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

Charles “Charlie” Lansing Elmer

Charles “Charlie” Lansing Elmer, age 72, of French Creek, died Thursday, December 21, 2023, at his home.

He was born on April 16, 1951, in Buckhannon, a son of the late Reginald Lansing Elmer and Jessie Pauline Conner Elmer. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by two daughters: Jessica Elmer and Amber Howard; one brother Thomas Wayne Elmer; and three sisters: Betty Stevenson, Ellen Robins, and an infant sister.

Charlie was survived by one son Dustin Reifke and wife Inga of Potomac, MD; two brothers: William “Bill” Elmer of Rock Cave, and Samuel “Sam” Elmer of Silver Spring, MD; one sister Sharon Elmer of Silver Spring, MD; two grandchildren: Sienna and Clive Reifke; several nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

Charlie enjoyed reading, completing sudoku and crossword puzzles, playing the slots, being in his garden, hunting, and fishing.  

The body will be cremated. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 30, 2023, at 2 PM, at Buckhannon Seventh Day Adventist Church with Pastor Rick Cutright officiating. A second memorial service will be held in Maryland at a later date.

Online condolences may be extended to the Elmer family at www.heavnerandcutright.com. The Elmer family entrusted the Heavner and Cutright Funeral Chapel and Cremation Service with 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

Nadine Marie Wolfe Demastes

Nadine Marie Wolfe Demastes, 61, of Buckhannon, a passionate gardener and painter, died October 12, 2025, and is survived by her mother Kathy Wolfe, children Eddie Mackey and Amber Coffman, ten grandchildren, siblings Chris and Vaughn, and companion Brian Holmes.

Friendly Way closed Oct. 14-15 for pump testing at Buckhannon Fire Department

Friendly Way will be closed to traffic Oct. 14–15 for pump testing at the Buckhannon Fire Department, with officials thanking residents for their patience as they ensure worker and first responder safety.

This week’s Hank Ellis All-Stars: Reagan Mason, Coby Smith and Dawson Tenney

This week’s Hank Ellis All-Stars are volleyball senior Reagan Mason (school-record 1,000th assist), soccer junior Coby Smith (four goals and an assist with the winner vs. Lewis County), and football QB Dawson Tenney (177 rushing yards in a 10-7 win).

Buckhannon City Council Agenda: October 16, 2025

Buckhannon City Council will hold a meeting on October 16, 2025, covering its posted agenda items.

Upshur County Commission Agenda: October 16, 2025

The Upshur County Commission will hold a meeting on October 16, 2025, with an agenda outlining issues and items to be considered by the commission.

Upshur County Sports Calendar

This week’s Upshur County sports calendar lists area high school and West Virginia Wesleyan schedules, including multiple football, soccer, volleyball, cross country, tennis, and golf events running Oct. 13–19.

On the City of Buckhannon calendar: October 13-17, 2025

Buckhannon announces public meetings, yard waste pickup, farmers market, arts and theater events, holiday parades and celebrations, safety reminders, and upcoming community dates through 2026.

Daniel William “Danny” Kasten

Daniel William “Danny” Kasten, 67, of Pinnell Street, Buckhannon, a longtime construction and maintenance worker, devoted fisherman and cook, died October 13, 2025, and is survived by his wife Colleen, two sisters, nieces and nephews.

Wesleyan’s Niland named MEC Runner of the Week

West Virginia Wesleyan’s Kent Niland and Glenville State’s Natalie Barr were named MEC Cross Country Runners of the Week after strong showings at the Carnegie Mellon Invite, with Niland posting Wesleyan’s second-fastest 8K and Barr breaking her school 5K record.

Wesleyan X-C teams run at CMU Invitational

West Virginia Wesleyan’s cross country teams posted strong results at the CMU Invitational, with the women finishing fifth (163 points) and the men taking third (130 points) amid competitive regional fields.

Bunker scores early for soccer ‘Cats but they earn a 1-1 draw with Point Park

Casey Bunker’s third-minute goal gave West Virginia Wesleyan an early lead, but after a 51st-minute red card they played shorthanded and conceded in the 61st minute to settle for a 1-1 draw with Point Park.

Wesleyan women earn hard-fought 2-2 with Point Park

Wesleyan rallied twice to erase early deficits and earn a hard-fought 2-2 draw with Point Park at Culpepper Stadium, outshooting the Pioneers in the second half before Nicole Kuchinski’s saves preserved the tie.