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

Lance D. Koury

It is with sadness, love and profound gratitude that the family of Lance D. Koury announces his passing at the age of 67, following a long illness.

He was born in Denville, New Jersey on August 17, 1955, a son of Albert and Jacqueline (Spencer) Koury. Lance is survived by his beloved wife of 43 years, Kerry (Materne) Koury; daughter Meghan Lenihan (Christopher) and son Ryan Koury (Jennifer), in addition to three grandsons whom he adored; Logan Koury, Cooper Koury and Keegan Lenihan. Lance had three siblings: Mark Koury (Daphne)of Nashville, Tennessee, Kevin Koury (Michelle) of Masontown, W.V. and Nadia Koury Yakstis of Cookeville, Tennessee who survive.  

Lance was a 1973 graduate of Morris Hills High school in Rockaway, N.J. and a 1977 graduate of West Virginia Wesleyan College with a degree in business. He later completed his course of study at the College for Financial Planning and was awarded the designation of Certified Financial Planner.

Lance began his career in Buckhannon as the manager of Union Federal Savings and Loan. He then served as trust officer of the financial services department at the Adrian Buckhannon Bank. In 2000, Lance opened his financial planning practice, known as Ameriprise Financial Services until his retirement in 2019. He loved his office on Main Street and enjoyed daily interactions with the people of Buckhannon. Lance was well known as a community leader and businessman.

He served as: president of Upshur County Board of Education; president of BURMA; charter member and first president of the Upshur County Development Authority; president of the Buckhannon Rotary Club; president of the Episcopal North Central Cluster; Senior Warden of the Transfiguration Episcopal Church; member of The Upshur County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors; Businessman of the Year (2008); member of the Board of Trustees of the Upshur County Library; charter member of the Buckhannon-Upshur Athletic Hall of Fame; Upshur County Chairman of the American Cancer Society; co-chair of The Better Upshur County Schools committee; and co-chair of the All West Virginia Cities committee.

Following retirement, Lance and Kerry relocated to St. Johns, Florida to be close to family. Enjoyment came in golfing with his son and son-in-law, antiquing with Kerry and Meghan and playing with his grandsons. He was a great wordsmith and loved competition. Music was a passion and Lance diligently attempted to pluck out his favorite songs on his guitar.

Those who knew Lance well will remember him as a man of principle and great wit who was generous to a fault. He leaves a life so well lived and a family who loves him dearly. 

A celebration of life is being planned at a later date. 

Online condolences can be made at: www.pontevedravalley.com.

My Buckhannon publishes obituaries free of charge as a courtesy to the family. Readers can support our publication by becoming a premium member.

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