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

Delbert Lee Boyce

Delbert Lee Boyce, 83, of Buckhannon died peacefully at his home on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019, under the care of his family and W.Va. Hospice after a lengthy illness.  He was born on Sept. 1, 1935, in Roberts, W.Va. a son of the late John Alexander and Mary Keener Boyce. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son Lee Boyce and one brother John Boyce, Jr.

He was united in marriage on Oct. 15, 1964 to his wife of 54 years, Elaine who survives. 

Also surviving are two daughters: Stephanie Ocheltree and Suzanne Ocheltree, both of Buckhannon; one granddaughter Shanon and husband Ryan Wamsley of Morgantown; one great granddaughter Whitaker Lee Wamsley; two sisters: Virginia Cerullo of Buckhannon and Jean Whaley of Romney; two brothers-in-law: Butch Hyre and wife Bonnie of French Creek, and Fred Hyre and wife Evelyn of Kingsport, Tenn.; and several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Boyce was a 1954 graduate of Shinnston High School and a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.  He retired from the WVDNR as a state carpenter with 26 years of service. 

Delbert loved spending time with his family and took great pleasure in woodworking and making furniture for them.  He was an avid fisherman, as well as a WVU Mountaineer and Pittsburgh Steelers and Pirates fan and enjoyed watching NASCAR races. 

The family has honored his wishes for cremation.  Friends will be received at the Heavner and Cutright Funeral Chapel from 10-11 a.m., on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019, where memorial services will be held at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Robert F. Heavner officiating. Private graveside services will be held at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Delbert to a favorite charity of your choice. 

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

BUHS Boys Soccer Feature Image

Soccer Bucs have forgettable clash in 6-0 setback to Bees

Unbeaten East Fairmont routed Buckhannon-Upshur 6-0 as the Bucs, outshot 18-5, conceded three late first-half goals and fell to 4-8-1 while coach Dalton Auvil called the performance forgettable.

Local clothing store reopens as Kaitlin & Co. Boutique on Main Street in Buckhannon

Kaitlin Trickett reopened the former Caroline and Co. as Kaitlin & Co. Boutique at 33 East Main Street, maintaining vendor relationships while adding new lines. She’ll kick things off with a grand opening on Sept. 27.

Mary Delores Levingston

Mary Delores Levingston, 63, of Buckhannon, a loving wife, mother, grandmother and homemaker known for her gardening, crafting and music, died September 24, 2025; cremation has been completed and a Celebration of Life will be scheduled.

City of Buckhannon releases updated schedule of fall and winter events

Buckhannon released an updated fall and winter event schedule featuring parades, festivals, arts performances, holiday celebrations, community walks, theater productions, and recurring wrestling events across Jawbone Park, the Colonial Arts Center, and Brushy Fork.

West Virginia Wesleyan College named No. 2 best value school by U.S. News and World Report

West Virginia Wesleyan College was ranked No. 2 Best Value School by U.S. News & World Report, earning regional recognition for affordability, high scholarship aid for over 95% of students, and strong social mobility and academic standing.

Carpenter Crunch Time Week 5; Some hope for B-U, not so much for WVU

Local sports columnist Duane Carpenter praises Buckhannon-Upshur’s offensive progress and playoff hope, criticizes WVU after a 41-10 loss, and previews Week 5 high school and college matchups while reporting pick standings and winners.

James Everett “Jimmy” Hovis

James Everett “Jimmy” Hovis, 39, of Rock Cave, a tattoo artist and electrician who loved construction and the outdoors, died September 25, 2025, and is survived by his parents, daughter, siblings and extended family; cremation planned.

Honorary First Responders Day on Saturday to benefit Special Olympics of Upshur County

Honorary First Responders Day on Sept. 27 at Warren District Volunteer Fire Department in Hodgesville will raise funds through food, auctions and activities to support Special Olympics of Upshur County’s growing athlete roster and program costs.

Buckhannon man charged after setting tent on fire with person inside

A Buckhannon man faces multiple felony charges after investigators say he set fire to a tent with a woman inside and threatened to slit her throat.

Trick-or-treat in Buckhannon set for Halloween night, other upcoming events approved

Buckhannon officials set city trick-or-treat for Oct. 31 from 6–7:30 p.m., and the Consolidated Public Works Board approved upcoming events including parades, a suicide prevention walk, recruitment drive, Trunk-or-Treat and holiday festivities.

This week’s Hank Ellis All-Stars: Avery Hamer and Dawson Tenney

Buckhannon-Upshur athletes Avery Hamer and Dawson Tenney were named this week’s Hank Ellis All-Stars after Hamer helped the volleyball team sweep Elkins and Tenney passed for 347 yards and three TDs while rushing for 54 yards.

Wesleyan women suffer bad 3-0 loss to previously winless Glenville State

Wesleyan’s women’s soccer team suffered a 3-0 road loss to previously winless Glenville State as Valentina Quiroz scored twice and Margaux Fernandez added a late goal.