Braxton Citizens' News, Obituaries, The Braxton Democrat

Obituaries

Judy Bryant Allen
Judy Bryant Allen, 77, of West Milford, passed away peacefully Monday, January 27, 2025, at Crestview Manor Healthcare Center, Jane Lew.
She was born July 19, 1947, in Gassaway, WV to the late Bradley F. Carr and Betty Moyers Carr.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Revelee “Henry” Allen.
Judy enjoyed being with her grandchildren. She was a homemaker and she was able to can vegetables from their garden. She liked to read her Bible and anything that would keep her updated with her health conditions. Judy was a member of the West Milford Baptist Church.
Left to cherish her memories are her three sons, Jim Allen and wife, Lisa, of Weston, John Allen and wife, Jeanie, of Buckhannon, and Jeff Allen and wife, Tina, of Sardis; seven grandchildren, John Allen Jr. of Buckhannon, Kaleb Allen and wife, Misty, of Weston, Johnna Dunham and husband, Ryan, of Buckhannon, Kassidy Allen and fiancé, Jake Breen of Jane Lew, Savanna Allen of Clarksburg, Brent Allen of Sardis and Kessley Cox and husband, Nick, of Weston; great grandchildren, Charley, Miracle, and Theo Dunham of Buckhannon, Avery and Hunter Allen of Weston, and Lennix Cox of Weston; sisters, Ruby Digman of Pennsboro, Susie Jarvis and husband, Van, of LaGrange, Ohio, and Jo Ann Hunt and husband, Pastor Bill Hunt, of Weston; several nieces and nephews.
Private family services were held for Judy at Roach Funeral Home.
Words of comfort and fond memories may be extended to the family at www.roachfuneralhome.com.

Charles Junior “Bub” Miller
Charles Junior “Bub” Miller, 59, of Frametown, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, January 25, 2025.
He was born July 3, 1965 to Gladys Maxine Miller.
Bub was preceded in death by his grandparents Harold Miller and Delpha Gay Jenkins Miller, who raised him and his uncle, Charley Miller.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, campfire cooking and camping. He worked at Appalachian Timber for 36 years and ended his career as the plant manager. He enjoyed being around his family, farming and playing with his dog. Bub was Vice President of the Frametown Community Building and he was a member of the Frametown Volunteer Fire Department. He had a servant heart and took care of his family and his community well. What a lesson we can learn from his life because he never complained much about anything. He will truly be missed by everyone who knew him.
Left to cherish his memories are his wife of 23 years, Christina Marie Snodgrass Miller; daughter, Amelia Miller and boyfriend, Issac Goad; mother, Gladys Maxine Miller of Cleveland, Ohio; sisters, Gladys Joanne Miller of Cleveland, Ohio, Queen E. Williams of Cleveland, Ohio; aunts and uncles, Kathleen Williams of Cleveland, Billy Miller (Judy) of WV, Arlene Cook of WV, Delmas Miller of WV and Bob Miller of Wilsie; several nieces and nephews; and his dog, Baby Girl.
Bub’s funeral was held at 3 P.M. Sunday, February 2, 2025, at Roach Funeral Home, 708 Braxton Street, Gassaway, WV with Pastor Ed Rollyson officiating.
Interment was in the Miller Family Cemetery, Wilsie.
His visitation was held three hours prior to the service at the funeral home.
There was a dinner at Frametown Volunteer Fire Department following services.
Words of comfort and fond memories may be extended.

James F Crutchfield
James F Crutchfield, age 94, passed away on January 25, 2025 in Arlington, Texas surrounded by family and friends. He was born on October 9, 1930 in Charleston, West Virginia to James and Ira Crutchfield. Jack was raised in Charleston and graduated from West Virginia University in 1952. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force after completing training in the ROTC, where he served four years as a radar intercept officer. In 1954, Jack married Jeanne Oliver and the couple had two children, Cathy and Carol. After the military, Jack began a long career in the oil and gas business specializing in the manufacture and distribution of carbon black. He finished his career in 1996 as Vice President with Sid Richardson Carbon Company in Ft. Worth, where he worked for 22 years.
In his spare time, Jack enjoyed playing golf with his friends at Diamond Oaks Country Club. He also enjoyed swimming and gardening. He was a regular at dance on Thursdays, showed up weekly for lunch at the Railhead with his buddies and attended senior breakfast Saturdays mornings.
His family and friends will always remember him as a kind and thoughtful person.
He is preceded in death by his wife Jeanne and his daughter Carol.
He is survived by his daughter Cathy and her husband David Taylor, his granddaughter Emily and her husband Jason Romph, his grandson Scott Schlesinger and his wife Chelsie, his grandson Justin Taylor and his wife Taylor, his grandson Austin Taylor and his wife Nikki, and 4 great grandchildren.
There was a visitation on Wednesday, January 29th at 6:00 pm and a funeral service for Jack on Thursday, January 30th at 11:00 am. The services were held at Moore Funeral Home in Arlington, TX. For those who desire, memorials can be sent in Jack’s name to the Salvation Army or Grace Lutheran Church in Arlington.
The staff at Moore Funeral Home encourages family and friends to express their fond memories, expressions of sympathy and additional condolences to the family of James “Jack” F. Crutchfield, by visiting www.moore-funeralhome.com.
In addition, if you or someone you know wish to send a floral condolence to the Crutchfield family in honor of the late James “Jack” F. Crutchfield, you may choose to do so by calling In Bloom Flowers and Gifts at (972)-256-6637.

Nancy C. Hines
Nancy C. Hines, 90 of Webster Springs passed away on Sunday, January 26, 2025 at Glenville Health & Rehab Center.
She was born July 13, 1934 in Sugar Creek to the late John William and Edna Roxie Hamrick Cogar. She previously attended the Church in the Wildwood and in later years attended Upper Holly Union Mission Church. She was a graduate of Webster Springs High School and then went on to obtain her teaching certificate from Glenville State College. She taught in several school throughout Webster County.
In her younger years she was active with the Webster County 4-H Club. She enjoyed cooking, gardening, swimming, and reading and loved spending time with her grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Bobby L. Hines; sons: Rocky Hines and Randy Hines; son-in-law Tom Hines; brothers: Rance Cogar, Roy Cogar, and Ralph Cogar; and grandsons: John Hines and Justin Hines.
Left to cherish her memory are her daughters: Cheryl (Scott) Ratliff and Wendy Hines; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and many extended family and friends to mourn her passing.
Funeral Services to celebrate Nancy’s life were held on Friday, January 31, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Dodd & Reed Funeral Home, Webster Springs with Pastor Curt Davis officiating. Interment will follow in Dave Cogar Cemetery, Sugar Creek.
Friends joined the family for visitation two hours prior to service time, from 12:00 to 2:00 PM at Dodd & Reed Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.doddreedfh.com.
Dodd & Reed Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Hines family.

Emma Jean Byerly
Emma Jean Byerly, age 71, of Sutton, West Virginia, formally of Halifax, Pennsylvania died January 27, 2025, at home.
She was born on June 5, 1953 in Washington, DC the daughter of the late Herbert Moore and Mary (Davis) Koons.
Emma was married to the late Randolph Byerly for 51 years.
She retired from Miller Pipeline and had previously worked for BDI Services, Tractor Supply and CVS Pharmacy.
She was a member of the Sutton Moose Lodge 825.
She is survived by a daughter Erique Klinger and husband Frank, son Matthew Byerly and wife Sherry; grandchildren Grace, Grant, Owen, and Landon Klinger and Hope, Faith, and Mark Byerly; great-granddaughters Camryn and Scarlet; sister Star Emery; sister-in-laws Anne Hawk, Kathy Reisch, and Joanne Staley; brother-in-laws James Byerly, David Reisch, and Dean Staley; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
She was proceeded in death by brothers Clair and William Hossler; brother-in-laws Gary Hawk and Stephen Emery; sister-in-laws Jacqueline Hossler and Mun-Hui Byerly; and a niece and nephew.
There will be a visitation held at Hoover-Boyer Funeral Homes Ltd., Elizabethville on Friday, February 7, 2025 starting at 10:30 AM. A life celebration will begin at 11:30 AM followed by a committal at Enders Cemetery, Halifax. Felllowship will be held at the Halifax Ambulance building following the committal at the cemetery.
Arrangements are being cared for by the staff of Minnich Funeral. We are honored to serve this family at our Hoover-Boyer Funeral Home, Ltd., Elizabethville location. To sign the guestbook go to www.minnichfuneral.com.

Matthew Dillion Clay
Matthew Dillion Clay, 31, of Craigsville, passed away on January 22, 2025.
Born January 10, 1994 in Charleston, he was the son of Raymond and Joyce (Horner) Clay.
He liked working on cars and enjoyed the outdoors. He was always up for an adventure whether it be hiking, sight-seeing, or road-tripping.
Matthew was preceded in death by his grandparents: Della and Filden Ray Clay and Frances and John Largent; and three uncles: Ralph Horner, Jr., Kevin Horner, and Michael Largent.
In addition to his parents, Raymond and Joyce, he is survived by his children: Jayden, Jaelynn, Madison, Marcus, Brooklyn, Braylyn, Levi, and Lillyiana Clay; siblings: Elvis (Brittany) Clay, Tony (companion, Martha) Clay, and Lora (Billy) Amick; nieces: Emma Clay, Lily Newby, and Hope Clay; nephew, Lucas Clay; aunt, Pamela Horner; best friend, Jamie White; his beloved dog, Lady Sue; and a host of great-aunts, great-uncles, cousins, and friends to mourn his passing.
Services to celebrate Matthew’s life were held 2pm, Saturday, February 1, at Adams-Reed Funeral Home, Cowen, with Pastors Kevin Cox and Doug Martin officiating. Burial followed at Fleming Cemetery, Cottle. Friends joined the family for visitation one hour prior to the service time, from 1pm-2pm, at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Adams-Reed Funeral Home to assist the family with expenses.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.adamsreedfh.com
Adams- Reed Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Clay family.

Rita Ernestine Rush
Rita Ernestine Rush, 90, of Craigsville, WV, formerly of Richwood, WV, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on January 23, 2025, at United Hospital Center in Bridgeport, WV.
Rita was born on October 15, 1934, in Wheeler, WV, to the late Hoy and Sylvia Bickel Myers. She retired from the Nicholas County Board of Education after 30 years of service. She loved feeding the birds and squirrels in her yard, spending many hours watching them. Rita also enjoyed gardening and took pride in her flower beds, but most of all she loved spending time with her family, who will miss her very much.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Perry “Bud” Rush; son, Richard “Rick” Rush; daughter, Sheila Meadows; grandson, Samuel Sergeon; sons-in-law, Jeff McCarley and Tim Meadows; daughter-in-law, Pamela Boggs Rush; and brother, Buster Myers.
Rita is survived by her son, Phillip Rush and wife, Ann; daughters, Teresa and husband, Charles Reel, Rita “Annie” and husband, Basil Dick; her siblings, Richard Myers, John Myers, Eloise Mollohan, Agnes Riffel, and Mary Cool, 9 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren, many nephews, nieces, and extended family members.
A graveside service was held on Monday, January 27, 2025, at 1:00pm, at Fairview Cemetery in Nettie, WV.

Billy Calvin Luzader
Billy Calvin Luzader, age 86, of Newville, WV died Wednesday January 29, 2025 at Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, WV, after a short illness.
He was born February 16, 1938 in Gassaway, WV the son of the late Ira and Loleta Dennison Luzader. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant son; brother, Benny Luzader; brother-in-law, Frank Marlow; nephew, Keith Marlow; son-in-law, Glenn Smith.
Billy worked for Purity Maid Bread Company, IMC Corporation of Sutton, WV and retired from there. He enjoyed spending time with his wife and family, doing wood work, watching football and car racing, feeding the birds, squirrels and deer.
On June 20, 1960 he married Violet Louise Goad who survives. Also surviving him are sister, Maxine Marlow of Sutton, WV; sister-in-laws, Patricia Luzader of Hialeah, Florida, Wilma Carte of Ohio, Sue Linger (Edgar) of Tennessee, Marilyn Brady (Ronny) of Flatwoods, WV; brother-in-law, Michael Goad (Joyce) of Sutton. Surviving children are Billy Luzader, Jr. (Pam) of Flatwoods, WV, Frances Luzader of Charleston, WV, Tammy Cunningham (Steve Simons) of Buckhannon, WV, Debra Luzader (Roger White) of Palm Beach, Florida, Patricia Johnson (Erle) of Heaters, WV, Greg Luzader (Shannon) of Newville, WV; grandchildren, John “Michael” Cunningham and wife Shanda of French Creek, WV, Tiffany Fitzgerald and husband Michael of Buckhannon, WV, Vanessa Barnett of PA, Calvin Barnett of Georgia, Levi Johnson and wife Jackie of NC, Derek Barnett of NC, Christopher Luzader of Morgantown, WV, Dylan Johnson of NC, Courtney Luzader of Flatwoods, WV, Hayden Ellyson and husband Tyee, Alyssa Luzader of Newville, WV; great grandchildren, Walker and Austin Smith, Alex Fitzgerald of Buckhannon, WV, Jaylynn Cunningham of French Creek, WV, Madisyn Cunningham of Weston, WV, Cooper Johnson of NC, Hudson and Wrenley Ellyson of Newville, WV; step-great grandchildren, Aiden and Tenaya Davis of French Creek, WV; good friend, Danny Barnett.
Funeral services were held 1:00 pm, Monday, February 3, 2025 at Victory Apostolic Church, Airport Rd. Sutton with Pastor Jason Allen officiating. Burial followed at Newville Cemetery, Newville, WV. Friends called 11:30 am till 1:00 pm at the church.
Greene-Robertson Funeral Home is humbled to be serving the Luzader family.
On line condolences may be sent to: greene-robertsonfuneralhome.com

Walden Edward “Eddie” Cogar
Walden Edward “Eddie” Cogar,75, of Cowen passed away Tuesday evening at Webster Memorial Hospital. Eddie was born February 16, 1949 in Richwood.
Eddie was a US Army Veteran, he retired from Coal Filler Inc, Bluefield, VA. Eddie was a loving husband, father and grandfather, he enjoyed the outdoors but most of all spending time with his family and friends.
Surviving is his wife, Nancy Christian Cogar, son, Kevin Cogar and his kids, Allison and Katie, son, Patrick Cogar and his wife Kendra and their kids Cody and Emma; stepdaughters, Eileen Craft and her husband Dennis and their four kids, Laurie Fisher and her husband Brian and one grandkid; stepsons, John Clutter and his wife Miranda and their three kids; and special friend Eldridge Griffith.
Services were held at 1:00 PM, Monday, February 3, 2025 at Adams-Reed Funeral Home, Cowen with Pastor Doug Martin officiating. Burial with military honors conducted by American Legion Post #62 followed at Beaver Run Cemetery. Friends joined the family for visitation one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be sent o the family at www.adamsreedfh.com
Adams-Reed Funeral Home, Cowen is honored to be serving the Cogar family.
Joseph Frederick
Haefner
Joseph Frederick Haefner, 81, of Sutton passed away on Friday, January 31, 2025, at WVU Medicine Braxton County Memorial Hospital, Gassaway, WV.
He was born on July 20, 1943, at Walter Reed Hospital, Washington, DC to the late Joseph Alexander Haefner and Erna Katrin Otte Haefner.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Gracie Williams.
Joseph retired with 25 years from the United States Department of State Foreign Service.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Ruth Ann Boggs Haefner; son, Joseph Joshua Haefner of Fort Worth, Texas; sister, Lori Hollingsworth of South Carolina; and several nieces and nephews.
In keeping with Joseph’s wishes he will be cremated and a private service will be held at a later date.
Words of comfort and fond memories may be extended to the family at www.roachfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements by Roach Funeral Home, Gassaway, WV.

Jackie (“Jack”) C. Dean
Jackie (“Jack”) C. Dean went to be with the Lord on Tuesday night, January 28, 2025, at the Clarksburg Healthcare Center, in Clarksburg, WV.
Jack was born on March 27, 1936 in Gem WV. He was the beloved son of Everett Dean and Virginia Ratliff Dean (aka “Buzz”). He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. In addition to his parents, Jack was preceded in death by his 4 sisters: Nancy Soho, Josephine Heater, Betty Losh and Maxine Losh; and his only brother, Everett William “Toby” Dean, Jr.
He is survived by 4 sons, Craig Dean (Nobie), Colin Dean (April), Chris Dean, and Carl Fitzwater (Kati); 8 grandchildren, Jessica Dean, Brandon Dean, Dalton Dean, Justin Groff, Sherlyn Holley, Ben, Drew and Jenna Fitzwater and 7 great grandchildren.
Also surviving is Jack’s partner/companion of the last 16 years, Donna Blake McClain. Donna will miss Jack terribly, but feels lucky to have been in his life and sharing lots of special memories. Jack is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and friends who he loved and two very close friends, Jack Ratliff and Steve Ratliff, who called him “Pap” will miss him a lot.
Jack was a 1954 graduate of Burnsville High School. While in high school, Jack played basketball, baseball and excelled in football. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force. Once he completed his basic training, he was sent to serve in South Korea where he spent a year and was then sent back to the states serving in Arizona, Michigan and Ohio. He performed airplane mechanic duties and was also a military policeman. He spent a total of 8 years in the military before returning home to his beloved West Virginia.
Upon returning home, Jack operated the Burnsville Texaco for 35 years. Once it closed, he worked as a janitor at the local schools in Braxton County. Next, he performed janitorial duties at the Rest Area on I-79 close to Burnsville and his last employment was at the Walmart in Flatwoods.
Before his declining health, Jack enjoyed planting a huge vegetable garden. He liked to share the vegetables with lots of friends and neighbors. One of his greatest outside loves was keeping his yard mowed, usually twice a week and he also loved riding around on his mower.
Service for family and friends was held at 2 pm on Sunday, February 2, 2025 at Stockert Funeral Home, located at 378 Flatwoods Corner Road, Flatwoods, WV. Pastors Bryan Groves and Dr. June Turner will officiate the service. Visitation was 2-hours before the service from 12-2 pm. Burial and military honors followed the funeral service at the Little Kanawha Memorial Gardens in Heaters, WV.
Stockert Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Jack Dean.

James H. McConkey
James H. McConkey was born on August 11, 1938 in Copen, WV the only son to James Flavil (JF) and Mary Elizabeth (Smith) McConkey in the house built by his grandfather George W. McConkey.
The family moved to Malta, Ohio in 1941 and purchased a farm which remains part of the family farm. He attended school at Ringgold Elementary and later attended Malta Elementary where he had a first-year teacher who challenged the 8th grade class to build an abacus. James had his built and turned in the next day. James credited this teacher for inspiring him to learn and for his achievement of scoring the highest score in the county on the eighth-grade test. He attended M&M high school and graduated with the class of 1956. While in high school he took Vocational Agriculture courses and entered animals at the county and state fair, obtained the FFA state farmer degree, and then went to Kansas City to the National FFA conference. He worked with his father on the family farm, and at age 17 he bought his first 80 acres from Pete Spears. James served in the Army National Guard from his senior year of high school through 1963. James married Janice Wilson, daughter of Ivan L. and Gertrude (Miller) Wilson, December 22, 1962, and set up housekeeping at the Pete Spears farm. Their daughter, Sharon Sue, was born October 28, 1965. Sharon graduated with the Morgan High School class of 1984, and earned a BS in Elementary Education from Ohio University in 1990. She taught k-8 on her certificate then, when a secondary math teacher wasn’t available, She spent several years teaching 9-12 and advanced math classes. She earned her secondary math certification through this teaching. As an incentive to her students, she obtained and taught 3-D printing. Sharon married Larry E. Reed II, (deceased) and they had one son. James and Janice’s son, James (Jim) David, was born October 12, 1968. Jim graduated with the Morgan High School Class of 1987 and worked alongside his father while obtaining his nursing degree. He moved his family to Arizona in 2006, where, after working as an ICU nurse and software support specialist, he was hired as a supervisor with Homeland Security for U.S. Customs and Border Patrol. Jim married Catherine (Cathy) Marie (Knight) and they had 4 children. Cathy served as caregiver for James, and was referred to as his 3rd daughter. James and Janice’s daughter, Sara Lynn, was born January 18, 1982. Sara graduated as valedictorian with the Morgan High School Class of 2000 and earned a BS in chemical engineering from the University of Cincinnati. Sara went to work as a production engineer on an oil platform in the Gulf of America for 13 years. She is now an Engineering Advisor for Occidental. Sara married Josh Rosenbalm, and they have 2 children. James saw his children’s families and their successes as his real legacy. His motto for them was: “One truck full of talented and gifted won’t equal one shovel full of ambition, determination and good hard work”. James bought his first Caterpillar dozer in the late 60s and continued farming as he built his businesses and expanded the farm operations cross country to Arizona. In 1977, James was named Farmer of the year by the M&M Kiwanis Club. He served on the board of supervisors for the soil conservation service, where he worked diligently, but unsuccessfully, to keep Russian olive out of the wild life packets because he knew from research it was a noxious plant that would spread. James received a patent for his design of the McConkey Fireplace Furnace which was manufactured and sold in the surrounding states from the mid-70s to 90s. James, and other landowners in the area, contacted Gulf Oil Company and secured leases to drill core samples for coal. He prepared and reclaimed the sites for the exploration and continued adding heavy equipment and working with the developing oil and gas drilling and production with site building and reclamation, as well as fluid hauling, including hazardous materials, using vacuum trucks in the tri-state area, through the early 2000’s. As he and his son, Jim, continued to build his businesses, he purchased aluminum concrete forms for the purpose of pouring walls for himself and basements, foundations and retaining walls for others in the tristate area. During this time, he continued to farm in Union, Malta and Deerfield townships of Morgan County. In 2001 he started a new venture in Arizona, adding irrigated crop ground. He added an additional home in Buckeye in Arizona in 2004, which he later sold to his granddaughter, and built a new winter home in 2008. James and Sara purchased crop acreage in Fairfield County. He started as a farmer, but was always looking for the next adventure. He has found a better place for this last one. James is survived by his wife of over 62 years, a sister, his 3 children, 7 grandchildren; Jesse Lee Reed (Mirisa), Danielle Marie (McConkey) Keck (Casey), James Thomas (Tina), Jonathon Michael, Mary Elizabeth, Joshua Lucas, and Nicholas Alexander. 10 great grandchildren; Austin (Kayla), Elise, Kayden, Aurora, Athena, Daniel, Jax, James David II, Olivia, and Emily. 1 great great grandchild, Thomas John. The Song, Buy Dirt by Jordan Davis and Luke Bryan describes him well.
Services will be held on Thurs, Feb. 6, 2025 at 1:00 P.M. at the Copen Methodist Church in Copen W.Va. A visitation will be held on Weds, Feb. 5 from 4-6 P.M. at the Matheney Funeral Home in McConnelsville.
To send a note of condolence to the family go to www.matheneyfh.com