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

Ronald Joe Linger

Ronald Joe Linger, age 81, of Buckhannon, died Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Buckhannon.

He was born on October 11, 1943, in Weston, WV, a son of the late Dealous Ralph and Mary Virginia Dennison Linger.

On October 30, 1992, he was united in marriage to Josephine Mae Casto Linger who survives. Also surviving are five sons: James Linger and wife Jackie of Weston, Barry Linger of Texas, Randy Gifford of Buckhannon, Timothy Gifford and partner Marilyn of Elkins, and Russell Gifford and wife Kim of Buckhannon; two daughters: Tammy and husband Brad Seelback and Karen Myers, both of Buckhannon; fifteen grandchildren: Alisa, Ginny, Marty, Brittini, Kaleb, Eli, Preston, Stephanie, Brooke, Dillon, Cody, Chad, Josh, Ricky, and Danielle; and three great grandchildren: Cora, Caroline, and Kadence.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by one daughter, Sheila Rhodes, and one brother, James Linger.

Ron was a veteran of the US Marine Corps and had also served in the Army National Guard; he was a member of the American Legion Post 4 in Weston. After a rewarding career with CSX Railroad, he retired and enjoyed spending time golfing and hunting. He was a godly, Christian man and an active member of the Sago Baptist Church where he served as a Bible study teacher, a Sunday School teacher, an assistant clerk, and a Trustee.

The family will receive friends on Monday, April 7, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Sago Baptist Church, where the funeral will begin at 1:00 PM with the Rev. Wease Day officiating. Interment will follow in the Elbon Cemetery, where the Upshur County Honor Guard will perform military rites.

Online condolences may be extended to the Linger family at www.heavnerandcutright.com. The Linger family entrusted the Heavner & Cutright Funeral Chapel with 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

Joshua Bowers joins Buckhannon Fire Department as new paid firefighter

Joshua Bowers was sworn in as Buckhannon Fire Department’s newest paid firefighter at the Dec. 18 city council meeting, with Mayor Robbie Skinner administering the oath and his wife Grace pinning his badge.

First Holiday Furtastic Elimination Dinner raises nearly $8,500 for animal rescue organizations

The first Holiday Furtastic Elimination Dinner raised nearly $8,500 for local animal rescue groups and the Buckhannon Dog Park.

Ronald Earl “Ronnie” Grall Sr.

Ronald Earl “Ronnie” Grall Sr., 83, of Buckhannon, a 2006 Sago Mine Disaster survivor and former coal mine fire boss, died December 29, 2025; he is survived by his wife Helen, five children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Upshur County Sports Calendar

Upshur County sports schedule runs Dec. 29–Jan. 4 with multiple Buckhannon-Upshur basketball games in winter classics and out-of-state tournaments, wrestling entries in Powerade and regional meets, and a Mohawk Invitational swim.

WVWC’s Witt named MEC Women’s Basketball Player of the Week

West Virginia Wesleyan senior Emma Witt and Concord’s Alexis Frazee were named co–MEC Women’s Basketball Players of the Week after Witt’s 30-point double-double and Frazee’s 20.5-point weekly average.

Driver cited after triggering three-vehicle crash on Main Street that damaged police car, hit Buckhannon bank

A Beverly woman allegedly ran a stop sign on Main Street in Buckhannon, causing a Dec. 27 crash that involved three vehicles and struck the First Community Bank building, according to the Upshur County Sheriff’s Department’s wreck report.

Woman extricated after Route 33 crash near Huddle House; truck driver cited

A Salem woman was trapped in her vehicle and had to be extricated after a two-vehicle crash on Route 33 north of the Huddle House. Police say a truck driver attempting to cross lanes to turn left was cited for failing to yield.

Bryan Lynn Fitzgerald

Bryan Lynn Fitzgerald, 68, of French Creek, WV, died December 24, 2025, in Morgantown and is survived by his family, with cremation and private services planned.

On the City of Buckhannon Calendar: Week of Dec. 29, 2025

No regularly scheduled meetings this week. City offices and waste collection closed January 1 for New Year’s Day.

Buckhannon man charged after allegedly breaking into trailer, fighting resident

A Buckhannon man was arrested after allegedly breaking into a home and fighting with one of the occupants. He faces charges including burglary, destruction of property, assault and battery.

Buckhannon woman charged with using elderly man’s bank card online

A Buckhannon woman was arrested after police say she used another person’s bank card information for multiple unauthorized transactions totaling about $1,201.29. She said the transactions were not intentional, and his card might have been saved to her online payments account.

St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation funds advanced ophthalmology equipment through Lavera Clark Trust

The St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation purchased new retinal imaging technology that enhances early detection and monitoring of conditions like diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and macular degeneration.