Braxton Citizens' News, Obituaries, The Braxton Democrat

Obituaries

Howard James Blyler
Howard James Blyler, 73, of Cowen, West Virginia took his final breath on October 30, 2024 at Charleston Area Medical Center-General Division from injuries related to a hunting accident. He was surrounded by family and friends and wrapped in his 2008 Phillies World Series blanket. Born in Salem, New Jersey, in 1950, the son of George Blyler and Florence Gatanis Blyler, he was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife of 44 years Madonna Mayse Blyler, and his brother-in-law Gordon Clevenger. He is survived by his children-Gabriella Blyler Olson (Jeff), Ethan Blyler, Amanda Blyler Hudson (Steve); his grandchildren Alexandra, Parker and Sofia Olson and Cole and Troy Blyler; his siblings George (Debby) Blyler, David (Theresa) Blyler, and Marybeth Clevenger; nieces and nephews George, Christine, Gordanna, David, Desiree and Christopher; and a large and loving family of Greek aunts, uncles and cousins.
Howard graduated from Salesianum High School in Wilmington, DE in 1968. During his teen years, he was a proud member of the Richman gang and the Happy Go Lucky Gun Club. He attended West Virginia University and the West Virginia University College of Law from which he graduated in 1976. He met his wife Madonna at WVU and because he loved the West Virginia mountains, they moved to Cowen, WV in 1976 where he and Madonna raised their family. He joined Ernest “Jack” Morton in practicing law and eventually opened up his own private practice where he worked until his passing. He enjoyed coin collecting and worked weekends at David Hill LTD in Barboursville, mostly so he would know when the “good” coins came in. He was an avid baseball fan, and often made trips to wherever the Philadelphia Phillies were playing. He was in attendance (along with Madonna, Amanda and Parker) at Game 5 of the 2008 World Series when his beloved Phillies won the title. He was a season ticket holder for the minor league team in Charleston and made many friends there. His coin collection was only rivaled by his baseball card collection. He imparted his love of baseball to all of his children and grandchildren and his family shared many trips to baseball stadiums all over the US. He loved traveling, but often enjoyed the journey more than the destination as he stopped at every antique store, roadside vegetable stand and “mom and pop” restaurant that he could find. He often took the scenic route to family vacations and fishing trips to the Outer Banks. He loved to eat and would often drive out of his way for a good Philly Cheesesteak. He loved cooking even more than eating and holiday meals were large and elaborate and everyone was welcome. No one ever left a Cowen Lions Club Christmas dinner hungry. He was an avid supporter of many local and state charities, serving on the Board of the Cowen Public Library, many years of service with the Cowen Lions Club, and as the state Chairman of Ducks Unlimited.
A Celebration of Life will be held on December 14, 2024, at 2:00 pm Morris Funeral Home in Cowen. A gathering of family and friends will be held from 12:00 pm until the time of service at the funeral home. Please bring your stories and memories with you to share and celebrate a life well lived.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you donate to a favorite charity or to one of Howard’s favorite charities, including Ducks Unlimited, Saving Webster Dogs, or the Cowen Public Library.
Online condolences may be sent to the family www.morrisfuneralhomecowenwv.com.
Services entrusted to the care of Morris Funeral Home, Cowen WV.

Jennifer Anne Farmer
Jennifer Anne Farmer, 45, of Craigsville, WV passed away at the Hubbard Hospice House in Charleston on November 4, 2024.
Jennifer was born November 24,1978 the daughter to Holly Leah Cunningham in Charleston, WV.
Left to cherish her memory are her two children Peydon Salyer of Summersville and Ben Kyle of Craigsville.
Jennifers wishes for cremation have been honored.
No services have been scheduled at this time.
Online condolences may be sent to the family www.morrisfuneralhomecowenwv.com.
Services entrusted to the care of Morris Funeral Home, Cowen WV.

Laura Leah Lyons Adkins
Laura Leah Lyons Adkins, 49, of Tioga passed away at Raleigh General Hospital on October 31, 2024.
Laura was a previous clerk for the Dollar General.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Hubert Lyons and Sharon Lowe Lyons.
Left to cherish her memory is her brother David (Tammy) Lyons of Craigsville.
Laura’s wishes for cremation have been honored. There was be a memorial service on Saturday, November 9th at 2:00 pm at the Cowen Municipal Building.
Online condolences may be sent to the family www.morrisfuneralhomecowenwv.com.
Services entrusted to the care of Morris Funeral Home, Cowen WV.

Russell A. Facemire
Russell A. Facemire, age 91, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at United Hospital Center, Clarksburg, West Virginia.
Russell was born August 31, 1933, in Halstead, Webster County, West Virginia, a son of Lanty L. Facemire, and Della (Wyatt) Facemire. In addition to his parents, Russell was preceded in death by his wife, Carol (Skidmore) Facemire, one son, James Russell Facemire, one grandson, Isaac Facemire, one great grandson, Colton Facemire, three sisters, namely Sylvia Barnett, Nelma Collins, and Reda Facemire and four brothers, Denver Ray Facemire, Robert Lee Facemire, Lester Facemire, and Raymond Facemire.
Russell is survived by his three sons, Judge Richard Facemire, and wife, Patricia, David Facemire and wife, Tena Facemire, and Doug Facemire and his companion Barb Henline; six grandchildren, Dr. Andrew Facemire, Patrick Russell Facemire, Christian Facemire, Kylan Wilson, Nacoal (Joey) Ransbottom, and Amanda (B.J.) Payne. Eight great grandchildren, namely Joal, Ira and Sydney Ransbottom; Logan and Connor Payne; Jacob and Brylee Wilson and Raeann Facemire. He is also survived by three sisters, Patsy (Jim) Mitchell, of Buckhannon, WV; Ruie Hart, of Monroe, Michigan; Edith Holladay of Warrenton, Virginia, and two brothers, Jerry (Lora) Facemire, of Lorain, Ohio, and Jearl (Delores) Facemire, of Newark, Ohio.
Russell grew up on Wolf Creek and Bug Ridge, Sutton, West Virginia, and attended the Wolf Creek School, (a one room schoolhouse).
He was a coal miner and worked in underground mines for 34 years and a proud and lifelong member of the United Mine Workers of America. He was recognized by the United Mine Workers and was presented his 60th year pin by Vice President of the UMWA and Delegate Michael Caputo and Ms. Belinda Biafore, Chairwoman of the Democrat Party, for his service. He loved spending time with his family, children and grandchildren. He was a lifelong resident of Braxton County, a Christian by faith and attended Elizabeth Chapel Church for many years and loved to hunt and spend time with his family and friends.
A celebration of Russell’s life was held Saturday, November 9, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., at Green Robertson Funeral Home, Sutton, WV, with Rev. Richard Demastus officiated. Visitation was one hour prior to service. Internment was at Elizabeth Chapel Cemetery, Bug Ridge, Sutton, West Virginia

Okey Jarald Evans
Okey Jarald Evans, 79, of Summersville went home to be with his Lord on Friday, November 8, 2024 at River Oaks Health Care Center, Clarksburg, WV.
He was born August 23, 1945 in Birch River the son of the late Harley Edward & Flo Virginia McElwee Evans. He is also preceded in death by his brothers, Lawrence Evans, James Evans; sisters, Mae Brown Emma Hoover, Paulette Evans, Elizabeth Hamric, Debbie Sigman, Edith Rose and Charlotte Campbell.
Okey was a factory worker, in the United States Marine Corp in Vietnam and was a member of Mt State Baptist Church, Summersville.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Elizabeth Evans; son, Jerry Evans of Michigan; brother, Kermit Edward Evans of Graham, WA; sisters, Janette King and Loraine Brown both of Birch River, Zela Knicely of Doylestown, OH, Joann Cutlip of Philippi, WV.
Funeral services will be held 12:00 pm on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at Mt. State Baptist Church, Summersville with Rev Mark Seacrist officiating. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery, Erbacon, WV. Friends may call 10:30 till 12:00 pm at the church.
Greene-Robertson Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Evans family.
Online condolences may be sent to: greene-robertsonfuneralhome.com

Christine Marie (Knicely) (Tanner) Lare
Christine Marie (Knicely) (Tanner) Lare, 84, of Duck, WV entered into God’s kingdom on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, surrounded by her family.
She was born on December 25, 1939, to the late Hobert Ray and Ruby Irene (Carte) Knicely at their old homeplace in Cowskin Holler.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Lester Tanner; second husband, Reverend Wade Lare; and sisters, Emma (Knicely) Young and Phyllis Mayes; and granddaughter, Marlana Kinser.
Christine was a homemaker to her family. She was very creative and decorated specialty wedding cakes. She and her second husband were business owners of a bakery. She managed two daycares. She served her community as a Brownie Leader and served as a pastor’s wife in church. Christine was an avid reader. One of 10 children, she enjoyed spending time with her family. She was kindhearted and always willing to help. Often their home was open for others to come stay.
Christine, the most loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother is survived by her sons, Thomas (Lisa) Tanner, David Lare and Mark (Karri) Lare; daughter, Tammy (Ken) Morehead; grandchildren, Tanner Morehead, Lucas (Char-Leigh) Tanner, Joshua Lare and Lorina Lare, Tristan, Camille and Chelsea Lare, C. Michael Ricker, Jaqualine Kinser and Michaela Kinser; and several great grandchildren; sisters, Shirley Rose, Kay Knicely, June Walsh, Sharon Turner; brothers, Jim Knicely, Jerry Knicely, Herb Knicely; and several nieces and nephews.
Christine’s funeral was held 2 P.M. Sunday, November 10, 2024, at Roach Funeral Home, Gassaway with Pastor John Rickman officiating.
Visitation was two hours prior to the service at the funeral home.
Burial was in the Sugar Creek Cemetery, Gassaway.
Words of comfort and fond memories may be extended to the family at www.roachfuneralhome.com.

Velma Mae Seal
Velma Mae Seal, 82 of Exchange, WV, was called home to be with her Lord and Savior on November 4, 2024 following a long bout with dementia. Velma was born at home on October 22, 1942 in Chapel, WV.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 50-years, Bernard K. Seal; parents, Denzil and Alice Sawyers of Gassaway, WV; brothers, Thomas A. Friend and John Sawyers of Gassaway, WV.
She is survived by nieces, Sue Starcher (Tommy), Terri Miller (Mark), Carol Carr (Lanty), Cathey Sawyers, Rebecca Seal Brock (Allen). Dianna Carr, and Robin Brown; nephews, Michael Sawyers, Louis Kuritz and Michael Brown; brother-in-law, Kenna Seal (Paula); sister-in-law’s, Reta Maxine Kuritz, Donna Romriell, Cindy Friend and great nieces and nephews.
Velma graduated from Gassaway High School in 1960. In her younger years she worked at City Meat Market in Gassaway and was a volunteer at Davis Elementary School. She was a Christian by faith and a member of the Pleasant Dale Methodist Church of Riffle for many years.
Service for Velma were 3 pm, Sunday, November 10, 2024, at Stockert Funeral Home, 378 Flatwoods Corner Rd, Flatwoods, WV. Visitation for family and friends was one hour before the service from 2-3 pm. Velma’s final resting place was in the Fairview Cemetery on Nicholas Run, Chapel, WV.

Charlotte Faye Campbell
Charlotte Faye Campbell, 85, of Duck, WV left this world to reunite with her husband on Wednesday, November 6, 2024.
She was born on July 24, 1939, in Birch River to the late Harley Edward Evans and Flow Virginia McElwee.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, Franklin Earl Campbell and eight siblings.
Charlotte was a homemaker but never was her homemaking mundane. She loved to keep her lawn and her home immaculate. She enjoyed flower gardening, sitting on her porch swing and watching birds. She was quite a fabulous cook and all her family liked to eat her famous biscuits. Her home was decorated at every holiday and she made sure that her family had the tradition of holiday meals at her house. She enjoyed drinking coffee and caring for her Yorkie. She was a Christian by faith. Charlotte will be deeply missed.
Left to cherish her memories are her children, Rhonda (Tony) Frame of Duck, Carrie (Kevin) Hewitt of Ridgeway, Virginia, and Melissa Campbell of South Carolina; grandchildren, Misty, Tony Landon, Renee, Matthew, Justin, Sarah, and Zac; great grandchildren, Nicole, Kaylee, Brooke, Austin, Layla, Cash, and Lennox Earl; one great-great grandchild, Hayden; her longtime companion, John Slack; siblings, Zela Knicely of Ohio, Loraine (Charles) Brown of Birch River, Janet King of Birch River, Curmit (Cheryl) Evans of Washington, Okey “Jerry”(Mary) Evans of Summersville, and Joann (Earl) Cutlip of Phillipi, WV; and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her fur baby, Bella.
A Celebration of Life Service for Charlotte was held at 12 Noon Monday, November 11, 2024 at Roach Funeral Home, 708 Braxton Street, Gassaway, WV with Pastor Bob Mylott officiating.
Visitation was one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Her burial was in the Middle Run Church Cemetery, Frametown.
Words of comfort and fond memories may be extended to the family at www.roachfuneralhome.com.

Darrell Leon Long II
Darrell Leon Long II, (LD), 53, of DeLand Florida, formerly of Little Birch, WV passed away peacefully on August 11, 2024, at Advent Fish Memorial Hospice Center in DeLand Florida.
Darrell was born on November 17th, 1970, to Darrell Leon Long and the late Judith Ann Long.
Darrell was a volunteer Fire Fighter at Sutton Volunteer Fire Department as well as a man of many trades and talents. He was an electrician by trade as well as a gunsmith. In his spare time, he loved to hunt, fish, build hot rods and guns.
Darrell was a family man and would do anything he could to help others. He enjoyed being surrounded by family and friends. He also found joy in cranking up his smokers at family cookouts and get togethers for everyone to enjoy.
Darrell touched so many lives and is loved by so many. His love for others carried a brightness in this world that is now a little dimmer. He is loved so much by his family and is truly missed.
He is survived by his father, Darrell Leon Long; wife, Lesi Long; children, Kayla Davis (Charles), Kayleigh Hartman, Brandon Mears; grandchildren, Kaleb Hartman, Cameron Nichols, Hayleigh Hartman, Michael Hartman Jr, Rhygel Semper Long-Davis; sister Elizabeth Martin-Long (Sherry); nieces, Jamie Martin-Long, Hannah Martin-Long; many Aunts and Uncles. Along with his many other children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren that he had taken under his wing over the years as well as the many friends that he considered family.
We invite you to Celebrate Darrell’s (LD) Life on Sunday, November 17, 2024, 1:00 pm…at Roach Funeral Home, 708 Braxton St, Gassaway, WV 26624, with the Reverend Dr. John Allen officiating. His visitation will be 30 minutes prior to the service at the funeral home. A private inurnment will be held in the Skidmore Cemetery, Sutton WV.
Words of comfort and fond memories may be extended to the family at www.roachfuneralhome.com.

Phyllis Louise Harris
Phyllis Louise Harris, 77, of Gassaway went home to be with the Lord on Monday, November 4, 2024, surrounded by her family, after an extended battle with cancer.
She was born on February 27, 1947, to the late Garrett Frame and Jaunita Mae Jenkins Frame.
As the oldest of seven she enjoyed spending time with her siblings and their families, especially Sunday dinners at her parents’ house. She was a caretaker for many years for several family members. She was active in ministry at Gassaway Baptist Church, serving the Lord in many ways by teaching children on Wednesday night class, heading up the original helping hands ministry, serving in Vacation Bible School, and singing in the choir for 40 years. She led a full life that was blessed over and over by Jesus.
Left to cherish her memories are her husband and best friend of 58 years, Harry B. “Ben” Harris; son, Chad (Sarah) Harris of Gassaway; granddaughter, Kalyn Harris; sisters, Barbara (Virlen) Jarvis of Ohio, Thelma (Buster) Hamric of Gassaway, Janie (Freddie) Schoolcraft of Duck; brothers, Chanie (Beverly) Frame of Delaware, Marshall (Veronica) Frame of Gassaway, and Timothy (Maresa) Frame of Sutton; and many special nieces and nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews.
Her funeral was held at 1 P.M. Thursday, November 7, 2024, at Gassaway Baptist Church with Pastor Mark Stump officiating.
Visitation was two hours prior to the service at the church.
Phyllis’s burial was in the Sugar Creek Cemetery, Gassaway.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to Gassaway Baptist Church Early Learning Center, P.O. Box 128, Gassaway, WV 26624
The family would like to give special thanks to WV Caring for their compassionate care of Phyllis in her last days.
Words of comfort and fond memories may be extended to the family at www.roachfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements by Roach Funeral Home, Gassaway.

Arden Murphy
Arden Murphy, 84, of Gassaway WV, passed away October 31, 2024, after a long illness.
He was born on May 1, 1940, in Gassaway WV, the son of William Murphy and Edith Dean Murphy.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Spencer Murphy and Orlan Ray Murphy; and sister Karen Jarrell.
He is survived by his wife, Elma Jean Murphy; sons, David Murphy of Gassaway, WV and Patrick (Christy) Murphy of Strange Creek, WV; and daughter Laura Murphy of Heaters, WV; along with several grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Harley (Christine) Murphy of Strange Creek, WV and Virginia Shaver of Gassaway WV.
Arden was a mechanic by trade and a disabled Army Veteran having served in Korea.
His body was cremated and a private memorial service held at a later time.
Roach Funeral Home in Gassaway is honored to serve the Murphy family.
Words of comfort and fond memories may be extended to the family at www.roachfuneralhome.com.