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

John A. DeGarmo

John A. DeGarmo, age 61, of Buckhannon, passed away May 28, 2022 at J. W. Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown. 

He was born May 25, 1961, in Canaan, WV, a son of the late Herbert E. DeGarmo and Madalene Anita Nutter.  He was the 8th child of ten children. Surviving are three brothers, Jim DeGarmo of Austin, Texas, Ed DeGarmo and his wife Carla of Gassaway, and Skip DeGarmo of Buckhannon and three sisters, Barbara Alherimi and husband Naim of Slidell Louisiana, Sharon DeGarmo of San Carlos, California, and Sandy Williams and husband Ron of Buckhannon, several nieces and nephews and even more great nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by one brother Charles “Mike” DeGarmo, and two sisters, Karen Sue Boyles and Catherine Marie Simons.

John attended Buckhannon-Upshur High School where his focus was art.  Later in his life he attended the Fred Eberle Technical Center.  He worked at Kroger for many years, ETI Industries (CLOW), and Lowes in Buckhannon.

John led a life of service where his greatest satisfaction came from doing quiet acts of service for family and neighbors. You could always find him working on a project around his house.  He loved to decorate his house for the holidays, especially Halloween and Christmas.  He dedicated many hours to the Upshur County Emergency Squad and the Upshur County Historical Society.  John served a two-year mission in Los Angeles, California for his Church.  He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the team of doctors and nurses who work in the Medical Intensive Care Unit at Ruby Memorial Hospital for their incredible care and compassion during John’s final hours.

In honoring John’s wishes, he will be cremated and a private family service will be held at a future date.

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

Wesleyan women escape West Liberty with a 80-71 win behind Witt’s 30 points

Emma Witt’s 30-point, 10-rebound double-double keyed West Virginia Wesleyan’s 80-71 road win over West Liberty as the Lady Bobcats rallied late to improve to 5-2 (3-1 MEC).

Wesleyan men fall on the road to West Liberty, 101-65

Wesleyan’s Dandridge honored as MEC Female Basketball Player of the Week

West Virginia Wesleyan freshman guard Kilah Dandridge was named MEC Women’s Basketball Player of the Week after averaging 22.5 points and 4.0 rebounds in two wins, including a 30-point outing.

Buckhannon City Council again considers citywide address overhaul that would affect every home and business

At a public hearing on a citywide readdressing project, residents pushed back while city officials promised to move slowly and keep the community informed.

Carolyn Ann Tenney

Carolyn Ann Tenney, 87, a longtime Buckhannon homemaker, volunteer and talented crafter, died December 16, 2025; services will be held December 20 with burial at Upshur County Memorial Park.

Lawrence Eugene Woodson

Lawrence Eugene “Woody” Woodson, 78, a lifelong outdoorsman and former Columbia Gas Transmission and WVDOH worker from Buckhannon, WV, died December 14, 2025, and is survived by his children, grandchildren, siblings and extended family.

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.