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

Soccer ‘Cats end year with 2-1 victory over Davis & Elkins

West Virginia Wesleyan closed its 2025 season with a 2–1 win over Davis & Elkins, keyed by goals from Chris Gonzalez and Blair Sinclair and crucial saves from goalkeeper Matteo Marciani.

Wesleyan women upset by Senators 1-0 in regular-season finale; knocked out of MEC Tournament

Wesleyan’s women were eliminated from the MEC Tournament after falling 1–0 to Davis & Elkins in the regular-season finale despite outshooting the Senators and pressuring late.

Sikara Sokel’s solo exhibition ‘Luminescence’ opens Nov. 7 with opening reception at CAC Gallery in Buckhannon

The Colonial Arts Center’s CAC Gallery will host “Luminescence,” a solo exhibition of painter Sikara Sokel from Nov. 7 to Dec. 13, 2025, with a free opening reception and artist talk on Nov. 7.

Mary “Bert” Dean

Mary “Bert” Dean, 83, of Buckhannon, WV, died Nov. 5, 2025; she is survived by four daughters, a brother, numerous grandchildren and great‑descendants, two cats, and was a longtime member of Sand Run Baptist Church.

Annual Veterans Day Parade set for Nov. 11 in downtown Buckhannon

The annual Veterans Day Parade will be held on Tuesday, November 11, with line-up at 8:30 a.m. at the Charles W. Gibson Library. The parade will be followed by a Veterans Day Program at Jawbone Park at 11 a.m.

Vandalia Health Davis Medical Center honors first DAISY Award recipient for nursing excellence

Vandalia Health Davis Medical Center honored Erin Wamsley, RN, as its first DAISY Award recipient for extraordinary nursing excellence and compassionate care at a ceremony with colleagues and family.

Stanley E. Mullins

Stanley E. Mullins, 80, of Buckhannon, WV, a former truck driver, died Nov. 4, 2025; he is survived by his wife Lucy, children, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, siblings, and extended family, with services Nov. 7.

This week’s Hank Ellis All-Stars: Alivia Cogar and Conner McKim

This week’s Hank Ellis All-Stars are B-U’s Alivia Cogar, who posted 10 kills and 22 digs in regional action, and Conner McKim, whose goal-line stop sealed a 60-57 win over Preston. #buckhannon
WVWC Volleyball

Volleyball Lady ‘Cats drop first set to Concord then rallies to win a 3-1 contest

West Virginia Wesleyan rallied from a first-set loss to defeat Concord 3–1 (16–25, 25–17, 25–16, 25–22), led by Bhrooke Axe’s 18 kills and strong defense from Alexis Moeschler.

Buckhannon-Upshur honors two National Merit Scholarship semifinalists and other achievers at academic assembly

Buckhannon-Upshur High School held an Academic Achievements Assembly honoring students for SAT, AP and honor roll success, naming National Merit semifinalists Declan Gowers and Lila Wright and recognizing various academic awards and programs.

Football Bucs ranked 16th in latest edition of WVSSAC playoff ratings

Buckhannon-Upshur sits 16th in the Class AAAA WVSSAC ratings through 10 weeks, the last spot to make the playoffs. The Bucs visit Robert C. Byrd to close the regular season.

West Virginia Wesleyan College to host 10th North Central West Virginia Honor Band Nov. 6-8

West Virginia Wesleyan College will host the 10th North Central West Virginia Honor Band Nov. 6–8, bringing over 100 students from 22 schools for rehearsals, activities, and free concerts led by conductors Eliza Taylor and Adam Loudin.