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

Pastor Donald Ray Elmer

Pastor Donald Ray Elmer, age 88, of the Grand Camp Road, French Creek, died Saturday, December 14, 2024, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Buckhannon. He was born on August 2, 1936, in French Creek, a son of the late Roscoe Raymond and Anna Esteline Gillum Elmer. On July 22, 1955, he was united in marriage to Emma Jean Hurst Elmer, who preceded him in death on August 24, 2006.

In addition to his parents and his wife, he was also preceded in death by one daughter and son-in-law: Vicki and David Hardman; two brothers: Eldon and Margel Elmer; and one sister Shirley Ann Lampkin.

He is survived by five daughters: Donna and husband Danny Reed of Tallmansville, Debora and husband Joe Malcolm of Frenchton, June and husband Roger Moran of Century, Twila and husband Herbie McClain of Frenchton, and Peggy and husband Bill Dahlheim of Buckhannon; 14 grandchildren; numerous great- and great-great grandchildren; two sisters: Marylena Russell and Irene Hyre, both of French Creek; two brothers: Edward Elmer and wife Marie of Romney and Ralph Elmer of French Creek; many nieces and nephews; and special friends Pearl and Roger Smith.

Don faithfully and prayerfully served the Ingo Community Church as pastor for many years. He was a loving husband and father who will be sorely missed.

The family will receive friends on Friday, December 20, 2024, from 4-8:00 PM, at the Heavner & Cutright Funeral Chapel. The funeral will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at the funeral chapel with Pastor David Gillum officiating. Interment will follow in the Laurel Fork Cemetery.

Online condolences may be extended to the Elmer family at www.heavnerandcutright.com

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

What to watch for at Thursday’s city and county meetings

Buckhannon City Council and the Upshur County Commission wrap up 2025 Thursday with light agendas but a few big-ticket items.

Nearly 50 Upshur County students honored as WVWC announces fall 2025 President’s List, Provost’s List

Forty-seven Upshur County students earned academic honors at West Virginia Wesleyan College for the fall 2025 semester.
Stockert Youth and Community Center

SYCC board approves $56,701 bid to replace 15 cameras

The Stockert Youth and Community Center board approved a $56,701 bid to replace 15 surveillance cameras after equipment failures left indoor cameras offline.

Upshur County Commission Agenda: December 18, 2025

The Upshur County Commission will meet on December 18, 2025. Here’s the agenda for the upcoming session.

Mabel Maxine Hawkins Ryder

Mabel Maxine Hawkins Ryder, 101, a pioneering FMC chemist, devoted church member, and lifelong knitter, died December 12, 2025, in Scott Depot and will be memorialized December 20 in Saint Albans.

Buckhannon shifts sidewalk focus to Route 20 South after property owners refuse access north of town

Buckhannon leaders are pivoting away from the Gateway North sidewalk project after property access issues stalled progress. Instead, they’re eyeing sidewalks along Route 20 South, a proposal now headed to city council.

Buckhannon City Council Agenda: December 18, 2025

Buckhannon City Council meets December 18, 2025. View the full agenda and see what items are up for discussion and action at the upcoming meeting.

Upshur County Board of Education Agenda: December 16, 2025

Get the full agenda for the Upshur County Board of Education meeting scheduled for December 16, 2025. See what’s on the board’s docket and what will be discussed at the upcoming session.

Denise St. Clair Straight

Denise St. Clair Straight, 71, a beloved Buckhannon kindergarten teacher, devoted wife, mother, grandmother and community volunteer, died December 11, remembered for her generosity, humor, baking and lifelong service to students and neighbors.

Loretta Rose (Kelley) Westfall

Loretta Rose (Kelley) Westfall, 63, of Tallmansville, WV, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and Tenmile Baptist Church singer, died December 13, 2025; she will be cremated and a memorial service held later.

Upshur County Sports Calendar

This week’s Upshur County sports calendar lists local basketball games, swimming meets, and wrestling events for Buckhannon-Upshur and area schools from Dec. 15–21, with several home and away contests and some TBA times.

Wesleyan women cruise past Salem in non-conference win, 71–43

West Virginia Wesleyan dominated Salem 71–43, shooting 50.9%, outrebounding the Tigers 44–28, getting 54 points in the paint and four double-digit scorers to improve to 4–2 (2–1 MEC).