Braxton Citizens' News, Obituaries, The Braxton Democrat

Obituaries

William Burl “Punk” Hamner
William Burl “Punk” Hamner, 69, passed away at his home in Mansfield, Ohio, on Tuesday, January 3, 2023. He was born on July 19, 1953, in Columbus, Ohio. He was the son of the late Leonard “Jack” and Lenora (Perry) Hamner and the grandson of the late Alva and Pearl (Blankenship) Hamner of Newville, West Virginia.
Punk retired in 2012 from Stanley Miller Construction and was a member of Laborers Local Union 1216 for 37 years. An outdoor enthusiast who greatly enjoyed hunting and fishing, he was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association of America (NRA). He was a die-hard Pittsburgh Steelers fan and enjoyed NASCAR.
Bill, as he was also known, is survived by his wife of 48 years, Donna (Burnworth) Hamner, daughter Juli (Dave) Lambert; two sisters Virginia “Sis” (Sam Jackson) of Little Birch, West Virginia, and Evelyn (Randy) Luzader of Flatwoods, West Virginia; two nephews Allen Jackson of Little Birch, and Bryon (Melonie) Luzader and great-nephew J.D. and great-niece Percie of Weston, West Virginia.
The Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors in Mansfield, Ohio, is honored to serve the Hamner family during this time of grief. Words of condolence may be expressed at www.wappner.com.

Della Cutlip Long
Della Cutlip Long, 101, of Flatwoods, went home to be with the Lord on January 18, 2023 at her residence.
She was born June 14, 1921 in Birch River, the daughter of the late Thornton W & Mary Earnestine Loving Burrough. Also preceding her in death was her 1st husband, Tida Cutlip, 2nd husband, Orval Long; sister, Eloise Hines; brother, Lacy Elmer Burrough; step daughter, Mary Long; step son, Johnny Long.
Della was a loving homemaker, a former cashier for Sutton Foodland and was a Baptist by faith.
She is survived by her sons, Earl Cutlip (Joann) of Philippi, WV, Carl Cutlip (Martha) of Gassaway, WV; daughter, Judith Ann Barcus (Phil) of Cincinnati, OH; sister, Yvonna Sergent of Warrenton, VA; 5 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren; 2 step grandchildren and 5 step great grandchildren.
The family would like to thank her caregivers, Nova Sandy, Evelyn Fraley and Roberta Kuhl.
Funeral services were held 1:00 pm, Saturday, January 21, 2023 at Greene-Robertson Funeral Home, Sutton with Rev. Rich Demastus officiating. Burial followed at Braxton Memorial Cemetery, Airport Rd. Sutton. Friends called 11:30 till 1 pm at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers family suggests donations be made to: WV Hospice Caring, P.O. Box 323 Burnsville, WV 26335.
Greene-Robertson Funeral Home is humbly serving the Cutlip/Long families.
Online condolences may be sent to: greene-Robertsonfuneralhome.com

Ronnie Lee Ray
Ronnie Lee Ray, 65 of Cowen passed away Tuesday, January 17, 2023 at Webster Nursing and Rehab. Ronnie was born September 2, 1957 in Webster Springs and was the son of the late Virgil and Carol Barbe Ray. Along with his parents he was preceded in death by a brother Roger Ray.
Ronnie was a former employee of the Cowen PSD. He was a 1977 graduate of Webster County High School where he played football. Ronnie also coached little league football, baseball and basketball. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, was an avid Washington Redskins fan and loved his grandchildren.
Surviving are his sons; Chris (Rachel Stuart) Ray of Philippi and Corey (Sheena) Ray of Craigsville; grandchildren Wade Lewis, Ensley Ray, and Triston Simmons; sister; Judy Lynch of Webster Springs, brothers; Terry Ray of Upperglade, Craig Ray and Randall Ray both of Cowen, and also Rod Ray and his wife Shawna of Princeton; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family and friends to mourn his passing.
Funeral Services to celebrate Ronnie’s life were held on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 1:00 PM at Adams-Reed Funeral Home, Cowen with Brother Larry Armentrout. Interment followed in Johns Cemetery, Givens Run, Upperglade.
Friends joined the family for visitation two hours prior to service time at Adams-Reed Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.adamsreedfh.com.
Adams-Reed Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Ray family.

Richard Eugene Jeffers
Richard Eugene Jeffers, 53, of Walkersville, passed away on January 13, 2023, at Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital in Weston.
Richard was born in Hurricane, WV, on August 1, 1969, a son of Robert Eugene Jeffers and the late Donna Jean Thacker. In addition to his mother, Richard was preceded in death by his step-father, Donald Pitts.
Forever cherishing their memories of Richard are two siblings: Eric Arnold and wife, Leann, of Walkersville, and Casey Kerr of Braxton County; two nieces: Shae Arnold and Catlynn Pitts; and four nephews: Sean Arnold, Jacob Kerr, Triston Arnold, and Bryce Arnold.
Richard was previously employed with Little Caesars several years ago. He loved spending time at home. Richard enjoyed listening to music and watching scary movies, especially “Friday the 13th”, and “The Dukes of Hazard”. He will be deeply missed by all who loved and cared for him.
Richard’s request for Cremation has been honored at Pat Boyle Funeral Home’s On-Site Crematory. A Private Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date.
We, at Pat Boyle Funeral Home and Cremation Service located at 144 Hackers Creek Rd. in Jane Lew, are honored and privileged to serve the family of Richard Eugene Jeffers. Online condolences may be expressed at www.PatBoyleFuneralHome.com.

Marvin Wayne Cogar
Marvin Wayne Cogar, 64 of Webster Springs passed away on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at his home. He was born March 29, 1958 in Buckhannon to the late Ballard Jack and Patricia Ann Cogar.
Marvin attended the Jumbo Community Church and was Christian by faith. He was a former coal miner; a member of the Diana Volunteer Fire Department for over 40 years and the Sugar Creek Sportsman Association Hunting Club; he loved his cat; loved to hunt, fish, and play cards and shoot pool with his friends Zack Cogar and Hunter Davis; and enjoyed helping with the Webster County WoodChopping Festival.
In addition to his parents Marvin was preceded in death by his wife Gladys Cutlip Cogar and step-sons Michael and Jeffrey Gum.
Marvin is survived by his brother Stephen Cogar; sisters Jane (Bill) Lengacher and Anita (Denver Stubbs) Hiley; step-son Mark Gum; step-daughter Lisa Clutter; 3 step-grandchildren; 1 step-great-granddaughter; several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins; and many extended family and friends to mourn his passing.
Friends joined the family for visitation on Tuesday, January 17, 2023 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM at Dodd & Reed Funeral Home, Webster Springs. Funeral Services were held on Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at 1:00 PM at Dodd & Reed Funeral Home with Pastor Sam Gray officiating. The Diana Volunteer Fire Department led the procession to Dave Cogar Sugar Creek Cemetery, Webster Springs where Marvin was laid to rest beside his parents.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.doddreedfh.com.
Dodd & Reed Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Cogar family.

Bessie Lea Chapman
Bessie Lea Chapman, 93, of Gassaway, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 12, 2023, at her home surrounded by family. Bessie was born on May 15, 1929, to the late Riley A. and Nellie Gay (Lancaster) Sears.
She started working at the Bank of Gassaway at a young age as a bookkeeper and retired after working there many years. She was a member of Sugar Creek Baptist Church, Gassaway, WV, where she attended when able.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Ray Chapman.
Bessie was a devoted wife and special, loving mother to her daughter, Sheila. Bessie enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom she adored very much. When she was younger, she enjoyed singing with her Aunt Ruby (Rollyson) Bollinger in churches and community gatherings. Her favorite song was, “It Is Well With My Soul”. She also enjoyed going to WVU football games with her husband and traveling to various states in their motor home. Her favorite pastimes were collecting angel figurines and caring for her canary, Tweetie, and her fish. She also enjoyed making jewelry.
Bessie is survived by her daughter, Sheila (Bill) Powers, Gassaway; granddaughters, Dawn Rae (David) Smith, Athens, WV, and Allison (Doug) Beall, Normantown, WV; great-grandchildren, Kennedy Smith, Beckley, WV; Brody, Joel, Brooklyn, and Leland Ray Beall, Normantown, WV; and several nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her brother, Ronald “Don” Sears, Merritt Island, Florida. She will also be missed by her Pomeranian dog, King.
A special thank you to the Braxton County Senior Center for providing meals; caregiver, Shirley Wilson; WV Caring Hospice Center nurses, Kim Harris, Kim Garrison, Christina Loudin, and Tabitha Deal, CNA.
Private family services were held.
The family would like to give a special thank you to Roach Funeral Home, Gassaway, WV.
Words of comfort and fond memories may be extended to the family at www.roachfuneralhome.com.

Wilbur Harold Hoard
Wilbur Harold Hoard, 72, of Sutton, passed away on January 20, 2023 at his residence.
He was born August 25, 1950 Sutton, the son of Clyde & Mary Elsie Kelly Hoard. Also preceding him in death was his infant daughter, Marlena Hoard; brothers, James Hoard, John Hoard, Camden Lee Hoard; brother-in-laws, Ray Powers, Lefty Beihl.
Harold worked for product Distributor for 30 years. Then took the business and changed it to H &H Tire, Little Birch.
He is survived by his loving wife, Linda Kay Flint Hoard; son, Harold Hoard (Jessica Grose) of Little Birch; sisters, Anna Mae Morrison (John) of Little Birch, Betty Jo Powers, Jean Beihl both of Ohio; brother, Billy K Hoard of Little Birch; nephew, David Propst (Brittney-Zoey) of Exchange.
Funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm, Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at the Greene-Robertson Funeral Home in Sutton with the Rev. Ray Teets and Rev. Linn Schiefer officiating. Burial will follow in the Braxton Memorial Cemetery, Airport Rd. Sutton. Friends may call from 11:30 till 1:00 pm at the funeral home.
Greene-Robertson Funeral Home, Sutton is honored to be serving the Hoard family.
Online condolences may be sent to:greene-robertsonfuneralhome.com

Ina Marie Armentrout
Ina Marie Armentrout, 72, of Summersville, passed away Saturday, January 14, 2023 at home surrounded by her family.
She was born in Richwood on February 25, 1950 to the late Alva Garland Casto and Bonnie Bond Casto.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Patricia Ann Casto; and infant great-grandson, Kayden McCraw.
Ina was a retired 911 Dispatcher for Nicholas County Sheriff’s Department with 35+ years of service. Watching Jeopardy was her favorite pastime. She enjoyed crocheting and doing crafts. Being home and spending time with her grandchildren gave her the most joy in her life.
She will be forever remembered by her daughter, Bonnie Lemmon and husband, William, of Summersville; grandchildren, Kassandra McCraw and husband, Bobby, of Summersville, Wesley White, Jr. of Summersville, and Johnathan Lemmon of Summersville; great-grandchildren, Ruby Denane-McCraw, Bobby Ray McCraw, and Hailey Jo White; brother, Alva “Bud” Casto and wife, Rose, of Nettie; sister, Isora O’Dell and husband, Lowell, of White Sulfur Springs; and several nieces and nephews.
In keeping with her wishes she was cremated and celebration of her life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made directly to Roach Funeral Home, 708 Braxton St., Gassaway, WV 26624, to aid with final expenses.
Words of comfort and fond memories may be extended to the family at www.roachfuneralhome.com.

David C. Phares II
David C. Phares II, 49 of Linn, WV; departed this earthly life suddenly in the morning hours of Monday, January 16, 2023 in Duck, WV.
He was born February 26, 1973 in Gassaway, WV; son of David C. and Barbara Grounds Phares of Glenville, WV.
David is a graduate of Gilmer County High School, class of 1991 and worked as a well tender in the oil and gas industry for many years. In his spare time, David enjoyed being outdoors, hunting, spending time with family and friends and spoiling his children and grandchildren whenever possible.
Along with his parents, David is survived by 4 children, Joshua Butcher of Pickens County, SC; Harlie Stump (Joshua) of Linn, WV; Kathrine Phares of Cedarville, WV; and Avery Ann Phares of Cedarville, WV; 3 grandchildren, Whytnie and Kylie Stump of Linn, and Clayton Butcher of Pickens County, SC; and 2 brothers, Alex Phares of Cedarville, WV; and Jeremiah Phares (Nicole) of Oak Hill, WV.
Also surviving is 5 uncles, Stephen (Barbara) Phares of Palestine, WV; George Grounds of Calhoun County, WV; James “Pete” Grounds of Charleston, Clarence Williamson of Glenville, WV and Roy Isenhart of Cedarville, WV; 6 aunts: Sharon Brannon of Cedarville, Sheba (David) Kendig of Burnsville, Sandra Smith (Lonzo) of Linn, Bonnie Barnett of Ravenna, OH, Sharon Phares of Glenville, WV, Sharon Phares Smith of Linn, WV; a step-aunt, Monnie Simpson (William) of Houston, TX and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many other wonderful family and friends.
David is preceded in death by 3 aunt, Shena Williamson, Dottie Williamson, and Darlene Isenhart, and 2 uncles, James and Larry Phares.
David’s request for cremation has been honored and a celebration of his life will be conducted at a late date.
Ellyson Mortuary, Inc., is honored to assist the Phares family with cremation arrangements.