Victor Stephen Burkhammer, retired news editor of The Charleston Gazette, died on December, 31, 2024, at age 74.

He graduated from St. Marys High School in 1968 and earned an A.B. and M.A. in English from WVU. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church Charleston, where he was a deacon. He served a three-year term on the Manna Meal board. He was a 42-year friend of Bill W and served on the board of the world-famous Serenity Club in Dunbar, WV. He was employed by The Charleston Gazette for 35 years including 25 years as news editor. He was a member of the editorial board for several years.

Survivors include wife of 38 years, Nancy; two brothers, Andy and Luke; sister, Jill Hornish; and three nieces and three nephews. He was a cat dad to Walter, Arthur, Rocky, Frank, Frank II, Kalley Kat, K.T. Kitty, Felicia, and probably his favorite Al E. Cat.
He was preceded in death by his parents Richard and Peggy Burkhammer, brother Dana, sister Jan Howell, and many friends.

He wrote a poetry blog called “Mountain Word” and published a chapbook of 15 haiku on Issuu. His broadsides, lyrics, prose poems and empathetic works appeared in a few small press magazines and some self-published. He produced some videos including “Monkey’s Raincoat” after Basho, an introduction to haiku on YouTube. He was proud of his small role helping Mike Youngren with Volunteer Video projects including “Elk River Blues,” a water crisis documentary, and “Laotong Yoga,” about Sue Julian and Barbara Steinke taking a yoga program to men and women in prison.

A memorial service will be held 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at First Presbyterian Church, Charleston, with the Rev. Dr. William C. Myers officiating. Visitation will begin an hour before the service.

Donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 16 Leon Sullivan Way, Charleston; or the Kanawha Valley Fellowship Home, 1121 Virginia St. E., Charleston.

Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston.