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

Donald Alan Lantz

Donald Alan Lantz, age 65, of Valley Head, WV entered into eternal life after a short illness Thursday, June 22, 2023, at his sister’s home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born September 11, 1957, in Elkins WV, a son of the late Leonard Lee and Margaret Mae Bodkins Lantz. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Carmel Lantz.

He is survived by two daughters, Alainna Brown and husband Hunter of Lexington, KY and Julia Nuzzo and husband Nicholas of Monroe, OH; three grandchildren, Adeline and Asher Brown of Lexington and Roman Nuzzo of Monroe; five siblings, Kay Hollen and husband Pete of Buckhannon, Dana Lantz and wife Carmel of Buckhannon, Bonita Spencer and husband Roger of Buckhannon, Brenda Futten and husband Bill of Fairmont, WV and Steve Lantz of Buckhannon; three aunts, Hallie Fedowich of NY, Mary Smith and husband Raymond of Sarasota, FL and Carla Kiess and husband Melvin of Beverly, WV; three uncles, Joe Bodkins and wife Jo Ellen of Elkins, Phillip Lantz and wife Margaret of Elkins and Jennings Lantz and wife Karen of West Farmington, OH and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Mr. Lantz graduated from Buckhannon-Upshur High School in 1974. He obtained his contracting license and was a painter. Don was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, gardening, collecting coins and searching for Indian artifacts.  Those who knew Don fondly remember his delicious homemade pies that he would generously give to his friends and family.

In honoring Mr. Lantz’s wishes, he will be cremated. A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Don’s memory to the Valley Head Cemetery to help with upkeep. Please send donations in care of Cheryl See, 20545 Seneca Trail, Huttonsville, WV 26273.

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

Help Wanted: City of Buckhannon seeking municipal office clerk

The City of Buckhannon is looking for a motivated, well-organized clerk to support its municipal and utility offices. The position is central to serving the public and helping manage the day-to-day operations of local government and utility services.

Upshur County Public Library offers Food for Fines program in November to support local hunger relief

The Upshur County Public Library will accept non-perishable food donations in exchange for reduced library fines throughout November during its Food for Fines program.

Upshur County Special Olympics teams bring home silver medals

Upshur County Special Olympics teams earned silver medals in volleyball and unified flag football at the state fall festival in Parkersburg, marking the program’s first flag football team in over eight years.

Remember pancreatic cancer awareness in November and wear purple on Nov. 20

Annette Fetty-Santilli reminds community to observe November as Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month and wear purple on Nov. 20 to raise awareness and advocate for increased federal research funding for a disease with low early detection and a 13% five-year survival rate.
BUHS Girls Soccer Feature Image

Five Lady Bucs named to WVHSSCA Class AAAA All-State Team

Five Buckhannon-Upshur Lady Bucs — Mallory Hughes, Sidney Hollen, Rylen Carlyle, Kallie Perry and Haley Triplett — were named to the WVHSSCA Class AAAA girls All-State teams.

Raising the Jolly Roger With… Garrett Cutright

Buckhannon-Upshur senior Garrett Cutright, a multi-sport athlete headed to WVU for petroleum engineering, reflects on favorite moments, coaches, family influences, and advice for future Buccaneers.
WVWC Volleyball

Wesleyan volleyball takes down Yellow Jackets in straight sets

West Virginia Wesleyan swept West Virginia State 25–22, 25–23, 25–23 behind 14 kills from Lisdarelyn Grassals, strong defense led by Alexis Moeschler’s 22 digs, and efficient attacking from Bhrooke Axe and Emily Denison.
BUHS Girls Soccer Feature Image

Hollen First Team, Triplett and Hughes Second Team All-Conference in soccer

Buckhannon-Upshur senior Sidney Hollen earned First Team Big 10 All-Conference honors in girls soccer while teammates Mallory Hughes and Haley Triplett were named to the Second Team as Eryn Ashcraft was voted Player of the Year.
BUHS Boys Soccer Feature Image

Three soccer Bucs earn Second-Team All-Conference honors

Three Buckhannon-Upshur juniors — forward Coby Smith, midfielder Deacon Thorne and defender Zack Simmons — were named to the 2025 All Big 10 Conference Second Team, with Bridgeport sweeping top honors.

Seven Upshur County FFA members earn American FFA Degrees

Seven Upshur County FFA members — McKinley Bonnett, Corbin George, Dakota Cowger, Emily Evans, Issac Kimble, Kari Gay and Bryce Cogar — earned American FFA Degrees at the 98th National FFA Convention for demonstrated leadership, SAE achievement and community service.

Upshur County Commission Agenda: November 13, 2025

The Upshur County Commission will meet November 13, 2025, and officials published the meeting agenda outlining items to be addressed.

Joyce Taylor Crites

Joyce Taylor Crites, 91, of Buckhannon, WV, died November 9, 2025, leaving a legacy of faith, hospitality, and family, survived by daughter Suzanne Sheets, four grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and numerous relatives and friends.