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

John Owen Hurst

John Owen Hurst, 79, of French Creek, died at his home on Sunday, September 20, 2020. 

He was born July 12, 1941, in Buckhannon, a son of the late John Raleigh and Zeta Viola Loudin Hurst.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers:  Robert D. Hurst and Billy D. Hurst and one sister Emma Jean Elmer. 

He is survived by one sister Floy Bell “Sis” Burr of Buckhannon and several nieces and nephews.

John was a veteran of the U.S. Army and a member of the NRA.  He enjoyed hunting, gardening and working around the house.  He loved hosting family gatherings and was the glue that held the family together. 

Graveside services and interment will be held at 11 a.m., on Thursday, September 24, 2020, at the Laurel Fork Cemetery, with the Rev. J. Edward McDaniels officiating. The Upshur County Honor Guard will conduct military rites. 

Online condolences may be extended to the Hurst family at www.heavnerandcutright.com. The Hurst family entrusted the Heavner and Cutright Funeral Chapel with 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

Two Buckhannon residents arrested for receiving or transferring a stolen vehicle

A Buckhannon man and woman were arrested after a license plate reader pinged a truck that had been reported stolen out of Harrison County.

Weyerhaeuser launches community survey for $1 million THRIVE program in Buckhannon

Upshur County residents can now share their ideas for how Weyerhaeuser could best invest $1 million in the community through a new online survey.

Kenneth Robert Winnings Jr.

Kenneth Robert Winnings Jr., a devoted son, brother, father and friend, US Army veteran and 5th-degree black belt who worked as a highway contractor, died peacefully Nov. 15, 2025, and will be cremated.

Carolyn Ann Johnston

Carolyn Ann Johnston, 82, of Buckhannon, WV, a devoted wife, grandmother, seamstress and member of Christian Fellowship Church, died November 17, 2025; visitation and memorial will be held November 22 with donations requested to Ellamore VFD.

Upshur County Commission Agenda: November 20, 2025

The Upshur County Commission will hold a meeting on November 20, 2025, with an agenda outlining items for discussion and action.

Deputy to be stationed at Hodgesville Elementary School after man charged with terroristic threats released on home confinement

The Upshur County Sheriff’s Office will place a full-time deputy at Hodgesville Elementary School until January 2026 after a Buckhannon man charged with threatening to shoot students was released on GPS home confinement following a guilty plea.

Upshur County Board of Education Special Meeting Agenda: November 20, 2025

The Upshur County Board of Education will hold a special meeting on November 20, 2025; this notice publishes the agenda for that session.

Thomas (Tommy) “Hero” Leonard Haun

Thomas “Tommy” Leonard Haun, 52, of Weston, a devoted husband, father, DOT and trucking employee and avid motorcyclist known for his work ethic and love of family, died November 15, 2025, with a Celebration of Life to follow.

Bonnie’s Bus to offer mammograms in Dawes, Rock Cave, Salem, Fairmont and Elkins

Bonnie’s Bus mobile mammography unit will visit five West Virginia locations in December, offering 3D digital screening mammograms to women. Appointments are required at each location.

‘It’s a part of who we are’: Community rallies in defense of Rock Cave Elementary as closure vote looms

One after another, dozens of speakers stepped to the podium for nearly four hours Thursday night with the same message for state officials: Don’t close our school. The community rallied, teachers pushed back, students showed what’s at stake. The vote comes November 20.

Buckhannon City Council Agenda: November 20, 2025

Buckhannon City Council will hold a meeting on November 20, 2025, with a posted agenda outlining items to be discussed and considered by the council.

Upshur County Board of Education Agenda: November 18, 2025

The Upshur County Board of Education will hold a meeting on November 18, 2025, and this article provides the agenda for that session.