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

Gilbert Marion Gaston

Gilbert Marion Gaston, age 78, of Lenoir, NC, and formerly of Buckhannon, died on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, in Lenoir, North Carolina.

He was born in Upshur County on May 13, 1946, a son of the late John Franklin and Lois Lucinda Gould Gaston. On May 12, 1968, he was united in marriage to Carolyn Lee Winemiller Gaston, who preceded him in death on November 8, 2020.

He is survived by one daughter Jennifer Cole of Los Angeles, CA; one son John and wife Tammy Gaston of Lenoir, NC; five grandchildren: Amanda Gaston, John Gaston, Brittany Cole, Billy Cole and Nathan Gun; and three great grandchildren.

Friends will be received at the Heavner and Cutright Funeral Chapel on Friday, November 29, 2024, from 11 AM – 12 PM with a graveside service to follow at 1:00 PM at the Barbour Memorial Cemetery.

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

Share this obituary:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Upshur County Sports Calendar

This week’s Upshur County sports calendar lists multiple basketball games at middle, junior varsity and varsity levels, wrestling meets, indoor track and field entries, and swimming competitions across Buckhannon-Upshur, West Virginia Wesleyan and regional schools.

Plows, Salt, Sun: Why none of it works when it’s this cold

With extreme cold settling in, West Virginia roads will likely stay icy despite extensive plowing and salting. Pavement temperature, sunlight, traffic friction and salt chemistry all fail in deep freezes, leaving crews with little they can do until temps rise.

Buckhannon Public Works Board OKs park upgrades, including new fencing and paved boat ramp

With about $25,000 left in the 2025-26 parks budget, Buckhannon’s Consolidated Public Works Board approved a slate of upgrades at local parks. The plan includes new playground borders, mats and mulch, replacing fencing and paving the boat ramp at North Buckhannon Riverfront Park.

St. Joseph’s Hospital honors Melissa Sothen with DAISY Award

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital honored Melissa Sothen, RN, with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses, recognizing her compassionate care and clinical excellence.

City of Buckhannon calendar for the week of January 26, 2026

Buckhannon’s public meetings are set for Tuesday, Jan. 27 at City Hall: the Housing Enforcement Board (5–6 p.m.) and Planning Commission (7–8 p.m.), with in-person and virtual options.

Faye Cutright

Faye Cutright, 88, a longtime Buckhannon office manager and Methodist, died Jan. 24, 2026; she is survived by siblings, nieces, nephews and extended family, and the family requests memorial rose plantings in lieu of flowers.

Elenar Lee Morris

Elenar Lee Morris, 78, of Buckhannon, WV, a homemaker and longtime craft store owner, died January 25, 2026, and is survived by children, grandchildren, siblings and other relatives; she will be cremated.

Basketball ‘Cats tumble to Davis & Elkins, 91-83

Davis & Elkins overcame West Virginia Wesleyan’s hot three-point shooting late, outscoring the Bobcats at the free-throw line and winning 91-83 in a tightly contested Mountain East Conference game.

Witt scores 26 as Wesleyan women trounce Davis & Elkins, 92-60

Emma Witt scored 26 points on 10-of-11 shooting as West Virginia Wesleyan dominated Davis & Elkins 92-60, outrebounding and forcing turnovers while four players scored in double figures to lift the Lady Bobcats to 10-4.
WVWC Track - Wesleyan Sports

Wesleyan track and field teams open indoor season

West Virginia Wesleyan’s men’s and women’s track and field teams opened the 2026 indoor season at the Muskie #1 Meet with multiple event victories, podium finishes, early qualifying marks, and strong freshman debuts across all disciplines.

Sandra Kay Bowman

Sandra Kay Bowman, 66, of Weston, WV, who cared for others as a CNA and Upshur County 911 operator and cherished her family, animals and faith, died January 22, 2026, after a long illness.
Dispatcher

Job Alert: Upshur County hiring full-time E911 dispatcher

The Upshur County Commission is accepting applications for a full-time E911 telecommunicator (dispatch) position starting at $15 per hour, with higher pay possible for experienced applicants. Position remains open until filled.