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

Rev. Dr. John Edwin Wildman

Rev. Dr. John Edwin Wildman, age 84, of Buckhannon and formerly of Ravenswood, WV died on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at Serenity Care Home in Buckhannon. 

He was born November 22, 1938, in Ravenswood, WV a son of the late Claude Ray and Mae Jones Wildman.  He was united in marriage on November 22, 1958, to MaDora Baylor Wildman who survives.  In addition to his wife, he is survived by one son Ed and wife Lisa Wildman of Buckhannon, one granddaughter Cardyn Elizabeth Wildman and Fiancé Brycen Williams, three sisters; Sarah Sayre of Parkersburg, Alice Icenhower of Ravenswood, and Barbara Lockhart of South Charleston; several nieces and nephews also survive. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother and one sister.

Rev. Dr. Wildman served thirty-seven years as a United Methodist Minister in the WV United Methodist Conference.  He was very active as a twenty-year volunteer for the Burlington United Methodist Family Services.  He also served as a project manager for Habitat for Humanity.  He attended the First United Methodist Church in Buckhannon. 

Friends will be received at the Heavner and Cutright Funeral Chapel on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, from 4-7 PM.  Graveside services and interment will be held on Thursday, March 16, 2023, at 2:00 PM at the Ravenswood Cemetery in Ravenswood, WV with Rev. Steve Meadows officiating. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Burlington United Methodist Family Services at http://bumfs.org or contact them at Burlington United Methodist Family Services, 120 Hope Lane, Burlington, WV 26710; 304-289-6010. 

The Wildman family has entrusted the Heavner and Cutright Funeral Chapel and Cremation Services with funeral 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

WVSSAC football championship schedules

The West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission has scheduled four football state championship games in Charleston for Dec. 5–6: Morgantown vs. Martinsburg, Wheeling Central vs. Clay-Battelle, Frankfort vs. Bluefield, and Princeton vs. Nitro.

Shirley Ann McDaniels

Shirley Ann McDaniels, 85, of Buckhannon, died Nov. 30, 2025, at home; a homemaker who loved antiques, she is survived by husband Carl, three children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and siblings, with a private graveside service held.

Man who threatened to shoot Hodgesville Elementary students back in jail after alleged home confinement violation

Andrew Hitt was arrested on a misdemeanor charge on Monday after officers allegedly found that his browsing history had been deleted and that he couldn’t provide passwords during a routine check. He is being held on $100,000 cash-only bond.

Winter weather advisory: Snow, ice could make Tuesday morning commute tricky

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for Upshur County from 11 p.m. Monday through 1 p.m. Tuesday. Residents can expect up to two inches of snow and a tenth of an inch of ice.

Upshur County Sports Calendar

Weekly Upshur County sports calendar lists area high school and college basketball, wrestling and swimming events Dec. 1–7, highlighted by Buckhannon-Upshur teams’ multiple games, duals and meets throughout the week.

Parents attend commission meeting as new fence and deputy pledged for Hodgesville Elementary amid safety concerns

After online threats against Hodgesville Elementary, Upshur County will station a sheriff’s deputy at the school through January 2026, but parents are pressing for permanent safety measures and improved communication from the board of education.

West Virginia Wesleyan College freshman competes for $10,000 for her start-up business

A West Virginia Wesleyan College student made it into the top five of an undergraduate business competition for the Mountain State Innovators Summit.

Ruth Louise Smith

Ruth Louise Smith, 77, of Buckhannon, WV, a retired history teacher and longtime Methodist active with Boy Scout Troop 100, died November 27, 2025; she is survived by two sons, a grandson, siblings and extended family.

Buckhannon Colonial Arts Center Board Agenda: December 2, 2025

The Buckhannon Colonial Arts Center Board will meet December 2, 2025; this article publishes the meeting agenda.

Local photographers featured in state’s free wildflower calendar

Several Buckhannon-Upshur Camera Club members were honored with inclusion in the state’s annual wildflower calendar, which is now available to order for free.

Upshur County Commission asks state attorney general to probe high gas prices

Upshur County commissioners voted to send a letter to West Virginia Attorney General John McCuskey seeking an explanation for why local gas prices are higher than in neighboring counties. Officials hope an official response will clarify whether market forces are to blame.

Trumps Salon angel tree helps high school students in Buckhannon have Christmas

Trumps Salon is seeking to help 22 high school students on its Angel Tree with requested items to make their holidays brighter. Gifts and donations can be dropped off at the salon on Main Street by December 12.