert Lambert of Kanawha City.

Gloria Jean Balch Johnson

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Gloria Jean Johnson, 69, of Nitro, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, June 18, 2010, at Hubbard Hospice House.

She was born on February 27, 1941, to the late Jim and Reva Balch. Gloria was a graduate of Nitro High School and Capitol City Business College. She retired from WV Workers Compensation after 15 years of service. She was also employed at WV Child Care (Link).

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, James Balch Jr.; and grandson, James Johnson.

Mrs. Johnson is survived by her husband, Richard D. Johnson; son, Courtenay Johnson of Charleston; daughters, Jennifer Johnson, and Jaime Johnson, both of Nitro; grandchildren, Christian Myers, Regan Myers, Logan Myers, Laken Johnson, all of Nitro; godsister, Pauline Rudy of Randallsville, Md.; very special friend, Ruth Plant of Charleston; and godson, John Plant of Point Pleasant.

Class of 1967

Vernon Lee Bailey Sr., 61, of Cross Lanes departed this life on June 14, 2010, to join his Lord and Savior.

He was born on February 14, 1949, in Charleston to Phyllis O'Neill Smith and Homer J Bailey, now deceased.

Vernon leaves behind his wife of 41 years, Bobbie Sizemore Bailey; daughter, Tammi Maguire; son, Vernon Bailey Jr.; grandchildren, Jordan Nicole Bailey and Noah Patrick Maguire; mother, Phyllis O'Neill Smith; stepfather, Hubert Smith; loving brother, Paul E. Bailey; and many dear family members and friends.

Vernon served in the United States Marine Corps from 1969 to 1975. He also enjoyed a very successful career as a sales representative with Thomson Reuters (West Group) for more than 25 years. His outgoing personality ensured he never met a stranger. When he was not working, he loved spending time with his grandchildren and was an avid Mountaineers fan.

Mr. Ronald Daniel Asbury, 51, of Nitro passed peacefully away Saturday, June 12, 2010

Ron was retired from the Department of Human Resources in the donated food warehouse.

Ron was preceded in death by his father, Ronald C. Asbury of Nitro; paternal grandparents, Dan and Sarah Helen Asbury of Eleanor; and maternal grandparents, Elmer H. and Hazel M. Null of Nitro.

Ron is survived by his mother, Lorene Null Asbury of Nitro; son, Daniel Asbury; daughter, Joanna Asbury, both of Lookout; two sisters, Cynthia Asbury and Teresa Siders, both of Nitro; brother, Michael Asbury of Spring Hill, Tenn.; and a multitude of nieces and nephews, who loved him dearly.

George Farley Hayes

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George Farley Hayes, 82, of St. Albans passed away Sunday, June 6, 2010, at home after a long illness.

Born June 10, 1927, in Nitro, he was a son of the late Ruth Ellen Sears Hayes and George Franklin Hayes.

He graduated from Nitro High School in 1945 and served in the United States Naval Air Corps during WWII. In 1952 he earned a BS in business administration from Morris Harvey College and an MBA from West Virginia University in 1973. He retired from Union Carbide Corporation in 1992 with 45 years of service.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife and buddy of 62 years, LaDeema Lou Hayes, who passed away on April 11, 2010; and his brothers, Richard Hayes and Charles Hayes.

He is survived by his daughter, Debra Hayes Smith and her husband, Donald H. Smith, of Henderson, Kentucky; and his son, Monty Bradford Hayes and his wife, Rebecca Hise Hayes, of Kokomo, Indiana. Grandchildren include Dr. Kevin and Brooke Smith of Lexington, Kentucky, Elise M. Smith of Astoria, New York, Donald Ross Smith of Urbana, Illinois, and Christian Rochford Hayes and Matthew Montgomery Hayes of Kokomo, Indiana.

Thomas R. Hayzlett

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Thomas R. “Tom” Hayzlett, 57, of Nitro passed away Wednesday, May 14, 2010, at Thomas Memorial Hospital after a short illness.

Tom was born February 18, 1953. He was preceded in death by his parents, Kyle and Mickey Hayzlett; and brother, Michael Hayzlett.

Tom spent much of his time at the Fas-Chek store in Nitro.

Surviving: his sister and brother-in-law, Judy Hayzlett Raynes and Eddie Raynes; and his brother and sister-in-law, Lester and Debbie Hayzlett, all of Nitro. Several nieces and nephews and several great-nieces and -nephews also survive him.

The family would like to express their love and utmost appreciation to his best friend and buddy, his sister-in-law Debbie. Her love, care and constant devotion to Tom will never be forgotten.

Martha Townson

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Martha Townson, 50, of Charleston passed away on April 20, 2010, at CAMC Memorial Hospital.

She was a longtime resident of Kanawha County and worked as a Cosmetologist with J.C. Penney and Jerry Adkins Salon.

Martha was a graduate of Nitro High School and Charleston School of Beauty Culture.

Martha was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Betty Townson, and a brother, Thomas Townson, III.

She is survived by two brothers, Joseph “Joe” Townson of Dunbar, John Townson of Charleston; various nieces and nephews; and her best friend, Kim Runion of Chapmanville.

The family will meet friends and family from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, April 29, 2010, at Baber-Agee United Methodist Church, Rocky Fork Road, Cross Lanes.

Martha will be sadly missed by all her family and friends.

Halley Brooke Smith

Our beloved earthly angel, Halley Brooke Smith, 23, of Nitro, and Lynchburg, Va., passed away Saturday, April 24, 2010, at home to become our Heavenly angel.

Halley graduated with honors from Nitro High School in 2005. She was a member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta Mathematics Honorary, and a four-year member of the band and color guard.

Halley graduated in May 2009, from Randolph-Macon Women's College Lynchburg, Va., with a Bachelor of Arts degree. She was honored with the Action Research Award in education and the Outstanding Elementary Intern Teaching Award. She consistently made the dean's list during college. Halley was president of the campus Young Republicans, president of the Gamma 13, president of the Student Virginia Education Association, and worked with the women's athletic department announcing basketball games and other activities. Halley was ready to embark upon her lifelong dream of teaching.

She was an active member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Nitro with a dual membership at Peakland United Methodist Church in Lynchburg, Va. Halley served in various leadership capacities for the local and district church.

She was always present for Sunday school, vacation Bible school, Summer Youth Celebration, Fall Workshop and pastored St. Paul's first Saturday Night Live Youth Celebration. She traveled to Nicaragua for Project Chacocente Mission during her sophomore year of high school and made lifelong friends in Christ.

Halley was preceded in death by her grandparents, Margaret Hankins, Brooks and Westine Smith.

Surviving are mother and stepfather, Nancy and John Harrison; her father, Dwain Smith; brothers, James Logan Smith and Kristopher Michael Rader; sisters, Tammy Renee Burdette and Michelle Annette Cutlip; and grandfather, James “Hank” Hankins.

Service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 28, 2010, at St. Paul's United Methodist, 20th Street, Nitro, with the Rev. Mark Smith and the Rev. Nancy White officiating. Burial will follow the service in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens, Cross Lanes.

Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 27, 2010, at St. Paul's United Methodist Church on 20th Street in Nitro.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to our St. Paul's Church family, Halley's cherished Randolph-Macon sisters, Hospice Kanawha Care and the WV Secretary of State's office and all neighbors and friends.

Chris Matthew Cain

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Chris Matthew Cain, 59, of Ntiro passed away Tuesday, April 6, 2010, in Thomas Memorial Hospital after a long illness from his battle with diabetes.

Chris was a graduate of Nitro High School and had worked for Charleston Linen Service. He was a member of Twin City Bible Church, Nitro.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Francis V. Bryant; and a half brother, Edward Toothman.

He is survived by his caregiver and loving Aunt Ally, Alice Eskins and husband, Bob; stepdaughters, Trena and Tabitha; stepson Brian; loving cousins, Linda Scott and husband, Jim, and Van and Lawni Barnett; nephew, Cody; niece, Charmin; stepgrandchildren, Joshua, Dustin, Dylan and Phillip; and stepgreat-grandson, Bryce.

Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, April 9, in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens with Pastor Scott Bandy officiating.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Tyler Mountain Funeral Home, 5233 Rocky Fork Road, Cross Lanes.

E. Wayne Simmons

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Everett Wayne Simmons, 61, of Eleanor passed away Sunday, February 28, 2010, in Winter Springs, Fla., after an apparent heart attack.

Wayne was a graduate of Nitro High School and lived most of his life in West Virginia. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam Conflict and was a former truck driver for Dana Transport. He was a former member of the American Legion and Moose Lodge.

Wayne was preceded in death by his father, Wheeler Simmons; and sister, Cindy Humphreys.

Surviving: son, Andrew Simmons of Eleanor; daughter, Alicia “Cookie” McCarty of Apple Grove; mother, Elsie Simmons of Nitro; brother, Vence Simmons of Winter Springs, Fla.; grandchildren, Daphne and Gabriel; and special friend, Tiger the cat.

Services will be 7 p.m. Friday, March 5, at Cooke Funeral Home Chapel, 2002 20th St., Nitro, with Dr. Lawrence Hoptry officiating. Burial will be Saturday morning in Antioch Cemetery, Red House.

Friends may call two hours prior to the services on Friday at the funeral home in Nitro.

Condolences may be sent to the family via www.cookefuneralhome.com.

Cooke Funeral Home & Crematorium, Nitro, is in charge of arrangements.

Loren Smith

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Loren “Tony” Smith, AKA Big Blue, graced us with his presence from February 4, 1992, thru January 14, 2010.

Tony passed from this earth after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side.

He was a graduate of Andrew Jackson Middle School and attended Nitro High School.

He is survived by his father and mother, Owen and Kellie Plantz; grandfather and grandmother, Ernest and Marian Hooper of Dayton, Ohio; nine brothers and sisters, Andrew, Kristie, Renee', Dakota, Clarke, Nikki, Jason, John and Kala; as well as many aunts; uncles; and cousins.

Service will be held at noon Tuesday, January 19, 2010, in the chapel of Tyler Mountain Funeral Home and Memory Gardens, 5233 Rocky Fork Road, Cross Lanes.

Kimberly Price Ancion

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Kimberly Dawn Price Ancion, 38, of Clayton, N.C., formerly of Cross Lanes, died Friday, Jan. 22, 2010, at the E. Carlton Powell Hospice Center, Lillington, N.C., after battling breast cancer for almost seven years.

She was an autoCAD designer in both West Virginia and North Carolina before her illness prevented her from working, and was a member of Hocutt Memorial Baptist Church, Clayton, N.C.

She was a graduate of Nitro High School and attended the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colo., after high school. She was a graduate of the autoCAD program at Ben Franklin Vocational Center, Dunbar, and later taught autoCAD design there on a part-time basis before moving to North Carolina.

Kim died surrounded by her family and friends. Even in her final days, she never lost the boundless strength, determination and sense of humor that characterized her entire life. She is desperately missed by all those who knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Don and Edna McCormick; and paternal grandfather, Darrell Wayne Price, all of Cross Lanes.

She is survived by her husband, Sam Ancion; son, Alexander Norman; and stepdaughters, Hannah and Sierra Ancion, all of Clayton, N.C.; mother and stepfather, Reda and Bill Perry of Sherman; father and stepmother, Wayne and Sharon Price of Cross Lanes; paternal grandmother, Alma Withrow Price of Cross Lanes; brother, Jonathan Price of Charleston; stepbrothers, Jonathan Perry of Sumter, S.C., Kristopher Perry of Ravenswood, Benjamin Perry of Fort Bliss, Texas, and Trey Flemming of Fleetwood, Pa.; and stepsisters, Alicia Hurley of Martinsburg and Edie Taylor of Dili, East Timor.

Kim's family wishes to thank the physicians and staff of the oncology department at Duke Raleigh Hospital, Raleigh, N.C., and the staff and volunteers at the E. Carlton Powell Hospice Center for the care they provided her as she fought her illness.

The family also wishes to express its gratitude to Kim's church family, including Donna Creech, Stephanie Hall, Allison Prescott, Dee Mozingo, Amanda Outcalt, Keitha Johnson, Amy Williams and Ellen Hewitt, for their prayers, generosity and support during Kim's life and final days.

In accordance with Kim's wishes, her body has been cremated and her ashes will be scattered on her family's land in Cross Lanes.

A memorial service will be conducted at 6 p.m. Friday, January 29, at First Baptist Church, 311 16th St., Dunbar, with the Rev. Thomas Stevens and the Rev. Steve Roy officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Camp Kesem, a summer camp program for the children of families affected by cancer, at www.campkesem.org.

http://www.wboy.com/story.cfm?func=viewstory&storyid=73928
Police Search for Missing Charleston Woman
Posted Friday, January 22, 2010 ; 07:30 PM
Updated Friday, January 22, 2010; 09:16 PM


Deborah Gardner-Ringwald, 60, was last seen around 12 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 21. Her vehicle is also missing.

CHARLESTON -- The Charleston Police Department are searching for Deborah Gardner-Ringwald, 60. She has been missing from her residence on Hillcrest Drive on the West side of Charleston. She was last seen on Thursday, Jan. 21 and has not shown up or called her job at the W.Va. Regional Jail Authority in Charleston, according to the Charleston Police Department.

Gardner-Ringwald's vehicle is also missing from her residence. Her vehicle is a 1993 Oldsmobile 98, cream or gold in color.

There is no sign of forced entry at her residence but Gardner-Ringwald does have a medical condition which requires medication. Her medication, along with money and her cell phone, were left at the residence, according to the Charleston Police Department,.

She is a white female, 5-feet, 5-inches tall, and is about 300 pounds. She also has short brown hair.

If anyone has information as to Mrs. Gardner-Ringwald’s whereabouts, they are encouraged to call 911 or the Charleston Police Department at (304) 348-6428.

http://wvgazette.com/News/201001250429

Missing woman found dead in Kanawha River
By Kathryn Gregory
Staff writer
January 25, 2010

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- A missing Charleston woman was found dead in a partially submerged car in the Kanawha River near Dunbar Saturday night after an apparent suicide.

Deborah Gardner-Ringwald, 60, was found Saturday night after her car was seen floating in the river about 8:30 p.m.

According to Sgt. Autumn Davis with the Charleston Police Department, Gardner-Ringwald is the victim of an "apparent suicide drowning." Davis said it is likely she drove her car into the river at the boat ramp in Dunbar behind the Kroger plaza.

"There's nothing blocking that ramp. It's public access," she said. "So she didn't have to break any barriers or anything."

Scanner traffic Saturday night indicated that there was a last will and testament found in the vehicle, but Davis said she could not comment on that.

"There were circumstances surrounding the instance that led us to believe it was a suicide, but that's all I can say," she said.

Gardner-Ringwald was reported missing last week after she did not show up for work.

Davis said officers could not tell how long she had been dead.

No foul play is suspected, however police are sending her body to the medical examiner for an autopsy

Leslie Neil Oliver

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Leslie Neil Oliver passed away on January 4, 2010, in Plano, Texas, surrounded by family members.

Neil was a faithful husband, father, grandfather, son and brother. Born in Logan, Neil grew up in Cross Lanes, W.Va. He graduated from Nitro High School and went on to West Virginia State College. He served proudly in the United States Army during the Viet Nam era within STRATCOM in Arizona, where he was part of the 21 Gun Salute Detail and later served in Italy. Neil began working with AT&T as a 411 operator and continued with Verizon, where he worked in both residential and commercial installation, becoming a cable technician. He was with them for 30 years, most of which was in Fairfax County, Va. He dearly loved our country and its founding principles. He loved Ronald Reagan. He was an avid NASCAR fan, a lifelong West Virginia Mountaineer football fan, loved the Outer Banks for vacation, warm weather, and was thrilled to move to Texas, where he felt so welcomed by everyone, especially Family Worship Center and the Serendipity group, of which he was a proud member and where he felt so loved.

Neil is survived by his wife of 40 years, Liz Oliver; son, Stephen Neil of McKinney, Texas; daughters, Maggie Thompson and husband, Sean, and Taylor Schumacher and husband, Joshua, all of Willow Grove, Pa.; grandchildren, Meghan, Catherine, Mary and Baby Thompson and Joshua, Theresa, Ethan and Henry Schumacher; parents, Calvin and Ruby Oliver of Cross Lanes, W.Va; brothers, Gregory Oliver, recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Silver Star, and wife, Sheila, and Gary Dean Oliver of Cross Lanes, W.Va.; sisters, Paula Parsley and husband, Jon, of Winter Haven, Fla., and Leigh Ann Gurley and husband, Allen, of Dunbar, W.Va.; and 12 nieces and nephews; as well as many friends.

Neil leaves a legacy of integrity and honesty, which will endure.

Memorial services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 9, at the Family Worship Center, 120 Tickey Drive, Princeton, Texas. Internment will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, January 14, in Quantico National Cemetery, Triangle, VA.

From Nov. 2008 Gazette article:

Hannah Elizabeth Fisher graduated with high honors from Nitro High School in May 2007. She now attends West Virginia University Institute of Technology, where she maintains a 4.0 grade point average in the electrical engineering program. She earned 21 college credit hours in high school and was awarded the AP Scholar with Honor Award. Fisher received the Promise Scholarship, West Virginia Resident Freshman Scholarship Level I, West Virginia Engineering, Science and Technology ..

Sharon Gribble (NHS 68)’s father:

Lonnie Junior Gribble

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Mr. Lonnie Junior Gribble, 80, of Poca passed away January 10, 2010, at home.

Mr. Gribble was retired from Union Carbide with 41 years of service and was a United States Marine Corps veteran, serving during the Korean Conflict.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mrs. Garnet Eileen Reveal Gribble; daughters, Sharon Gribble Holley of Milton and Kimberly Gribble of Columbus, Ohio; and two grandchildren, Dr. Aaron Keith Holley of Lexington, Ky., and Sara Holley of Milton.

The family will receive friends from noon until 1 p.m. Tuesday, January 12, 2010, at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home. Private entombment will follow in Haven of Rest Memory Gardens and Crematorium, Red House.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to HospiceCare, 1606 Kanawha Blvd. W., Charleston, WV 25312.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.hardingfamilygroup.com.

CHARLESTON -- Richard L. Slater's career didn't take the direction he thought it would when he started college.

He had planned to be a doctor, but that was before his first physiology course and his first time dissecting a frog.

"When I cut the frog, it didn't go well for me internally, and I decided at that point I needed to do something different," he said. "It seemed a little easier at the time to put numbers on paper than to cut things up."

Slater instead majored in accounting. It turned out to be a wise career move. He is now a corporate tax consultant and managing member of Dixon Hughes West Virginia. He is one of the pre-eminent tax advisers in the market and involved in a wide range of activities outside his career, including serving as vice chairman of the West Virginia Economic Development Authority, second only to Gov. Joe Manchin.

Slater, 41, is a West Virginia native, having worked his way up from the sub-zero ice cream freezers of Valley Bell Dairy Co. in Charleston to a corner office with a commanding view of the city from near the top of the Chase Tower.

That summer high school job with Valley Bell was a wake-up call. Slater would get up at 2 a.m. to go to work, where he would put on protective clothing to endure 35-below-zero temperatures. Workdays lasted 13 hours.

The experience solidified in his mind that he needed to do "something different" from then on. His parents also drummed in his head the value of hard work.

"We came from what was probably a lower middle-class background," he said. "I was always motivated growing up to do something a little bit better and establish a good life for my family, and my parents helped me instill that mindset and instill the confidence I could do those things."

Slater grew up in Cross Lanes and graduated from Nitro High School. He earned a bachelor's degree in accounting from Marshall University and after graduation was hired as a staff accountant at Ernst & Young.

He left Ernst & Young in 2004 to join Simpson & Osborne, where he was CEO. The company merged with Dixon Hughes in 2007, which is now the largest certified accounting firm in West Virginia and one of the largest nationwide.

Dixon Hughes employs 100 people throughout West Virginia. While other companies have been shedding jobs during the economic downturn, the firm under his leadership has hired about 30 new employees during the past year.

Not that the firm hasn't been touched by the current economic downturn, Slater said the business climate has made it important for the staff to streamline wherever possible. Managers will only bring on new people if they're relatively sure those new people will work out.

"During big boom times, you can probably take more risks on people and new ways of doing things," he said. "During leaner times, you have to be a little surer about yourself, and that calls for tremendous leadership, and I'm lucky to have a great group of partners here with me that help me lead and help navigate the waters."

The firm also continues to take on trainees. This summer it hired 10 summer interns from both Marshall and West Virginia University.

Slater said he takes great pride in working with young people to develop their job skills, naming it as one of the things he is most proud of professionally. He also actively encourages them to seek out leadership opportunities in their organizations and communities.

"We're trying to say you don't have to be 50 or 60 to be in the leadership of an organization," he said.

As vice chairman of the Economic Development Authority, Slater is one member of a Board of Directors that oversees state loans to business people across the state to spur commercial and industrial development. Manchin also appointed him as a commissioner of the West Virginia Industrial Council and the West Virginia Pension Bond Advisory Commission.

Other honors and appointments include chairman of the Competitiveness Task Force for West Virginia Roundtable Inc.; chairman of Project IGNITE; a board member for West Virginia Golf Charities; chairman of the Putnam County Development Authority; president of Energy Village; chairman of tax modernization and finance development for Vision Shared; a member of the WVU Accounting Advisory Board; and a member of the Board of Directors for the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra.

Considering himself a proud Marshall graduate, Slater has given back to his alma mater. He is the chairman of Marshall's Lewis College of Business and, in 2008, Slater and other Dixon Hughes executives helped the accounting department become one of only 169 programs in the world to be accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

In addition, Marshall's Beta Alpha Psi honor fraternity recently named Slater "Executive of the Year".

Marshall isn't the only recipient of his generosity. He single-handedly developed the Passion & Excellence Scholarship for Dixon Hughes, which is awarded to outstanding accounting majors at both Marshall and WVU each year, and he and his staff regularly donate time and resources to the professional development of accounting students in universities throughout the state.

He recently gave a presentation to students from the WVU College of Business & Economics on the fundamentals of interviewing, and he has served as a judge for the 2006, 2007 and 2008 Statewide Business Plan competition of the WVU Entrepreneurship Center.

In his personal life, he is married to Tina Slater, and they have two daughters, Tori, 15, and MacKenzie, 10.

As for the future, his goal is simple: Stay happy.

"Right now, I'm pretty happy, and I hope in five or 10 years to be happy on a personal level," he said. "And that happiness comes from a lot of things: the quality time you have with your family; the quality time you have with the people of the state of West Virginia; the people in the community; and the people, certainly, in my business."

____________________________________________________________________-

James Shaffron

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James Shaffron, 27, of Nitro went to be with the Lord on Saturday, November 7, 2009.

James worked as a laborer for Central Construction Company, St. Albans. He attended Nitro High School and received his GED.

He was a loving husband and father. He coached his stepson's, T-ball and basketball teams. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

James is survived by his loving wife, Jessica Shaffron of Nitro; daughter, Halie Weberg; son, Braxton Shaffron; stepchildren, Jacquline and Charles Stapleton; parents, Andrew Shaffron of Scott Depot and Sarah Winn; grandmother, Evelyn Trent Shaffron; sister, Leslie Shaffron of Scott Depot; brother, Wesley Shaffron of Scott Depot; many aunts and uncles; and lots of friends.

Thomas E. "TJ" Clark Jr.

“TJ” Thomas E. Clark Jr., 24, of Nitro passed away suddenly at home on September 26, 2009.

“TJ" was a graduate of Nitro High School, a former employee of Tri-State Racetrack, and had just recently enlisted in the U.S. Army.

He is the son of Thomas E. Clark Sr. and wife Connie of Poca and Kimberly Ring and husband Neal of Scott Depot. He is also survived by paternal grandparents, William and Doris Clark Sr. of Nitro; maternal grandparents, James and Sherry Werhle of Cross Lanes; and several other extended family members.

Services for “TJ” will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, September 30, 2009, in the chapel of Tyler Mountain Funeral Home and Memory Gardens with Pastor Larry Young officiating. Private family burial will follow.

There will be a gathering of family and friends from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home, 5233 Rocky Fork Road, Cross Lanes, WV 25313.

You may express online condolences at tylermountainfuneralhome.com.

Mary Anna Plumley

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Mary Anna Plumley, 85, of Cross Lanes went home to be with the Lord on September 7, 2009, at Hubbard Hospice House after a long illness.

She was born October 14, 1923. She was a homemaker and a member of First Baptist Church of Tyler Mountain. Mary was known to many as “Big Mama” when she operated the base radio for the Community Watch in Tyler Mountain/Cross Lanes. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star Nitro Chapter 153 and she and her husband were charter members of the Nitro Antique Car Club.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Fleet and Anna Summers; a brother, Beverly Summers; and a sister, Faye Wilson McCoy.

She is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Denvil Plumley; and four children: daughter, Virginia Plumley Martin and husband, David, and sons, Freddie Plumley and Thomas Plumley and wife, Linda, all of Cross Lanes, and David Plumley and wife, Libby, of Poca. Also surviving are grandchildren, Annette Good and husband, Raymond, and David Martin and wife, Rebekah, all of Cross Lanes, Anna Plumley of Morgantown, and David Plumley II of Poca; stepgrandchild, Shannon Wallace of Sissonville; great-grandchildren, Joshua, Rachel, Matthew and Joseph Good; stepgreat-grandchildren, Lillian O'Dell and Samantha Wallace.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to those who have helped to care for their wife, mother and Maw Maw: the staff at Thomas Memorial and Charleston Memorial ERs; 3rd Floor East nursing staff; Mary Ann and Cliff “George” Harrison; Hubbard Hospice House and staff members, Carmen Mayhew and Dorletta Harriston; and our long time doctor and friend, F. Scott Moore.

The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, September 10, at Tyler Mountain Funeral Home, 5233 Rocky Fork Road, Cross Lanes. There will be an Eastern Star service conducted at 7:30 p.m.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday in the chapel of Tyler Mountain Funeral Home and Memory Gardens with Pastor John Bodine and Pastor Clarence Hutton officiating. Interment will follow in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens.

The family will also receive friends again one hour prior to the service.

You may express online condolences at tylermountainfuneralhome.com.

Mary Winters, NHS 1954

Mary A. Criner

Obituary

Mary A. Criner (nee Winters), 72, of Avon, passed away Friday, January 16, 2009 at EMH Regional Medical Center in Elyria, following a long illness. She was born in Cabin Creek, West Virginia August 1, 1936.

Mrs. Criner was a Lorain County resident for 15 years. She was a 1954 graduate of Nitro High School in Nitro, West Virginia. She was a homemaker. Mrs. Criner was a member of LaGrange Church of God and of the T.O.P.S. group of North Ridgeville. She enjoyed spending time with her granddaughter, camping, fishing, sewing and quilting. She was also an avid Cleveland Indians fan.

Mrs. Criner is survived by her husband of 50 years, Jim; son, Danny Criner (Anna) of Elyria; daughter, DeLinda Dennison of Bellevue; granddaughter, Andrea Dennison of Bellevue; sisters, Gladys of West Virginia, Shirley of North Dakota, and Dorothy and Brenda, both of Columbus; and brothers, Danny of New Jersey and Carl, John, James, Hershel and Charles, all of West Virginia.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Emmit and Ruby (nee Washington) Winters; and sisters, Laurie and Reba.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 P.M. Monday, January 19, 2009 at the Liston Funeral Home, 36403 Center Ridge Rd., North Ridgeville. Funeral services will be at 11 A.M Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at the funeral home, with Rev. Danny Wright, Pastor of LaGrange Church of God, officiating. Burial will be at Resthaven Memory Gardens in Avon.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions, in her memory, be made to LaGrange Church of God, 450 N. Center St., LaGrange, OH 44050.

Dustin David Conway

Dustin David Conway, 14, of Cross Lanes passed away Monday, January 19, 2009.

Dustin was a ninth grader at Nitro High School, a member of the Air Force Junior ROTC, and had played football and wrestled when he attended Andrew Jackson Middle School. He also loved to hunt and fish and spend time outdoors.

Dustin was preceded in death by his Pawpaw, Kenny Smith, and great-grandparents, Kermit Conway and Ralph and Eunice Null.

Dustin is survived by his mother and stepfather, Karrie and Travis Bryant of Cross Lanes; his father, Alan Conway of Poca; his sisters, Kori Conway and Amber Bryant of Cross Lanes and Cassie Bryant of Montgomery; his brothers, Charlie Conway and Curtis Conway of Liberty; his grandparents, Ralph and Susie Cobb of Cross Lanes, Roy Conway and Shirley Stowers of Red House, Pam Smith and Mark White of Nitro and Jim and Bobi Bryant of Charleston; great-grandmother, Lillian Conway of Red House; his nephew, Dalton Conway; his aunts and uncles, Kristie and Brian Newman of Cross Lanes, Kimea and Kenny Stephens of Cross Lanes, Tina and Ritchie Smith of Teays Valley and Tiffany and Chuck Ware of Greenville, S.C.; several cousins; and a host of friends.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Kristie Newman.


Stan M. Gray

Mr. Stan M. Gray, 44, of Winfield passed away February 5, 2009.

Stan was a devoted husband and father. He was an employee of Mattress Warehouse and attended Winfield United Methodist Church. Stan was a 1982 graduate of Nitro High School and a graduate of the University of Charleston. He loved to hunt, fish and was a dedicated Mountaineers fan. He loved spending time with his wife and children and being involved in all their activities.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Betty Gray; and brother, Gary Gray.

He is survived by his wife of 18 years, Mrs. Angela J. Gray; two children, Brian Michael Gray and Brittany Jill Gray, both at home; father-in-law, Otis Stephens of Hometown; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Debbie and Gary Loudermilk of Poca; and sister-in-law, Sandy Gray of Hurricane. Stan is also survived by his nieces and nephews; and other family and friends.

A tribute to the life of Stan M. Gray will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, February 9, 2009, at Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Jim Richards officiating. Burial will follow in Haven of Rest Memory Gardens.

Karen Lynn Mallett Akau, 60, of Nitro passed away April 9, 2009, in Thomas Memorial Hospital of complications from heart disease.

Lynn was born May 19, 1948, and was a daughter of the late Junior and Lois Wooten-Mallett. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Allen, Terry and Phillip “Butch”; and her former husband, Lawerence R. Akau Jr.

She is survived by her beautiful daughter, Jessica Keala Carter and her husband, Bruce Wayne Carter; her precious grandchildren, Desiree' Chanel Keala Akau, Danielle Leilani Carter and Bruce Kalani Carter; and her sister, Robin L. Mallett. Lynn is also survived by her longtime best friends, Susan, godmother to Jessica, and Jeani Hurley; longtime friend, Tony; nieces, Kelsea Mallett of Nitro, Rebecca Lavigne of Ravenswood, Rachel Lavigne of Sandyville and Sarah Mallett of Conway, S.C.; nephews, Ben Robinson of Cross Lanes, Matthew Hundley of St. Albans, James Mallett of Charleston and Jarrett Mallett of Hawaii; cousins and other family members; friends; and co-workers at Tri- State Racing and Gaming Center, where she worked for 24 years.

She will truly be missed by all who knew and loved her. Lynn loved cats and could not turn away a stray.

Lynn was a 1966 graduate of Nitro High School and attended West Virginia State College, Institute. She was a former stewardess of Eastern Air Lines in Miami, Fla., which allowed her to travel around the world. While visiting Hawaii she met her husband, Larry, where they had a beautiful traditional Hawaiian wedding and lived in Honolulu until her return to West Virginia in 1984.

The family would like to thank the staff of Thomas Memorial Hospital and her private nurses, Heather and Scott, for their compassion and care while she was in ICU.

Lynn chose to be cremated.

A memorial service will be held in her honor at 7 p.m. Monday, April 13, Gatens-Harding Funeral Home Chapel.

Family and friends may visit one hour prior to the service.

Joseph F. Mattox

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Joseph F. Mattox, 83, of Teays Valley, formerly of Nitro and Eleanor, passed away Thursday, September 24, 2009, at the Angel Avenue Assisted Living Home after a long illness.

Joe was retired from Monsanto Chemical Company with over 43 years of service. He was a U.S. Navy WWII veteran and an active member of the Nitro Church of God. Joe was a graduate of Nitro High School with the class of 1945.

His wife, Pauline A. Hudson Mattox, preceded him in death.

Surviving: son, Dr. Joseph E. Mattox (Joe Mattox NHS ’68) and his wife, Elva, of Frostproof, Fla.; daughters, Maxine Igarta and her husband, the Rev. Steve Igarta, of Red Bluff, Calif., Doloris Erlewine and her husband, Clint, of Nitro and Joyce Hall and her husband, David, of Point Pleasant; brothers Paul and Robert Mattox, both of Nitro; sisters, Mildred Sayre of Nitro, Christine Williams of Texas, Betty Sleight of California, Rosalee Adams of North Carolina, and Opal Shelton of Florida; 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Services will be 11 a.m. Monday, September 28, at the Nitro Church of God 15th Street and 2nd Avenue, Nitro, with the Rev. Rob VanFossen officiating. Burial will follow the services in Beech Grove Cemetery, Eleanor.

Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the Nitro Church of God.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the HEART Missionary Training Institute, 13895 Highway 27, Lake Wales, FL 33859, or Nitro Church of God, 15th Street and 2nd Avenue, Nitro, WV 25143.

Condolences may be sent to the family via our Web site: www.cookefuneralhome.com.

Cooke Funeral Home and Crematorium, Nitro, is in charge of arrangements.