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

Herbert Frank Bean

Herbert Frank Bean, 87 of Horner, W.Va., peacefully passed away on Jan. 15, 2019 while at home, surrounded by loving family and in the compassionate care of WV Hospice.

He was born in Weston, W.Va. to the late Sherman and Flora Butcher Bean on July 9, 1931.

In 1953, Herbert married Virginia Grace Lantz and they enjoyed 32 years of marriage before her passing in 1985.

Herbert’s generous nature will be remembered by, three children: David Bean and wife, Darlene, of Buckhannon, Steven Bean of Buckhannon, and Teresa Bean of Horner; four grandchildren: Anastasia Bean, Nigel Bean and wife Lorrie, and Benjamin Bean, and Jaimie Parsons; five great grandchildren: Isabella Casey and Gemma Parsons, Ethan and Leigha Manspeaker, and Nolan Bean; and two brothers: Jerry Bean and wife, Carol, of Weston, and Bob Bean of North Carolina.

In addition to his parents and wife, Herbert was preceded in death by an infant brother and sister; four brothers: Bernard, Raymond, Sherman “Dick”, and Larry Bean; and seven sisters: Betty Brumley, Ellen Lucille Cool, Opal Maxine Harris, Margaret Bodkins, Patricia Hicks, Peggy Bean, and Madalinn Harper.

Herbert dedicated his life to serving his country and its defenders. He was a decorated soldier in the United States Army and earned a Purple Heart medal for his sacrifice in the Korean War. After returning home, Herbert spent three years working for WV Glass before returning to service. He spent his 31-year career serving his brothers in arms as a nurse at the Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center in Clarksburg.

In service to God, Herbert was a member of the Horner United Methodist church where he taught Sunday school for several years.

When not in service to others, Herbert enjoyed staying in touch with nature while doing his yard work.

Family and friends will gather at the Pat Boyle Funeral Home and Cremation Service located at 144 Hackers Creek Rd. in Jane Lew from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2019. Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday in the Pat Boyle Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Bob King and Reverend Bill Dawson officiating. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Garden in Jane Lew. Graveside Rites will be accorded by the United States Army and Lewis County Honor Guard.

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13

We, at Pat Boyle Funeral Home appreciate the exemplary service and physical sacrifice of Herbert Frank Bean. It has been our honor and privilege to serve his family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.PatBoyleFuneralHome.com.

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).