All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Robert Ray Alkire

Robert Ray Alkire, 75, of Buckeye, WV, passed away Sunday, March 27, 2022, after an extended illness.  Born September 28, 1946, in Buckhannon, WV, Bob was the son of Winfred C. and Areta Aegan Alkire.  He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, William Alkire.

Survivors include his wife of nearly 52 years, Elaine Conrad Alkire and sons, Robert II and wife, Teresa of Marlinton and Corey and wife, Laura of Charleston.  Three grandchildren, Kyleen and Chase Alkire of Marlinton and Mason Alkire of Charleston.  And older brother, Glen Alkire.

Bob graduated from Buckhannon-Upshur High School in 1964, served in the US Navy (1964-67) and attended WVU before becoming a WV State Trooper in 1973, retiring as 1st Sergeant/District Commander Second District Company “C” in 1994.  While serving as a Trooper, Bob also worked with the DEA.  He served as Sheriff of Pocahontas County from 2000-2008.

Bob was an avid woodworker and bowler.  He loved spending time with his sons and grandchildren and watching WVU football and basketball games.

Friends may be received Thursday, March 31, 2022, from 4 PM to 8 PM at the Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home in Buckhannon. A funeral service will be held Friday, April 1, 2022, at 1 PM at the funeral home with Pastor Ed Lowther officiating. Burial will follow in the Heavner Cemetery in Buckhannon. The West Virginia State Police will perform Honors at the gravesite.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.polingstclair.com. Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

My Buckhannon publishes obituaries free of charge as a courtesy to the family. Readers can support our publication by becoming a premium member.

Share this obituary:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

The internet was built on an unwritten rule. Now it’s collapsing.

My Buckhannon founder Brian Bergstrom examines how generative AI like ChatGPT is breaking the unwritten creator-platform bargain that fueled the open internet, and how new platforms like XtraXtra are forging a path forward.

Albert Franklin Wendling II

Albert Franklin Wendling II, 60, of Fowler, Ohio, died Oct. 24, 2025, and will be cremated with a graveside memorial Dec. 13 in Heavner Cemetery, Buckhannon; Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

B-U Middle School announces first quarter honor roll

Buckhannon-Upshur Middle School has released its 2025-26 first-quarter Honor Roll. Approximately 40% of students qualified for the distinction!

This week’s Hank Ellis All-Stars: Gwendolyn Rogosky and Alex Sappey

Gwendolyn Rogosky and Alex Sappey were named this week’s Hank Ellis All-Stars after strong finishes in the South Region cross-country championships that helped Buckhannon-Upshur advance to the state meet.

Wesleyan volleyball sweeps Charleston, 3-0

West Virginia Wesleyan swept Charleston 3-0 (25-18, 25-18, 25-21) behind balanced hitting and defense, ending a three-match skid, improving to 14-8 (6-4 MEC) and completing a season sweep of the Golden Eagles.

Sixth Annual Turkey Trot 5K set for Thanksgiving morning in Buckhannon

The 6th Annual Upshur County Recreation Complex Turkey Trot 5K returns to downtown Buckhannon on Thanksgiving Day, offering a family-friendly run/walk with prizes and proceeds supporting a planned community recreation facility.

Raising the Jolly Roger With… Joey Nolte

Buckhannon-Upshur senior Joey Nolte reflects on his multi-sport high school career, favorite moments and coaches, family inspirations, college and career plans, and advice for future Buccaneers.

WVWC students to trick-or-treat for canned goods Oct. 31

West Virginia Wesleyan College students will go door-to-door during city trick-or-treat hours on Oct. 31 collecting nonperishable food for the Upshur Parish House in their 21st annual Trick-or-Treat for Canned Goods.

WVSSAC playoff ratings week nine; Bucs 18th in Class AAAA

WVSSAC week nine playoff ratings list the top 16 qualifiers in each classification, with Buckhannon-Upshur ranked 18th in Class AAAA and weekly ratings published each Tuesday through the regular season.

Mountain CAP Family Support Center to host free expungement info session Nov. 3

Mountain CAP Family Support Center and Legal Aid of West Virginia will host a free expungement information session on Nov. 3 at 5 p.m. at 30 East Main Street in Buckhannon.

Bonneau’s first-half goal lifts Lady Bobcats past Charleston, 1–0

Freshman defender Kaydence Bonneau scored in the 44th minute and goalkeeper Maite Coutinho’s seven saves preserved a 1–0 West Virginia Wesleyan victory over Charleston, keeping the Lady Bobcats fourth in the MEC South.

Soccer ‘Cats get blanked by Charleston in 4-0 loss

West Virginia Wesleyan men’s soccer was shut out 4–0 by unbeaten University of Charleston as the Golden Eagles dominated possession, outshot the Bobcats 31–1, and scored via a penalty and three additional second-half goals.