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

Exil Light

Exil Light, age 92, of Buckhannon, WV, died Thursday, December 16, 2021, at the Braxton Health Care Center in Sutton, WV.

He was born December 6, 1929, in Hemlock, WV, a son of the late Dewey Robert and Flossie Tenney Light. On February 14, 1954, he married Nelda Gray Evans who survives. Also surviving are three daughters, Terry Morris and husband Jim and Debbie Light all of Buckhannon and Louise Laign and husband David of Greenwood, SC; three sons, Randall Light and wife Darline of Madison, WV, Mike Light and wife Cheryl of Buckhannon and Robbie Light and wife Becky of Hewett, WV; thirteen grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; one sister, Connie Light of FL and one brother, Delmar Light of Buckhannon.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters, Agatha Hoover, Mavis Woody and Mona Light and one brother, Lancel Light.

Mr. Light served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He was a coal miner for King Knob Coal Company and then owned and operated Elkmar Mining and Supplies. Mr. Light was a member of the V.F.W. in Philippi, WV and was a member of the Good Hope Tabernacle in Buckhannon.

In honoring Mr. Light’s wishes, he will be cremated.

Graveside service 11 AM Saturday, May 14, 2022 at Upshur County Memorial Park in Buckhannon with Pastor Holly J. Hoover officiating.

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

What to watch for at Thursday’s city and county meetings

Buckhannon City Council and the Upshur County Commission wrap up 2025 Thursday with light agendas but a few big-ticket items.

Nearly 50 Upshur County students honored as WVWC announces fall 2025 President’s List, Provost’s List

Forty-seven Upshur County students earned academic honors at West Virginia Wesleyan College for the fall 2025 semester.
Stockert Youth and Community Center

SYCC board approves $56,701 bid to replace 15 cameras

The Stockert Youth and Community Center board approved a $56,701 bid to replace 15 surveillance cameras after equipment failures left indoor cameras offline.

Upshur County Commission Agenda: December 18, 2025

The Upshur County Commission will meet on December 18, 2025. Here’s the agenda for the upcoming session.

Mabel Maxine Hawkins Ryder

Mabel Maxine Hawkins Ryder, 101, a pioneering FMC chemist, devoted church member, and lifelong knitter, died December 12, 2025, in Scott Depot and will be memorialized December 20 in Saint Albans.

Buckhannon shifts sidewalk focus to Route 20 South after property owners refuse access north of town

Buckhannon leaders are pivoting away from the Gateway North sidewalk project after property access issues stalled progress. Instead, they’re eyeing sidewalks along Route 20 South, a proposal now headed to city council.

Buckhannon City Council Agenda: December 18, 2025

Buckhannon City Council meets December 18, 2025. View the full agenda and see what items are up for discussion and action at the upcoming meeting.

Upshur County Board of Education Agenda: December 16, 2025

Get the full agenda for the Upshur County Board of Education meeting scheduled for December 16, 2025. See what’s on the board’s docket and what will be discussed at the upcoming session.

Denise St. Clair Straight

Denise St. Clair Straight, 71, a beloved Buckhannon kindergarten teacher, devoted wife, mother, grandmother and community volunteer, died December 11, remembered for her generosity, humor, baking and lifelong service to students and neighbors.

Loretta Rose (Kelley) Westfall

Loretta Rose (Kelley) Westfall, 63, of Tallmansville, WV, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and Tenmile Baptist Church singer, died December 13, 2025; she will be cremated and a memorial service held later.

Upshur County Sports Calendar

This week’s Upshur County sports calendar lists local basketball games, swimming meets, and wrestling events for Buckhannon-Upshur and area schools from Dec. 15–21, with several home and away contests and some TBA times.

Wesleyan women cruise past Salem in non-conference win, 71–43

West Virginia Wesleyan dominated Salem 71–43, shooting 50.9%, outrebounding the Tigers 44–28, getting 54 points in the paint and four double-digit scorers to improve to 4–2 (2–1 MEC).