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

John Herman Johnson

John Herman Johnson, age 89, of Buckhannon, WV and formerly of Hollister, CA died on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at the Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center in Clarksburg, WV.

He was born on June 20, 1934, in Mesa, Arizona, a son of the late Ruben and Gladys Winters Johnson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Virginia Johnson; one son, William “Bill” Johnson; one brother, Robert “Bob” Johnson; and two sisters: Dorothy “Dot” Garner and Marian Demos.

He was united in marriage on May 13, 2002, to Helen Summers, who survives in Buckhannon, WV. He is also survived by one daughter, Karen and husband Danny Zanella of Hollister, CA; one son, John Michael Johnson of Spotsylvania, VA; two stepdaughters: Tia Verches and husband William Bluhm of Ben Lomond, CA and Sara Verches of San Leandro, CA; one stepson, Ramon and wife Holly Verches of Ashland, KY; two grandsons; Kevin and wife Andrea Zanella of Eagle, Idaho and Dominic and wife Brittney Zanella of Hollister, CA; one step granddaughter, Myle Bluhm; two great grandchildren; Zoë and Declan Zanella.

John was retired as a Senior Master Sergeant with twenty-four years of service in the US Air Force. He was a member of the Buckhannon Moose Lodge #598 and the Buckhannon Elks Lodge #1736. He loved woodworking and classic cars.

Friends will be received at the Heavner and Cutright Funeral Chapel on Monday, January 22, 2024, from 4-6 PM. Funeral Services and burial will be in Hollister, CA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a favorite charity.

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

Buckhannon Community Theatre honors Felicia Burger Westfall Johnston with 2025 Knorr Award

Felicia Burger Westfall Johnston, an early pioneer of Buckhannon Community Theatre who has starred in productions and served on the board of directors, received the 2025 Knorr Award.

Leadership Upshur dives into healthcare and public safety during December session

The December Leadership Upshur session offered participants a close look at the people, systems and teamwork that keep the community safe and healthy, with visits to Community Care of West Virginia, WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital and the Buckhannon Public Safety Complex.

Garnieta “Gay” Baxa

Garnieta “Gay” Baxa, 92, of Old Elkins Road died December 10, 2025; she is survived by husband Howard “Frank” Baxa, three children, seven grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and extended family, with services at Heavner and Cutright.

Basketball ‘Cats tumble to Point Park, 90-66

Point Park’s hot perimeter shooting and a dominant second half sank WVWC 90-66, with the Pioneers hitting 15 threes and capitalizing on turnovers while Wesleyan’s Isaiah Baker and Stephen Ovia fought inside.

Dandridge scores 30 as Wesleyan women down Point Park, 83-58

Freshman Kilah Dandridge scored 30 points as West Virginia Wesleyan shot 53% and dominated a 29‑point third quarter to beat Point Park 83-58, paced by Ana Young (18) and Emma Witt (15).

Webster Springs man arrested on strangulation charge after allegedly spitting on and choking victim

Police arrested a man on a felony strangulation charge after he allegedly admitted to spitting on, slapping and choking another person, according to a criminal complaint.

Volga man arrested after threatening officer at Upshur County Courthouse

A 59-year-old Volga man was arrested after allegedly threatening a deputy during processing at the Upshur County Courthouse following a DUI stop. He faces charges including DUI, possession of marijuana and retaliation against a public official; bail is $19,500.

WVWC’s first Master’s in Counseling students set to graduate

WVWC marks a milestone Friday as the first six graduates of its new Master of Arts in Counseling program cross the stage, bolstering West Virginia’s mental health workforce.

Robert “Bob” Linville Chaney

Robert “Bob” Linville Chaney, 90, a retired oil and gas supply worker, Air Force veteran, devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather from Fairmont and formerly of Buckhannon, died December 9, 2025.

West Virginia Board of Education approves Rock Cave Elementary closure

The West Virginia Board of Education approved the closure of Rock Cave Elementary School on Wednesday, ending months of community efforts to save the southern Upshur County school. The closure was one of several school consolidations approved across the state.

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital opens mental health program for older adults

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital has partnered with Senior Life Solutions to help older adults experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety or other mental health challenges often associated with aging.

Basketball ‘Cats fall on the road to Pitt-Johnston, 113-84

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. — West Virginia Wesleyan put five players in double figures and shot a solid 41% from the field,…