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

Robert Ray Alkire

Robert Ray Alkire, 75, of Buckeye, WV, passed away Sunday, March 27, 2022, after an extended illness.  Born September 28, 1946, in Buckhannon, WV, Bob was the son of Winfred C. and Areta Aegan Alkire.  He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, William Alkire.

Survivors include his wife of nearly 52 years, Elaine Conrad Alkire and sons, Robert II and wife, Teresa of Marlinton and Corey and wife, Laura of Charleston.  Three grandchildren, Kyleen and Chase Alkire of Marlinton and Mason Alkire of Charleston.  And older brother, Glen Alkire.

Bob graduated from Buckhannon-Upshur High School in 1964, served in the US Navy (1964-67) and attended WVU before becoming a WV State Trooper in 1973, retiring as 1st Sergeant/District Commander Second District Company “C” in 1994.  While serving as a Trooper, Bob also worked with the DEA.  He served as Sheriff of Pocahontas County from 2000-2008.

Bob was an avid woodworker and bowler.  He loved spending time with his sons and grandchildren and watching WVU football and basketball games.

Friends may be received Thursday, March 31, 2022, from 4 PM to 8 PM at the Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home in Buckhannon. A funeral service will be held Friday, April 1, 2022, at 1 PM at the funeral home with Pastor Ed Lowther officiating. Burial will follow in the Heavner Cemetery in Buckhannon. The West Virginia State Police will perform Honors at the gravesite.

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

Key to Adam debuts new original West Virginia Christmas song ‘Snowflakes Are Falling’

Buckhannon-based instrumental duo Key to Adam has released a new Christmas song titled ‘Snowflakes Are Falling,’ marking the first time they have added vocals to one of their original projects.

WVU Medicine names Forest Hannah vice president of finance for Central Region critical access hospitals

Forest Hannah will oversee financial strategy and operations for St. Joseph’s Hospital, Summersville Regional Medical Center and Braxton County Memorial Hospital.

Mountain CAP, WVU Extension offering free nutrition and cooking class in Buckhannon starting in January

The six-week “Eating Smart – Being Active” program begins January 7 at the Family Support Center in Buckhannon.

Richard (Dick) Small

Richard (Dick) Small, 81, of Buckhannon, WV, founder of Richard Small Paving, died December 17, 2025, leaving his wife Mary Ann, six children, 19 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and a legacy of faith and music.

Mary Ann Ketterman

Mary Ann Ketterman, 57, of Flemington, WV, died Dec. 14, 2025, at WVU Medicine United Hospital Center and will be cremated following a public viewing Saturday, Dec. 20.

This week’s Hank Ellis All-Stars: Abby Radabaugh and Jeremy Jett

Buckhannon’s Hank Ellis All-Stars for Dec. 8–Dec. 14 are Abby Radabaugh and Jeremy Jett. Radabaugh placed fourth with two pins at the Women of Ironman tournament, while Jett went a perfect 7-0 over the weekend.

Wesleyan women escape West Liberty with a 80-71 win behind Witt’s 30 points

Emma Witt’s 30-point, 10-rebound double-double keyed West Virginia Wesleyan’s 80-71 road win over West Liberty as the Lady Bobcats rallied late to improve to 5-2 (3-1 MEC).

Wesleyan men fall on the road to West Liberty, 101-65

Wesleyan’s Dandridge honored as MEC Female Basketball Player of the Week

West Virginia Wesleyan freshman guard Kilah Dandridge was named MEC Women’s Basketball Player of the Week after averaging 22.5 points and 4.0 rebounds in two wins, including a 30-point outing.

Buckhannon City Council again considers citywide address overhaul that would affect every home and business

At a public hearing on a grant related to a citywide readdressing project, residents pushed back while city officials promised to move slowly and keep the community informed.

Carolyn Ann Tenney

Carolyn Ann Tenney, 87, a longtime Buckhannon homemaker, volunteer and talented crafter, died December 16, 2025; services will be held December 20 with burial at Upshur County Memorial Park.

Lawrence Eugene Woodson

Lawrence Eugene “Woody” Woodson, 78, a lifelong outdoorsman and former Columbia Gas Transmission and WVDOH worker from Buckhannon, WV, died December 14, 2025, and is survived by his children, grandchildren, siblings and extended family.