Richard Alan Veith

Richard Alan Veith, 73, of Crawford, West Virginia, passed away peacefully at his home on June 10, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of stories, hard work, laughter, and memories that will be cherished by all who knew and loved him.

Born on July 27, 1952, in Buckhannon, West Virginia, Richard was the son of Garnetta Nell Snow Veith Banks of Buckhannon and the late Henry Dale Veith. He spent his life in the hills he loved, working hard, raising a family, and rarely sitting still long enough for anyone to wonder what he was up to next.

On January 5, 1973, Richard married the love of his life, Sharon Rose Riley. Together they shared more than 53 years of marriage, building a family and a life rooted in hard work, love, and dedication. Sharon survives him at their home in Crawford.

In addition to his wife, Richard is survived by his mother, Garnetta Nell Snow Veith Banks of Buckhannon, West Virginia; his four children: Charlotte Rose Veith and companion Tony Durant of Buckhannon, West Virginia; Carolyn Jane Holmes and companion Charles Slocum of Newport, Washington; Richard Dale Veith of Crawford, West Virginia; and David Alan Veith of Crawford, West Virginia.

He was a proud grandfather to Christopher Kirk Lane of Tennessee, Cody Alan Gauge Lane of Buckhannon, West Virginia, Johnathan Fitzgerald Lane and wife Megan Dawn Lane of Tennessee, and Levi Skylar Slocum of Newport, Washington. He was also blessed with four great-grandchildren: Jayce Edward Lane and Izabel Sophia Lane of Clarksburg, West Virginia, and Lennon James Lane and Archer Roran Lane of Buckhannon, West Virginia.

Richard is also survived by his sister, Iris Elaine Day and husband Renny of Buckhannon, West Virginia; his brother, James Edward Veith of Buckhannon, West Virginia; his sister-in-law, Gabriele Veith of New Bern, North Carolina; special niece Marlene Clark; special nephew Bobby Veith; and many other family members and friends who were fortunate enough to know him.

He was preceded in death by his father, Henry Dale Veith; stepmother, Vera Veith; stepfather, Tom Banks; brothers, Robert Duane Veith and William Dale Veith; father-in-law, Wilbert Dale Riley; and mother-in-law, Audra Gay Riley.

Richard never met a hard day’s work he wasn’t willing to tackle. Over the years, he worked at Alkire Tire in Buckhannon, drove trucks, operated a taxi, and owned and operated Veith Logging. But if you asked him, his favorite job was always being a coal miner. Mining wasn’t just a job—it was who he was.

After an injury forced him to leave the mines, Richard didn’t exactly embrace retirement. Anyone who knew him knew he simply wasn’t built for sitting around. If something needed fixed, cut, hauled, planted, mowed, split, or built, Richard was already halfway through the job before anyone else had a plan. Neighbors and family alike benefited from his willingness to lend a hand, often before they even asked.

Richard loved the simple things in life: time spent outdoors, a good fishing spot, hunting season, a garden to tend, and a guitar to play. Music brought him joy, and many family members and friends have memories of hearing him play. He spent countless hours gathering firewood, making sure no one in his home was ever cold during the winter. He enjoyed gardening, weed eating, hunting, fishing, and being outside whenever possible. Whether he was working outside, strumming his guitar, casting a fishing line, or sneaking away for a little peace and quiet from Sharon and the grandkids, Richard was happiest doing what he loved.

Richard was stubborn, hardworking, dependable, and never afraid to tell you exactly what he thought. He loved his family deeply, even if he didn’t always say it out loud. He showed it through his actions—by working hard, helping others, providing for those he loved, and always being there when he was needed.

Richard leaves behind a family who will miss his stories, his advice, his sense of humor, and the sight of him always finding something to do. While our hearts are heavy, we find comfort knowing that somewhere beyond this life, there’s a woodpile that needs stacked, a fishing hole waiting to be found, a guitar ready to be played, and a job that Richard is already hard at work doing.

He will be deeply loved, forever remembered, and greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made directly to Clutter Funeral and Cremation. CLICK HERE to donate or mail donations to 21 Elnora Circle, Buckhannon, WV 26201. Friends and family will gather for visitation at Clutter Funeral and Cremation located at 21 Elnora Circle in Buckhannon, WV, from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. on Monday, June 15, 2026. A Funeral Service will follow at 1:00 p.m. in the Clutter Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Wease Day officiating. Burial will follow in the Heaston Ridge UM Church Cemetery in Crawford.

We, at Clutter Funeral and Cremation, are honored and privileged to serve the family of Richard Alan Veith. Online condolences may be expressed at www.ClutterFuneralHome.com.