Linda Leasure
Linda Ann (Weekly) Leasure, 74, of St. Albans, WV, passed away at home on December 20, 2023.
She was a Mental Health Advocate for over 30 years. Ten years as an Advocate, seven years as Executive Director of WV Advocates and three years as an Advocate and Director for WVA Mental Health Consumer Association in Charleston.
She was preceded in death by her Parents, Ralph K. and Mariah Jane (Hood) Weekly.
Linda is survived by husband, Carroll Michael Leasure of St. Albans; daughter, Mindi Leigh Dillon of St. Albans; grandson, Mical Santana Wesley of St. Albans; sister, Maru Jane Dykstra of Phoenix, AZ; brothers, David, Douglas, and Jeff Weekly all of Phoenix AZ as well as Steve Weekly, of Sedona, AZ, Michael Weekly of Myrtle Beach, SC, Ralph Weekly of Knoxville, TN and Mark Weekly of Ronceverte, WV; several nieces and nephews.
There are no services scheduled.
Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, WV.
Edward E. Bennett
Edward Eugene Bennett, 67, of South Charleston, WV, unexpectedly passed away on the evening of December 15, 2023 at WVU Medicine Thomas Hospital due to a cardiac event. When Ed started experiencing symptoms, he was doing what he loved, enjoying live music in the company of his girlfriend Annie Scott.
Ed was born in Philippi, WV, and grew up in Grafton, attending Grafton High School, graduating in 1974. After a few adventurous odd jobs, he started a career of over 40 years as a railroader, first as a trackman and trainman, then spending most of his career as a Yardmaster of the Grafton Terminal for the Chessie System, and ultimately CSX Transportation. While Ed was a passionate railroader and took pride in making sure the terminal ran smoothly, his true passions were music, aviation, and boating. Ed had a deep love for Blues and 60’s and 70’s Rock, and his nonstop guitar playing demonstrated this love. He played guitar, along with other instruments, from a young age, and it was a rare day that Ed did not do at least a little jamming on one of the guitars in his collection. Ed was a member of many bands over the years, and would commonly fill in for countless acts in West Virginia and neighboring states. He was known as Geetar Eddie, and he would be proud to know that many will remember him as a Blues guitarist first and foremost. Geetar Eddie also had a lifelong love for aviation passed down from his father, and lived this love vicariously through his son’s aviation career, which he followed with great interest and enthusiasm. If Ed wasn’t strumming a guitar, he was likely piloting a fun adventure around the world on his computer flight simulator. Later in life, Ed also got into boating, and certainly some of Ed’s happiest moments were out on his boat on Tygart Lake, or the Kanawha or Coal Rivers with friends, and sure enough, with a guitar in his hand most of the time. Or sometimes a kite! Ed also deeply loved his furry family members; a large chunk of Ed’s heart was owned by the few lady pups that were lucky enough to spend their lives by Ed’s side. He loved and missed Maggie, Katie, Ellie and Sophie very much.
Other interests that helped Ed live a full 67-year life were watching WVU sports, playing golf, alpine skiing, fishing, playing basketball and riding motorcycles in his earlier days, and did we mention playing guitar?
Ed was preceded in death by father, Charles Edward Bennett; mother, Norma “Willie” Willadene Pisino; step-father, Samuel Pisino; sister, Denise Diane Busse.
He is survived by son, Brian Patrick Bennett (Erika West); former wife, Twinkle Kerby; aunt, Carol Hovatter; brother-in-law, Bruce Busse; niece, Morgan (Tyler) Chaney; step-brother, Rick (Charlotte) Pisino.
A Live Musical Celebration of Edward’s Life will be planned for the spring in the spirit of how Ed viewed life and death. His wishes were to be cremated and his cremains are to be spread over his home state of West Virginia from the air when he goes flying with his son Brian one last time.
Memories of Edward Bennett may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling Edward’s disposition.
Kai Tennison Nesius
Kai Tennison Nesius, 19, of Charleston, West Virginia passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 18, 2023. Kai was a recent graduate at George Washington High School and had just finished his first semester at Ohio University in the College of Business. Kai was a natural leader and the president of his pledge class at Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity.
He truly was a loyal and dedicated friend to anyone he ever met. He was the glue that held his friends together and he brought out the confidence within his close group of friends. He loved spending time with his family and friends and never passed up the opportunity to see any of them at any given moment. His short life was filled with countless memories from trips to concerts to celebrations. Kai was a bright light in the lives of all who loved him. In fact, his very first word spoken was “light”.
Kai never passed up an adventure to explore the world or an opportunity to do something new. He loved backpacking, camping, skydiving, cliff jumping, swimming, fishing, hiking, and biking. He thoroughly enjoyed the outdoors and exploring the Grand Tetons, Yellowstone National Park, the Badlands, Sedona, The Grand Canyon, and Canada – just to name a few. Kai also enjoyed all things sports, hats, animals, driving, and was almost always taking pictures. Music was a big part of Kai’s life and he knew just the right song to play at any given moment to fit the mood. Kai was the music.
Kai is survived by his mother and father, Matthew Tennsion Nesius of Charleston, WV and Stephanie Joan Nesius of Athens, OH; his sister, Lola Grace Nesius; step-mother, Melissa Jean White of Charleston, WV; grandparents, John and Marie Nesius (Charleston, WV), John and June Evener (Athens, Ohio); uncles and aunts, TJ and Angie Nesius (Raleigh, NC), Brian and Markley Hawkins (Rock Hill, SC), John and Selina Evener (Upper Sandusky, Ohio), Andy Evener (Athens, Ohio); cousins, John Joseph Nesius, Lily Nesius, Maggie Pack, Natalie Pack, Landon Hawkins, Hannah Hawkins, Hope Hawkins, Dillon Hawkins, Peyton Evener, and Avery Evener.
A service will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 16 Leon Sullivan Way, Charleston, WV at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, December 22, 2023. Visitation will be held at 1:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association.
Family and friends may share memories and condolences by visiting https://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary.
Snodgrass Funeral Home of South Charleston is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements.
Hayden Blake Burns
Hayden Blake Burns, preterm infant son of Alexis Slater and Jacob Burns passed away on December 17, 2023.
He is also survived by, sister, Delilah Allagas; maternal grandmother, Amber Slater; paternal grandparents, Steve and Tiffany Burns; maternal great grandparents, Warren and Priscilla Slater; paternal great grandparents, Cameron and Twylla Bays; maternal great aunt and uncle, Ashley “Sissy” and Steven Coldwell; paternal great aunts Cassy Bays and Kaylla Bays; and many other relatives.
The family will have a service at 1:00 pm on Saturday December 23, 2023 at Cunningham Memorial Park, lower mausoleum chapel.
“We may have only held you in our arms for a moment, but we will hold you in our hearts forever.”
Friends may share condolences at our website www.snodgrassfuneral.com.
Snodgrass Funeral Home is assisting the family with these arrangements.
John J. Lordan
John J. Lordan, 85, peacefully passed away on December 15, 2023, at the Genesis Nursing Home in Marmet, WV.
John was born on March 25, 1938, in Chicago, IL., and lived most of his life in Sterling, IL. John was very proud of his Irish heritage; he loved being among family and friends reminiscing about the good old days.
Volkswagen of America, South Charleston, WV, hired John to serve as their Purchasing Agent. Other companies where John was employed include: The Budd Company, Gary Plant, Gary, IN, Conca, Inc., Mendota, IL and J.I. Case Company, Bettendorf, IA. John was a licensed insurance agent for Northwestern Mutual, Charleston, WV.
John earned a B.A. in Business Administration from St. Ambrose College, Davenport, IA, and he was a member of the National Association of Purchasing Managers as director of National Affairs.
John was an Army veteran, serving in active duty and reserves for six years.
John was proceeded in death by his parents, John Stephen Lordan and Lucille Grennan Lordan, and a sister, Anne Lordan Coerver. John is survived by his wife of 61 years, Diane Schowalter Lordan, and their three children, Michael, Douglas (Karim Ruiz), and Kathleen; and five grandchildren: Ryan, Kara, Enrique, Alberto, and Nathan.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 23, 2023, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, South Charleston. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church or a charity of your choice.
Online condolences and memories of John may be shared by visiting https://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, WV.
Clara June (Hyer) Milam
Clara June (Hyer) Milam, 79, of Scott Depot, WV (formerly St. Albans), passed away peacefully on December 12, 2023. She had valiantly battled kidney disease in recent years, but never wavered in her strength and will to live. Unfortunately, her journey here came to an end and Jesus called her home.
June married the love of her life, Okey Milam, on May 27, 1961, and they have lived a wonderful life filled with love and family ever since. She was ahead of her time in being a working woman, beginning in the 70s, while raising a family with her loving husband. Most of her career was spent in the optical field and she was proud to be a licensed Optician. It was a perfect fit for her, as she loved helping people and loved fashion. She enjoyed fitting people with glasses that improved their vision, and (as she often said) accented their face like a nice piece of jewelry. Most of all, she enjoyed meeting people and chatting with them – every kind of person imaginable. She knew ALL people mattered and taught her children (and anyone that would listen) never to look down on anyone.
June enjoyed decorating, shopping, fashion, and attending church at Dunbar Nazarene. More than anything, she enjoyed just spending time with her children, grandchildren, and her large extended family and close friends. If you have lived in the Charleston area for a while, you probably have a connection to the Hyer family.
June was preceded in death by her parents, Jessie and John Hyer; sisters, Frances Brown, Kay Laton, and Joan Whitlock; brothers, Charles (Babe) Hyer, Buddy Jarvis, and Oval Jarvis. She is survived by her husband, Okey Milam; children, Tony Milam (Terry Fondren) and Kim Cameron (Larry); grandchildren, Tyler Cameron, Sarah (Cameron) Houff (Brandon), and Matthew Fondren; siblings, Louse Shamblin, Kathy Hyer, Clara Atkins, Carol Wolfe, and John Hyer, and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank CAMC and Fresenius Kidney Care (Hurricane) for all the care and compassion they showed to her. Several nurses cried with the family at different times in this journey and her family will never forget them.
In keeping with June’s final requests, she will be cremated and buried at a later date at the Donel C. Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery in Dunbar. A service to celebrate her beautiful life will be held this Saturday, December 16, 2023, at Dunbar Nazarene Church, with Pastor Greg Hudson officiating. Visitation will be at 12:00 Noon and the service will be at 1:00 PM.
Memories of June may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.
Charles L. "Chuck" Young, Jr.
Charles L. “Chuck” Young, Jr., 56, of Charleston, WV, passed peacefully on December 11, 2023 at Hubbard Hospice House surrounded by family.
He was born on May 29, 1967 to Charles and Anita Young. Chuck was a 1986 graduate of George Washington High School. He worked in the medical field for many years. He enjoyed working with animals more than humans. Chuck was last employed by Good Shepherd Veterinary Hospital where he worked as a vet tech and office manager for his best friend Sarah Stephenson. His hobbies included spending time with his many grandchildren, causing trouble on social media and arguing with his mother.
He was preceded in death by his father, Charles L. “Charlie” Young, Sr.
Chuck is survived by his mother, Anita Young of Charleston; son, Anthony Young (Kayla) of Pinch; daughters; Makayla Bailey (Jamie) of Barboursville and Hannah Harrison (Christopher) of St. Albans. He is loved by his grandchildren, AJ, Casey, Rylee, Millie, Jace, Emma, Jesse, Lainee, Noah, and Maisie; sisters, Cathy Jones (Will) of Florida, Rebecca Draves (Rudy) of Georgia, and Tina Young of Cross Lanes; his honorary sister, Dawn Taylor (Joey) of Charleston; his best friend of all lifetime and mother of his children, Robin Young of Charleston; as well as many friends and family.
A service to Honor the Life of Chuck will be held at Noon, Friday, December 15, 2023 at Snodgrass Funeral Home, with Sarah Stephenson officiating. Interment will follow in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens, Cross Lanes. Friends may from 11:00 am until the service time at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association, 1248 Greenbrier St, Charleston, WV 25311.
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.
Roy James Grose
Roy James Grose, 102, of South Charleston, WV, passed away on December 11, 2023 at Hubbard Hospice House West.
He was born on March 10, 1921 in Procious, WV, the son of the late Jesse James and Dessie Samples Grose. He graduated from Clay County High School when he was 16 years old. He proudly served his country in the Pacific as a Naval Sonar Operator during World War II. After the war he was employed as a Mill Wright at Union Carbide of South Charleston and retired as a supervisor after 38 years of service.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Clarence and Gary; sister, Ruth; first wife and mother of his daughter Jo, Dimples Shelton Grose; second wife, Faye Adkins Grose.
Roy is survived by daughter, Jo Elaine Bauman of South Charleston; granddaughter, Jama Whittaker (Frank) of South Charleston; great grandchildren, Amanda Mattix (Robert) of South Charleston and Cole Whittaker (Shannon) of Cross Lanes; great-great grandchildren, Gabe and Lucy Mattix and Hollyn Whittaker; niece, Judy Sexton of Columbus, Ohio.
A service to Honor the Life of Roy Grose will be held at Noon, Thursday, December 14, 2023 at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, WV with Pastor Matthew Decker officiating. Burial will follow in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans, WV. Friends may visit from 11:00 am until service time at the funeral home.
Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.coim and selecting the obituary. Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston.
Merlene Marie Brenneman
Merlene Marie Kirk Brenneman, 93, of Charleston, WV passed away on December 5, 2023.
She was born in Ashford, WV to the late Wade and Violet Doss Kirk. She was a homemaker and enjoyed cooking for her family. She was a painter in her early years and always enjoyed taking walks.
Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Sharon Whittington; son, Timothy Whittington, sisters, Mary Burchett and Maxine Skaff.
Merlene is survived by her son, Greg Whittington of Charleston; 3 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; sisters, Shirley Gallo of New Jersey, Jean Allen of Charleston, Carol Wilkinson (Bob) of Nitro; brothers, Dean Kirk (Sue) of Charleston and Roger Kirk (Fil) of Charleston; as well as a host of nieces and nephews.
A graveside service to Honor the Life of Merlene will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, December 8, 2023 in Sunset Memorial Park Mausoleum Chapel with H.R. Whittington officiating. Entombment will follow in the cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donating a book to a library of your choice.
Snodgrass Funeral Home is assisting the family with these arrangements.
Othar Gordon Ballard
Othar Gordon Ballard, 88, of South Charleston, WV went home to be with his Lord and Savior on December 1, 2023 at Hubbard Hospice House.
Gordon was preceded in death by his brother, Dwight Ballard and grandson, Jeremy Ballard.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife and love of his life, Barbara Ballard; daughter, Leslie Ballard; son, Mike Ballard; daughter, Kellie Ballard; son, Brad Ballard (Kelly); brother, Bitner Ballard (Peggy); grandchildren, Zakary Ballard (Courtney), Tanner Ballard, Bryce Ballard, Brandon Ballard, Summer Ballard, Autumn Ballard (Cass), Haylie Blankenship (Randy), Lindsay Randolph (Christian), Savannah Friar (Josh); great grandchildren, Julianne Ballard, Brooks Ballard, Ivory Friar, Iris Friar, Jensen Friar, Sydni Cawley, Brooklyn Cawley, Madalyn Randolph, Kayden Randolph, Owen Blankenship, Mara Blankenship and Malachi Casseus.
Gordon was a retired Captain with the Charleston Fire Department where he developed many life-long friendships. He was also the Owner and Operator of Ballard Fence Company since 1959. He is a legend in the fence industry and his pride in his work will never be matched. He developed lasting relationships with his customers that remain to this day and his legacy will be carried on by his son and grandsons.
He was also a life-long Cincinnati Reds and Cincinnati Bengals fan, attending many games during his lifetime. He enjoyed birthday and holiday celebrations and going on vacations, especially time with family. His greatest love of all were his grandchildren, spending time with them whether it was picking flowers or finding seashells, playing ball or just setting and listening to them talk or read a book.
Gordon’s hard work ethics, humble attitude, kindness towards others and his intense love for his family will be remembered by all who knew and loved him. He was known as, husband, dad, papa, papa Gordon, friend, best friend, protector, hero and idol. He is loved dearly and will be greatly missed by his family and friends, until one sweet day when they will see him again.
A service to Honor the Life of Gordon will be held at 11:00 am, Wednesday, December 6, 2023 at Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston with Celebrant, H.R. Whittington officiating. Burial will follow in Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens, Cross Lanes, WV. Friends may visit at the funeral home one hour prior to the service.
A special thank you to all the staff at Hubbard Hospice House. They are truly angels that walk among us.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to HospiceCare of Charleston, 1606 Kanawha Blvd., W, Charleston, WV 25387-2536.
Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.snodgrassfuenral.com and selecting the obituary.
Arrangements are in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, WV.