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

Johnie Junior Knabenshue

Johnie Junior Knabenshue, 90, of Buckhannon, W.Va., died Sunday, April 5, 2020 at his home.

He was born April 20, 1929, in Teter, W.Va., a son of the late John E. and Hettie Mae Lewis Knabenshue. On April 29, 1947, he married Evelyn Ida Karickhoff who preceeded him in death December 13, 2018.

He is survived by three sons, John Michael Knabenshue and wife Lue of Buckhannon, Thomas Patrick Knabenshue and wife Becky of Bridgeport, WV and Timothy Kirk Knabenshue and wife Karen of Buckhannon; one daughter, Johnna Carol “Cookie” Lowther and husband Wayne of Buckhannon; grandchildren, John Knabenshue and wife Becky, Mike Lowther, Krista, Karissa and Kirk Knabenshue all of Buckhannon, Jed Knabenshue of Key West, Fla., Jeremy Knabenshue and wife Cassie of Fayetteville, N.C., BJ Knabenshue and wife Traci of Morgantown, W.Va. and Cara Napier and husband Malcolm of Las Vegas, Nev.; great grandchildren, Sierra Lowther of Buckhannon, Kayla, Reagen and Madison Knabenshue all of Buckhannon, Lily, Derrick and Hera Knabenshue all of Fayetteville, Lukas and Nora Knabenshue both of Morgantown; two sisters-in-law, Barbara Knabenshue of Coco Beach, Fla. and Mary Karickhoff; beloved dog, Katie; nieces, Sharon Nilsen, Tonia Earley, Coral Wichard, Heather Stewart and Debra Smith; nephews, Jay and Steven Karickhoff.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by one brother, Howard Knabenshue and his beloved brother-in-law, Dale Karickhoff.

Mr. Knabenshue attended Heaston United Methodist Church in Hodgesville, W.Va. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing and golfing. He was a coal miner and part owner of Dexcar-Queen Coal Company and Hodgesville Trucking Company. He was a loving husband and father.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his honor to the Heaston United Methodist Church, c/o Susan Miller, 1 Pecks Run Road, Buckhannon, WV 26201.

A private graveside service was held at the Heavner Cemetery in Buckhannon.

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

Summer basketball

Summer league basketball wraps up week two

Week two of the Upshur County Summer Basketball League concluded with standout scoring performances and multiple games, including two forfeits by Country Roads Physical Therapy.

City council to review water board’s recommendation for new water treatment plant

The Buckhannon Water Board has recommended moving forward with a new water treatment plant and related infrastructure upgrades, sending a proposal to the city council for approval.

Gail Lovel Zickefoose

Gail L. Zickefoose, a dedicated educator, community leader, and beloved family man, passed away peacefully at age 83 after a long illness, leaving a legacy of service, kindness, and devotion to others.

Buckhannon City Council Agenda: July 15, 2025

The Buckhannon City Council released the agenda for its upcoming July 15, 2025, meeting.

Upshur County Relay for Life aims to raise $35,000 for cancer research on July 19

The Upshur County Relay for Life will host its annual event July 19 at Jawbone Park, aiming to raise $35,000 for cancer research while celebrating survivors and bringing the community together through activities and remembrance ceremonies.

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital team members engage in statewide healthcare leadership program

Two WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital employees were honored by the West Virginia Hospital Association Leadership Academy, with Paula Cutright graduating and Matthew Scott selected for future participation in the statewide healthcare leadership program.

Post 7 drops outings to Doddridge and Morgantown

Buckhannon Post 7 suffered consecutive road defeats, falling 10-2 to Doddridge County and 11-0 to Morgantown Post 2, dropping their season record to 2-15.

Summer basketball league begins week two

The Upshur County Summer Basketball League entered its second week with standout performances from top scorers including Cory Harper, Dalton Hamrick, Cordell Nicola, and Vinny Snuffer leading their teams across multiple games.

Buckhannon City Council Special Meeting Agenda: July 15, 2025

The Buckhannon City Council has released the agenda for its special meeting scheduled for July 15, 2025.

BCT to light up the stage with Mamma Mia starting this weekend

Buckhannon Community Theatre will present the musical Mamma Mia! at the Colonial Arts Center starting July 12, featuring ABBA hits, lively performances, and a cast assembled from across the region.

St. Joseph’s Hospital supports healthy habits with mile-long midday walks

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital has launched a noon walk initiative, inviting staff and community members to join daily one-mile walks to promote physical activity and improve health outcomes.

John Paul Ingram

John Paul Ingram, 83, a beloved Buckhannon resident, ordained minister, and avid outdoorsman who shared his faith and kindness with many, died July 6, 2025, surrounded by his family.