Don Clayton Perdue

Don Clayton Perdue,75, of Prichard, W.Va., passed away Saturday, October 18, 2025 at the Emogene Dolin Jones Hospice House. Funeral service will be conducted 11:00 A.M. Friday, October 24, 2025 at Holy Family Catholic Church 900 Winchester Ave. Ashland, Ky. 41101 with Pastor V. Rev. D. Andrew Canon, KHS officiating. Interment with Masonic Rites, will follow in Spring Valley Memory Gardens in Huntington, WV. Don was born November 12, 1949 in Kenova, WV. a son of the late Wendell Clayton and Mary Beuhler Perdue. Don was born and raised in Kenova and attended both Ceredo-Kenova and Buffalo-Wayne High School. He was a proud son of Marshall University and completed his pharmacy degree at Ohio Northern in Ada, Ohio. While in college, he met, fell in love with and married Mary Jo Dudek, his “MoJo.” Throughout his life he was a loving father to Erin and Sean, husband to Mary Jo, and Poppy to Dempsey, Brighton, and Rowan. Don was also a forever advocate for those without a voice in the Appalachian communities of Wayne County as a pharmacist and Democratic representative for the WV House of Delegates from 1999 to 2016. A majority of his legislative commitment consisted of serving as the Chair of the Health and Human Resources Committee, spending countless hours fighting for legislation that would help families recover from the devastating opioid epidemic that ravaged our state, obtain affordable healthcare services, and seek ways to build a healthier future for the children if West Virginia. His passion was always to bring awareness of the beautiful and valued people of our region and state and make sure they could feel safe, healthy, and heard when others so often left them behind. After his retirement as a pharmacist and state legislator, he served as the Executive Director of the Wayne County Economic Development Authority. Some of the projects he was able to help initiate included the Healing Place in Huntington, WV, the Heartland Intermodal Gateway in Prichard, WV, and converting the old Corbin Building in Westmoreland, WV, to the West Edge Factory. In addition to his professional and public service, Don consistently devoted his time to numerous local and state organizations, including Stepping Stones, Inc., Sunflower Seeds Tri-State Aid for Ukraine, Recovery Point West Virginia, Rural Health Development, and The Rural Lifestyle Alliance (RLA). In his final days he shared this message, his epilogue, with his family: It doesn’t matter who you are, where you come from or what you do, you were a part of my life and for that I’m eternally grateful. Every human interaction leaves something behind to help make you who you are. So be thankful for all of them.  In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by two brothers Lawrence “Sonny” Perdue and Bobby Jack Perdue. Survivors include his beloved wife, Mary Jo Perdue; daughter and son-in-law Erin Morgenstern (Justin), son and daughter-in-law Sean Perdue (Lindsay); three grandchildren Dempsey Perdue, Brighton Perdue and Rowan Morgenstern; two sisters and one brother-in-law Linda Hall, Patricia “Patti” Kunde (Gerald) and a sister-in-law Mary Perdue and numerous family members and friends. In lieu of flowers the family request donations to one of the following organizations: https://steppingstonesinc.org/how-can-i-help/ ;https://sunflowerseedstristate.com/; https://recoverypointwv.org/; http://www.rurallifestylealliance.com/donate.html; https://hospiceofhuntington.org/donate/make-a-donation/. Visitation will be Thursday, October 23, 2025 at Rollins Funeral Home in Kenova from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Online condolences may be expressed at rollinsfh.com.

Juanita Spurlock

Juanita Spurlock,96, of Huntington, W.Va., passed away Sunday, October 5, 2025 in Kingsbrook Lifecare Center. Graveside service will be conducted 2:00 P.M. Thursday, October 9, 2025 at Maple Hill Cemetery with Pastor Jeffrey Canterbury officiating. Juanita was born December 27, 1928 in East Lynn, WV. a daughter of the late Steve and Otha Adkins Carver. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband Burwell M. Spurlock, Jr.; three sisters Hester McKeand, Dorothy Burke and Euella Webb; one brother Roy Carver and son-in-law Johnny Adkins. Survivors include two daughters Loretta Adkins and Elizabeth Taylor; granddaughter Christie Robertson; grandsons Burwell Taylor, Michael Adkins, David Taylor, Mark Adkins and Robert Taylor and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.  There will be no visitation and no procession to the cemetery. Rollins Funeral Home in Kenova is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed at rollinsfh.com.

Tim Harkins Lucas

Tim Harkins Lucas,78, of Huntington, W.Va., passed away Saturday, September 27, 2025 in St. Mary’s Medical Center. Funeral service will be conducted 1:00 P.M. Friday, October 3, 2025 at Rollins Funeral Home with Pastor Phillip Stapleton officiating. Interment will follow in Maple Hill Cemetery. Tim retired from Rite-Aid. He was a veteran having served in the U.S. Navy. He was a member of the American Legion Post 93, whose Honor Guard will conduct military graveside rites. Tim was also a member of the DAV, VFW and the Ceredo Christian Baptist Church. He was active in the community having coached youth sports in baseball, football and basketball. Tim was born January 31, 1947 in Kenova a son of the late Charles and Lela Fry Lucas. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife Frances Ward Lucas; brother Robert Lucas and step-daughter Raelyn Robinson. Survivors include his wife Debra Dutey Lucas; son Brad Lucas; step-daughter Leann Wissman (TR); four grandsons Jake Lucas, Zac Lucas, Kye Robinson and Gavin Wissman; two brothers and sisters-in-law Raymond Lucas (Linda), David Lucas (Mary Ann); one sister Judy Peck; sisters-in-law Cristi Gossett (Wes), Dorothy Williams, Cora Dixon and Donna Neff and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service on Friday at the funeral home. Rollins Funeral Home in Kenova is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed at rollinsfh.com.

Betty Jean Beckley

Betty Jean Beckley,95, of Whites Creek, went to be with the Lord, on Sunday, September 28, 2025 at home. She was born January 4, 1930 to Jack Ival Smith and Georgia Davis Smith. She had sevensiblings, Carl, Hazel, Gwenny, Lois, Ronny, Phyliss and Roger. Betty married Lowell Beckley in 1947and had four children, Lynn, Patrick, Michael and Dan. Lowell passed away in 1996 after 49 years of marriage and Betty lived another 29 years with Dan, her son. Betty was honest, kind, generous,humble and sweet. It was a blessing to be around her. She never held a grudge, nor any ill-will toward anyone. She was as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside. There will be no public services. Rollins Funeral Home in Kenova is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed at rollinsfh.com.

Eldred Dean Handy Lloyd

Eldred Dean Handy Lloyd,97, of Kenova, W.Va., passed away Friday, September 26, 2025 at her residence. Graveside service will be conducted 12:30 P.M. Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at Ceredo Crescent Hill Cemetery. Eldred was born July 9, 1928 in Huntington a daughter of the late George and Elizabeth Handy. She was a retired Inspector from the former Owens-Illinois Company. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son James Michael Blankenship, a daughter Caroline Blankenship Thompson, sisters Nina Frances, Jean, Vada, Helen, Eunice and JoAnn and a brother George. Survivors include one daughter Linda Lloyd.  Visitation will be from 11:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. Wednesday at the funeral home. Rollins Funeral Home in Kenova is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed at rollinsfh.com.  

Estel Lloyd Nelson

Estel Lloyd Nelson, 78, of Huntington, W.Va., passed away Thursday, September 25, 2025, in Huntington. Estel was born October 25, 1946, a son of the late Noah and Maltie Pack Nelson. He retired from Tennessee Gas Pipeline, where he worked as an electronic technician.

Estel was a dedicated Christian and lifelong student of the Bible. He was a member of Tri-State Baptist Church, where he faithfully taught Sunday school for many years, and in more recent years attended 13th Street Baptist Church in Ashland, Ky.

He had a passion for sports, both playing and coaching, and found great joy in encouraging young people. He especially loved coaching his son’s teams through Lavalette Little League and Buffalo Youth Basketball Programs, and in later years, he rarely missed one of his granddaughter’s basketball games. Estel was deeply supportive of his children’s pursuits, from attending nearly every one of his daughter’s music and dance performances to sharing in his son’s love of the outdoors with special yearly fishing and hunting trips. Some of his son’s fondest memories are of those times together. Just as lasting for his daughter are the many walks through the woods with him, where he guided her steps on the steep hills and shared his knowledge of nature. Whether outdoors with family or hiking alone, Estel found peace and joy in the woods.

Estel also enjoyed computer programming, applying it in both professional and personal ways. Above all, he loved his family and was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother. His steady presence, encouragement, and genuine care will be remembered by all who knew him.

The family extends special thanks to the staff of Madison Park Healthcare, who provided compassionate care during Estel’s last several months. His wife, Mary Ruth, was especially devoted, caring for him at home for as long as possible and continuing to visit and tend to him daily even after his move to Madison Park. Her unwavering love and sacrifice were a constant source of comfort to him.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Aileen Bailey and Hester Bailey, and three brothers, Bobby, Don, and David Nelson. He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Ruth Ferguson Nelson; a son and daughter-in-law, Nathan Lloyd and Janet Nelson; a daughter and son-in-law, Andrea Lenee and Zachary Marcum; a granddaughter, Alexandra Collins and her husband, Daniel; and three great-grandchildren, Brynlee, Ella, and Eli Collins. He is also survived by three sisters-in-law, Patty Nelson, Martha Nelson, and Dianna Nelson.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 30, 2025, from Noon to 2:00 p.m., with his funeral service immediately following at Rollins Funeral Home in Kenova, with Pastor Jim Byrd officiating. Burial will follow in Docks Creek Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rollinsfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Estel’s memory to the Dementia Society of America (www.dementiasociety.org)

Juanita (Kretzer) Chafin

Juanita (Kretzer) Chafin, born July 9, 1935 in Van Lear, KY, departed this life on September 18, 2025 at Life Care Center of Elyria, OH under the care of Crossroads Hospice. She was a resident with her son in Eaton Township in Lorain County, OH since 2020, but had been in long-term care since 2022. She celebrated her 90th birthday on July 6 along with her beloved family who joined to give thanks for her long and joy-filled life.

Juanita was a graduate of Ceredo-Kenova High School class of 1953 and soon afterward entered her career as a legal stenographer for Inland Mutual Insurance Company of Huntington, WV. During her early marriage to Rev. H. Thomas “Tom” Chafin, she resided in her adopted “hometown” of Ceredo, WV until later in life they settled in Huntington where she resided until moving to live with their only son, Rev. David T. Chafin of Eaton Township.

Because her father, William Wesley Kretzer, lost his life in a mining accident when she was 9 days old, she remained very close to her mother, Nannie (Cartmell) Kretzer, throughout her life until her passing in 1985. Her beloved siblings passed away over the years, but she was often remembering Clarence, William (Dolly Crossen), Josephine, Beatrice (Mordecai Eagleston), Robert (Alice Connell), and Homer (Maxine Ramey). She kept her eye on beloved Kretzer nephews and niece, as well as those of her Chafin family. Continue reading “Juanita (Kretzer) Chafin”

Alpha David Nelson

Alpha David Nelson, 74, 0f Prichard, WV, passed away Monday, September 8,2025. A memorial Service is planned for October 10, 2025, at Norway Avenue Church of Christ. Alpha was born April 2, 1951, in Dunlow, WV. He was a son of the late Noah and Maltie Nelson and was a member of Norway Avenue Church of Christ. He was employed with CSX as an engineer for many years. Alpha was an artist who loved to paint, draw, and sculpt. He was God fearing, a fierce competitor, and a friend to everyone he met. He had many talents including starting the football program in Buffalo, WV. He was preceded in death by his loving daughter, Christina Nelson. He is Survived by his loving and faithful wife, Dianna Nelson; his sons, Jeremy Nelson and Michael Nelson; his grandchildren, Jacob, Liam, Brody, Ashley, Jerred, Kristen, Garrett, Leasa, and Emily Nelson; and great -grandchildren James, Jason, and Annabella Nelson.

 

Revia Cisco Robertson

Revia Cisco Robertson, 86, of Jacksonville, FL, passed away Monday, September 1, 2025 at Baptist Medical Center. Revia as born April 5, 1939 in Kenova, W.Va. a daughter of the late Lenzy and Eliza Nickell Cisco. Revia worked as a key punch operator employed by the C&O and CSX Railroads for over 35 years. She was a devout Christian and a member of the Church of Christ. In addition to her parents, Revia was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Bernard Robertson; a son, Charles David Robertson; a granddaughter, Terri Lynn Carpenter; two sisters, Virginia Kirk and Enith Crockett; four brothers, L.V. Cisco, Gene Cisco, Arnold Cisco and Sanford Cisco. Revia fiercely loved and was loved by her family and she spent her life enjoying their company. She was affectionately known by everyone as “Buddy.” She had a gusto for life and could often be found sitting in the floor playing games with her children and grandchildren and she especially enjoyed playing video games with the family and her best friend, Judy Ketchum. She was up for any adventure and it was not surprising to look out the door and find her playing ball or even building snowmen with her grandchildren. “Buddy” will be deeply missed by her family and everyone who knew her. She is survived by one son, John Stephen Robertson, and his wife, SunCha; two daughters, Remona Robertson McMullen and her husband, Todd and Cathy Hustus and her husband, David; grandchildren, Christopher (Amie) Robertson, Shane (Marcy) Robertson, Nicholas Griffith, Lenzy (David) Muns, Jessica Hustus, Savannah (Amos) Whitwam, Alexis (Nick) Hustus, Haley Hustus, Jamie Robertson, Amanda Robertson, John David Robertson and Justin Robertson; three sisters-in-law, Carol Griffith Cisco, Dreama Robertson Klaiber and Lolita Robertson Campbell; 24 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be from Noon to 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 13, 2025 at Rollins Funeral Home in Kenova. Funeral services will begin at 2:00 p.m. with Eulogist Stanley Wood officiating. Burial will follow in Maple Hill Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rollinsfh.com. Continue reading “Revia Cisco Robertson”

James E. Wyatt

In loving memorial of James E. Wyatt
It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of my beloved husband, Jim Wyatt’s, passing. He passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 6th, following a short illness. This loss leaves an immeasurable void in our lives.
Jim’s life was a testament to his deep faith, unwavering kindness, and boundless love. He was a devoted husband, a cherished father and grandfather, and a loyal friend to many. His gentle spirit and generous heart touched countless lives. A steadfast member of the First Baptist Church of Kenova, he dedicated his time and energy to serving others, quietly and without seeking recognition. His dedication to his faith and community was truly inspiring.
While we mourn his absence, we find solace in remembering the beautiful life he lived. Jim’s request was to forgo a formal memorial service. Instead, he wished for a living memorial: a butterfly garden at our home. This space will serve as a tranquil sanctuary where we can gather to celebrate his memory and reflect on his life, surrounded by the beauty of nature, something he deeply cherished.
We would be deeply grateful for your thoughts, prayers, and support during this difficult time. Your calls, cards, and visits are a source of comfort. If you wish to honor Jim’s memory, you may choose to contribute to the creation of his butterfly garden; a project that reflects his love for God’s creation. Any contribution, no matter how small, will be greatly appreciated and will help us create a lasting tribute to him.
The words of 2 Timothy 4:7-8 resonate deeply with us now: “I  have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of life, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on the day of his coming—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” Jim’s faith, his strength, and his love will forever remain in our hearts.
(Melissa N. Wyatt)