Leonard Dale Hager
Leonard Dale Hager, age 70, of South Charleston, West Virginia, passed away on Friday, August 16, 2024 at his home.
He was born and raised in Beckley and moved later to South Charleston while in high school. He graduated from South Charleston High School in 1971.
Over his lifetime, he held various positions at Thomas Hospital and Saint Francis Hospital. He retired from Saint Francis Hospital in 2016 with 36 years of service.
Leonard was best known by those that loved him for his charismatic personality, athleticism, appreciation of the arts, and love of animals. He loved to tell stories of his “glory days” training and competing with his friends. Leonard was an avid reader and shared this love with his daughter. He enjoyed attending local music events, including venues such as FOOTMAD and Mountain Stage. Leonard was an animal lover and had many pets throughout the years that he cherished. He loved his family and had immense pride in his only child, Ashley Oldaker, and his grandson, Ashton Oldaker. In his final years, he loved and cared for his partner, Amy Bowe, whom he was with for fourteen years.
Leonard was a well-known athlete in the Kanawha Valley and had competed and won many races over the years. He was an accomplished runner, bicyclist, and tri-athlete who belonged to the Tallman Track Club and the Vandalia Velos, where he made life-long friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Otho “Boots” Hager and Elizabeth Smith Hager; his step-mother, Thelma Rudd Hager; brother, Roger Vance Hager; and nephew, Erik Hager.
He is survived by his partner, Amy Bowe, of South Charleston, West Virginia; daughter, Ashley Oldaker and grandson, Ashton Oldaker of Cross Lanes, West Virginia; brother, Warren Keith Hager (Amy) of Woodbridge, Virginia; nephew, Theron Hager (Caroline) of Glade Hill, Virginia; and nephew, Jason Hager (Clemence) of Alexandria, Virginia. .
Honoring his wishes, there will be no memorial service. A private celebration of life for family and close friends will be scheduled at a later date.
Memories may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home is assisting the family with these arrangements.
Josephine "Jo" Hamrick
Josephine “Jo” Lenora Romino Stevens Hamrick was born May 30, 1927 in Fairmont, WV, the first child of Dr. Leonard A. Romino and Maria Antionette "Jeanette" Pacifico Romino. On July 4, 2024, she left this life to be with her Heavenly Father.
Jo was proud of her Italian heritage. Her paternal grandparents, Michael Romino and Josephine LaCamera immigrated from Noepoli, Italy. Her maternal grandparents, James Pacifico and Caroline DelRay immigrated from the Southeastern Province of Benivento, Italy.
Jo loved to entertain and was a gracious hostess, and she thoroughly enjoyed social events of all kinds. Her home reflected her vibrant personality. Jo was always stylishly dressed which often included a stunning hat from her collection. Jo loved life and was a positive person; she approached adversity and challenges with strength and grace and was an inspiration and role model. She took great delight in her family.
While living in Fairmont, Jo worked for her dentist father and other local dentists, and later at Fairmont Clinic and at Fairmont State College. After moving to Charleston WV in 1972, she was the Director of the local Goodwill Industries. She was Charleston General Hospital's first Patient Advocate, and she retired from the WV Department of Highways. Until her early 90's, Jo was active in many organizations. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Jo was a member of the Christopher Columbus Italian Club where she served many years as their event/banquet coordinator. She was a past President of the Angel Terrace Garden Club and past Southeastern Director of the WV Garden Clubs. She volunteered at St. Francis Hospital and served as a poll worker.
Jo is predeceased by her husband Dennis R. Hamrick, with whom she enjoyed 23 wonderful years. She is also predeceased by her son John L. Stevens II; brothers Michael and Leonard "Lenny" Romino; sister Patricia "Patti" Vasicek, step-brother Bobby Romino; brother-in-law Tom Janicki and her former husband John L. "Jack" Stevens.
Survivors include her sister Carolyn Romino Janicki; daughter-in-law Kat Stevens; son James L. Stevens (Tara) and their sons John Joseph "Joey" and James Jeffrey "Taylor"; son Joseph L. Stevens (Tina); son Jeffrey L. "Jef" Stevens and his children Megan Pennington (Greg) and son Jacob "Jake" Stevens; former daughter-in-law Kelly Krupa; Great-grandchildren Owen Totten and Gabriel Pennington; brother-in-law Richard Vasicek and sister-in-law Judy Romino Bailey. Aunts Mary Romino and Lee Pacifico also survive, as does step-son Dennis R. Hamrick (Mary Anne) and their sons Paul and Aaron. Jo leaves to cherish her memory many precious nieces, nephews and cousins, each of whom she dearly loved.
The family expresses our thanks to the staff of The Dunbar Center for their care and kindness during Jo's last years.
The family will receive visitors at Snodgrass Funeral Home in South Charleston on Saturday, August 31 from 1-2 p.m, with the service immediately following at the funeral home at 2:00 pm.
Memories of Jo may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home.
Esther Barbara Scoular
Esther Barbara Scoular, 85, of Scott Depot, WV, passed away Friday, August 16, 2024.
Born December 17, 1938, in Pocahontas, VA, she spent her childhood in Grundy, VA, and later moved to Charleston, WV, where she attended Morris Harvey College. She married Robert “Bob” Scoular in August of 1959.
Barbara worked and volunteered locally for several organizations. She loved taking care of and spending time with family and friends.
Survivors include her sons, Robert Mark and David Benjamin; grandchildren, Stephen Ross and Emily Isabella; sister, Mary McGraw; brother, Ben, and sister-in-law, Connie Erdely; sister, Rose Theresa, and brother-in-law, Mike Buscher. She was proceeded in death by her husband, Bob, and parents, Benny and Esther Erdely.
Barbara was a member of the Teays Valley Presbyterian Church. She enjoyed gardening, going to the beach, spending time with her grandchildren, friends, and family. Barbara loved being active, attending and supporting activities in Charleston and the Kanawha Valley.
Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at Snodgrass Funeral Home. Burial will be in Sunset Memoria Park. A gathering of family and friends will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, August 23, 2024, and one hour prior to the services on Saturday, at Snodgrass Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to www.HospiceCareWV.org, the Alzheimer’s Association, the American Cancer Society, or a charity of your choice.
Memories of Barbara may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Loretta Marie DiGiorgi
In the arms of an angel, Loretta Marie DiGiorgi, 69, departed her earthly life on Friday, August 2, 2024. Loretta lived in South Charleston and was a graduate of Charleston Catholic High School and Marshall University. She was employed as a Para-legal for the WV Attorney General’s Office.
Loretta is joining her heavenly family: parents, Virgil and Lillian DiGiorgi; sister, Linda; and brother, Renato. Loretta leaves behind her cherished son, Benjamin; sister, Valerie (Stephen) Rist; brother, Gino; and special niece, Daniella, who she thought of as her daughter.
The family extends a special “Thank You” to her caregivers: Marcella Thomas, Morgan Issacs, and Tammy Byrd.
A Service to Honor the Life of Loretta will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, with Father Paul Wharton officiating. Burial will be the following day in Sunset Memorial Park, South Charleston. Family and friends may visit from 6:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, prior to the service.
Memories of Loretta may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Barbara Kay Kitchen
Barbara Kay Kitchen, age 79, of Charleston passed away peacefully on Saturday August 3, 2024.
She was born on April 28, 1945 in Loudendale, daughter of the late Walter and Martha Thomas Pennington. She is preceded in death by her husband William “Bill” Kitchen. She is also preceded by her granddaughter, Chelsea Kitchen, and great granddaughter Angel Kitchen.
She was a homemaker, loving wife and mother.
Barbara is survived by her two sons, David Kitchen (Angie) and Billy Kitchen (Kim); grandchildren, Chasadina Cook (Josh), Christopher Kitchen (Kaitlynn), Brittany Brown, Joseph Brown, and Josh Hartwell; great grandchildren, Josilyn, Sophia, Ethan, Adlee, and Bryer.
The family will have a private celebration of Barbara’s life.
Friends may share condolences at our website www.snodgrassfuneral.com.
Snodgrass Funeral Home is assisting the family with these arrangements.
LaDonna Wilson Jennings
LaDonna Wilson Jennings, age 87, died July 27, 2024, at CAMC Memorial Hospital.
She was born on October 3, 1936, in Fairview, WV, the daughter of Marvin Bill Wilson and Wilena McClain Wilson. She was a graduate of Barrackville High School, Barrackville, WV, and Fairmont General Hospital School of Nursing, Fairmont WV. She was a retired RN from CAMC Memorial Division, Charleston, WV.
Preceding LaDonna in death were her parents; husband, James M. “Goose” Wilson; sister, Darleta Hurt; and step daughter, Cynthia “Cindy” Jennings.
She is survived by her husband, Frank Jennings; children, Michael Wilson (Jane), Shelley Wilson and partner Candy Castaldi, and Laura Carpanzano (Dillon).
Also surviving are stepchildren: Kathy Bruner, Debby Cotes (Osterman), Bruce Jennings (Nancy), and Brian Jennings (Sue); sisters, Gweneth Botkin (Earl) and Krystel Roark; brother, Keith Wilson (Sally); grandchildren: David Wilson (Claire Nicely), Robert Wilson (Liz), Anna Wilson-Weustefeld, and Lucas Wilson-Weustefeld; great granddaughter, Nora Wilson; step grandchildren: Rob Cotes (Meran), Kristy Snively (Toby), Matt Bruner (Lauren), Stephen Bruner (Bryanna), Beth Bruner, Dan Jennings (Kate), Ashley Jennings (Trevor Toth), and Kayleigh Jennings. LaDonna is also survived by several great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
She was a member of the Elizabeth Memorial United Methodist Church, Charleston, WV.
Following retirement, LaDonna volunteered for Meals on Wheels, Habitat for Humanity, Hospice, and the Light Opera Guild Box Office.
A memorial Service to Honor the Life of LaDonna will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston. Family and friends may visit one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations in LaDonna’s memory may be made to Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association, 1248 Greenbrier Street, Charleston WV 25311 (https://adoptcharleston.com/support#donate-today), Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38101-9908 (https://stjude.org/donate), or a charity of your choice.
Memories of LaDonna may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Ajamu Ali Gaines, Jr.
Ajamu Ali Gaines, Jr., 27, of Charleston, WV, passed away to be with the Lord while in the comfort of his own home, on July 21, 2024.
Ajamu, also known as “ManMan,” was a graduate of Capital High School, class of 2018. “ManMan” enjoyed watching movies with his family and friends, enjoyed Blow Pops, and giving orders! He had a smile that could brighten your day! He was loved, and will always be loved, by all who knew him.
“ManMan” is preceded in death by his great grandmother, Dorothy Higgenbotham (Granny) and his stepmother, Misty Gaines.
“ManMan” is survived by his father, Ajamu Ali Gaines; mother, Wyenda Phelps; paternal grandparents, Michael and Dawn Gaines; uncle, KaWambee Gaines; aunt, Kizzy (Rodney) Ragland; siblings: Zymeer (McKenzie) Smith, Shamar Ali Ellis, Lalia Ali, Kobe Ali, and Aaliyah Ali Gaines, and McKenzie Burks of Springfield, OH; step-sisters, Kamari Canterbury and Skylar Singleton; nephew, Mason Smith; and niece, Stella Smith; a host of cousins; two special aunts, Yvette Davis and Andrea Ellis; and honorary Godparents, Dante’ and Teri diTrapano.
A memorial service to Honor the Life of “ManMan” will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at Grace Bible Church, 600 Kanawha Boulevard W, Charleston, WV, 25302, with Pastor Matthew Watts officiating. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.
Memories of “ManMan” may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Franklin "Frank" Darnell Childers
Franklin Darnell Childers, known affectionately as Frank, passed away on July 20, 2024, at the age of 83, in Charleston, West Virginia. He was born on August 18, 1940, in Peytona, West Virginia.
Frank graduated from Sherman High School before attending Marshall University and the University of Charleston. His commitment to education was evident through his career as an elementary school teacher at Seth Grade School. He later served at the West Virginia State Auditor's Office before retiring. Frank also pursued entrepreneurial interests, owning and operating El Azul Grande Mexican Restaurants.
A proud veteran, Frank served in the United States Navy, where he embraced the discipline and camaraderie that defined his time in the service. He was a member of the Peytona Church of Christ, where he was baptized on May 17, 1956. Frank was also a member of the Knights of Pythias, serving as Grand Chancellor of the State of West Virginia.
Frank was preceded in death by his loving wife, Irene; his parents, Sylvester and Maysel Childers; and his sisters, Edna Mae McNeely and Edith Halstead.
He is survived by his daughter, Lara Breeding (JB); and grandsons, Andrew (Rosa), Simon, and Ryan Breeding. He will be sadly missed by special loved ones: Jenna and Allie Ferrell, Miguel, Ivan and Alex Rameriez; and his loving and faithful cat, Henry.
Services to honor Frank's life will be held at Snodgrass Funeral Home in South Charleston, West Virginia, on Monday, July 29, 2024, at 1:00 PM. Friends may visit between 12:00-1:00 PM. Minister Donnie Pauley will be conducting the services. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, South Charleston, West Virginia.
Snodgrass Funeral Home is assisting the family, providing support and care as they celebrate Frank's life and legacy.
Patricia Ann Lore
Patricia Ann Lore, 88, of South Charleston, WV, passed away on Thursday, July 18, 2024, at Hubbard Hospice House, South Charleston, WV.
She was born October 14, 1935, in Charleston, WV, daughter of Daniel and Verna Mae Pence.
Pat graduated from South Charleston High School and went on to work as a clerk for the C & P Telephone Company. She was an active member of the South Charleston First Church of God, and also served as Worthy Matron of the Nitro Chapter of The Eastern Star. Pat cherished her time with family, supporting her grandsons in all of their activities and accomplishments. She was an avid sports fan, having played basketball and always having a sporting event on her television.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Ernie Lore; daughter, Valerie Eskins; grandson, Chris Eskins; great-grandson, Hunter Lore; and siblings, Dale, Opal, Charlie, Fred, Wanda, and Robert.
Pat is survived by her son, Jim (Sara) Lore; son-in-law, Bob Eskins; grandson, Brian (Erin) Eskins; grandson, Andrew (Rachel) Lore; granddaughter-in-law, Lisa Eskins; and great-grandchildren: Owen, Lauren, Madeline, Allie, Austin, Mckenzie, and Walker.
A Service to honor the life of Pat will be held at 12:00 PM, Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, WV, with Clarence “Cho” Lore officiating. Burial will be in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans, WV. Family and friends may visit from 11:00AM to 12:00 PM, Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at Snodgrass Funeral Home.
Memories of Patricia may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Robert Joseph Lucas
Robert Joseph Lucas, 78, of Cross Lanes, WV passed away at home July 10, 2024. He was born in South Charleston, WV on April 8, 1946.
Robert was a champion swimmer, known as “The Blue Whale” at Windermere Pool, setting records that stood for years. After graduating from Charleson Catholic High School in 1964, he briefly attended Virginia Tech. He moved to Daytona Beach, living as a beach bum and bar bouncer, until working at the Daytona Speedway. He returned to Charleston and worked at C&P Telephone Company as a lineman, Safety Team member, EEO trainer, and Installation Foreman. He was one of the ESS System Conversion leaders for Verizon, known fondly as “Moose.”. He finished his forty-year career as a CISSP – a Certified Information Systems Security Professional, and head of Computer Security for Verizon.
Big Bob loved God and loved serving Him through His people. He volunteered in community music groups in Beckley, and at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in the music ministry, as a lector, at youth camp as the fishing “pro”, setting up pyrotechnics and recording activities for videos. He recorded Mass for years for homebound parishioners. He took every opportunity to drop a fishing line in any river, lake or pond – especially Poca Hunting & Fishing Club. He was an avid bird watcher and the neighborhood watchman. Big Bob was witty and loved a good joke or tall tale. His 6’8” frame served him well as an awesome Santa Claus everywhere he went.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Margaret Lucas, his sister Patty Anne Bridi and granddaughter Catherine Madeline Dusch. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Connie (Clark) and their children Benjamin, Christopher (Andrea), Carolyn, Margaret (Michael) Dusch, Stephen, Elizabeth (Gavin) Sexton, Theresa (Nathaniel) Smalley, and Ingrid Howard, as well as his 12 grandchildren whom he loved dearly, and his sister Judy, a nephew, two nieces and several cousins.
Services will be at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 305 E St, South Charleston on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. The Holy Rosary will be recited at 9:30am, visitation 10am-11am and Catholic Mass service at 11am. A burial service for the family will take place at Sunset Memorial Park.
Memories of Robert Lucas may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.