On November 13, 2019, the family, friends, community of South Charleston, and numerous individuals throughout the state saw the passing of John Benny Messinger, “Coach Mess.” Coach died of an apparent heart attack while hunting on one of his favorite sights. Coach Mess was born on August 27, 1953, at Saint Mary’s Hospital in Clarksburg, West Virginia. The son of Betty and Richard, “Dick” Messinger. He spent his life in Clarksburg before moving to the Charleston area with his mother and ste...

Rev Robert J Merritt, 88, of Sedalia Community passed peacefully at United Hospital Center on November 13, 2019. He was born on June 23, 1931 on Cherry Camp, Harrison County, son of the late Clemen Gail and Jesse Lavina Baker Merritt. He was preceded in death by his wife, Delores Jean Cutright Merritt on February 20, 2013. Bob is survived by their seven children, Jean Strosnider (Randy) of Bridgeport, Jo Devericks (Michael) of Clarksburg, Jane Perine (Bobby) Of Harrisville, Jennifer Merritt o...

George Marshell Pride, 90, of Fairmont, passed away at his home, surrounded by this family, on Wednesday, November 13, 2019. He was born in Fairmont on September 22, 1929, a son of the late Glenn C. Pride and Ethel M. (Reed) Pride. George retired from Owens-Illinois after over 32 years of service. He loved taking care of his farm and caring for his cattle. He is survived by his three sons, Eugene Pride and wife Pamela, David Pride (his caregiver), and Kenneth Pride and wife Barbara; fiv...

Kyle L. Cochran, age 84, of the Tennerton community, departed this life on Wednesday, November 13, 2019, at his home under the care of West Virginia Home Health and Hospice. He was born on June 8, 1935, in Adrian, a son of the late French Cochran and Marjorie Jane Lane Blankenship. He was also preceded in death by his stepfather Millard “Mino” Blankenship. On July 25, 1959, he was united in marriage to Jean McKisic Cochran, who preceded him in death on November 30, 2006. He is survived by his...

Patricia “Patty” Ann Waller, 79, of Fairmont, passed away on Wednesday, November 13, 2019, at Fairmont Regional Medical Center. She was born on April 30, 1940, in Manheim, Preston County, a daughter of the late Victor Pyles Sr. and Mary (Shay) Pyles. After graduating Rowlesburg High School, Patty attended Fairmont State, where she received her Nursing degree. She was a Registered Nurse with 35 years of service at Fairmont Regional Medical Center, where she helped open the Cardiac Care Unit...

Mary Kathryn Haught Ross Post, 87, of Cherry Camp Run, Salem passed away on Wednesday, November 13, 2019 at United Hospital Center after a brief illness. She was the oldest of fraternal twins born on August 6, 1932, in Bristol, WV, daughter of the late Ormin Cline “O.C.” and Lillie Blanche Taylor Haught. She graduated from Bristol High School, Class of 1950 and attended Salem College until marrying Robert Lynn Ross on October 5, 1951 in Winchester, VA. Bob passed away on September 14, 1974. I...

Mabel Louise Jeffries, 88, lifelong resident of Weston, WV passed away November 12, 2019 under the care of Home Away From Home Assisted Living Center in Grafton, WV. She was born in Weston on April 18, 1931 to the large loving family of the late Floyd A. and Mary L. Cottrill Strader. For more than 45 years, Mabel and her husband, Paul David Jeffries shared all the joys of life until his passing in 1992. Mabel worked for Weston Laundry but she was a caregiver at heart. She went on to ...

Harold Le. Shive, 90, of Pennsboro, West Virginia, died November 12, 2019, at his home.  He was born June 30, 1929, in Phillipsburg, New Jersey, and grew up there. He was the son of Clarence R., and Bertha (Beal) Shive. Harold served in theU.S. Air Force from October 1950 until being discharged as S/Sgt in August 1954.  He married Gloria A. Hartzell in Great Meadows, New Jersey, on April 22, 1955. He initially worked at Ingersoll-Rand.  In July 1960, he next went to work for the Governm...

Constance Joan Ware Payne-Stewart, age 84 a former resident of Barbour County and a longtime resident of Winchester, Virginia, departed this life Tuesday afternoon November 12, 2019 in the Davis Medical Center at Elkins. Death was following an extended illness. She was born December 17, 1934 at Junior, WV, a daughter of the late Chester Loraine and Nellie Florence Swick Ware. She was twice married, first to James W. Payne on June 7, 1957, who preceded her in death March 30, 1992; and secon...

Harry “Butch” Sumpter, 65, of Sand Fork, WV passed away on November 12, 2019 in Eden Prairie, MN. Butch, a West Virginia native, Butch called many states home throughout his life but settled in Eden Prairie, MN. Butch is preceded in death by his parents: Kenneth and Winona Sumpter; brother: Howard Sumpter; and sister: Candas Stevens. Butch left behind his loving wife, Debbie Sumpter, his son, grandsons, in-laws, and many nephews and nieces. Butch was a generous and protective man. He to...