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Parkersburg WV Obituaries: Remembering Lives, Connecting Community

When someone we know or care about passes away, there's a natural human need to acknowledge their life, their contributions, and the mark they left behind. In a place like Parkersburg, West Virginia, a city with such a rich past and a close-knit feel, the way we remember those who have departed is a very important part of community life. Obituaries for Parkersburg, WV, do more than just announce a passing; they offer a quiet moment to reflect on a person's journey, their connections, and the stories that made them unique. It's a way for the community to come together, even in sorrow, and honor those who were once among us.

These notices, you know, are truly a vital thread in the fabric of any community. They help us understand who lived here, what they did, and how they shaped the place we call home. For families, an obituary is a loving tribute, a final public acknowledgment of someone deeply cherished. For others, it's a chance to learn about a neighbor, a former colleague, or perhaps even a figure from the city's history they might have heard about. It's almost like a shared memory, a way to keep people's stories alive.

This article explores the meaning of Parkersburg, WV obituaries, how they serve the community, and where you might look for these important announcements. We'll also touch on some recent examples of individuals whose lives were celebrated, giving you a better sense of the diverse stories that make up this charming West Virginia city. So, let's consider the ways these notices help us stay connected to the past and present of Parkersburg.

Table of Contents

The Heart of Parkersburg: A Look at Its Rich Past and Present

Parkersburg, West Virginia, is more than just a spot on the map; it's a place steeped in stories. For instance, during the Civil War, Union General George McClellan’s initial push into the Confederacy actually came through Parkersburg. This city was also quite important in the very beginnings of the nation’s oil and gas industry, which is pretty amazing when you think about it. As one of West Virginia’s most historic cities, Parkersburg and the surrounding area boast a really colorful and fascinating heritage that has been beautifully kept and shown off by our local groups.

The city government, you know, warmly welcomes everyone, whether you call Parkersburg home or are just visiting for the very first time. They invite you to explore their online services, and that includes things like reserving a spot in our public parks. The City of Parkersburg website is a good place to learn more about us and all our community has to offer, and it’s powered by Revize, the government website experts, which is kind of neat. The Parkersburg Police Department, for example, has been a CALEA accredited law enforcement agency since 2009, and a part of that accreditation process is public, showing a commitment to openness.

There's also a consortium here, comprised of Wood County and the cities of Parkersburg, Vienna, and Williamstown, WV, which helps with various projects. These funds, you see, can be quite appropriate for projects right here in Wood County, showing how different parts of the area work together. Parkersburg has also put in place a 1% sales tax on all retail items and taxable services, which follows the rules for the 6% West Virginia sales tax, making it a total of 7%. This community, you know, has a deep sense of shared life, and that extends to how we mark the passing of our residents.

Why Parkersburg WV Obituaries Matter So Much

Obituaries are, in a way, like little pieces of history. They tell us about the people who built our community, who taught our children, who served our city, and who simply lived their lives among us. They are a public record of a life lived, offering comfort to those grieving and providing a way for others to learn of a loss and offer their condolences. It's very much about collective remembrance, really.

For families, creating an obituary is a very personal act of love and respect. It's a chance to share a bit about their loved one's journey, perhaps their birth date, where they grew up, or what they did for a living. Sometimes, it includes special memories or details about their personality. This sharing helps others understand the person who passed and offers a sense of closure, too. It's a way of saying, "This person mattered, and here's why."

Beyond the immediate family, Parkersburg WV obituaries serve a wider purpose. They help genealogists trace family lines, provide historians with valuable data about local populations, and simply inform the general public about who has passed away. They are, in a sense, a constant update to the community's story, allowing us to stay aware of the comings and goings of our neighbors. It's a quiet but very important community service.

Finding Parkersburg WV Death Notices: Where to Look

When you're looking for Parkersburg, WV obituaries, there are several places you might check, which is actually quite helpful. Local newspapers have traditionally been the primary source for these announcements, and many still publish them both in print and online. These papers often have dedicated sections for death notices, making them relatively easy to find. It's often the first place people turn.

Another very important resource is the websites of local funeral homes. Most funeral homes in the Parkersburg area maintain an online presence where they post obituaries for the services they are handling. This can be a really convenient way to find current information, as these sites are usually updated quite quickly. They often include details about visitation hours and service arrangements, which is quite useful for those planning to attend.

Beyond newspapers and funeral homes, you might also find obituaries on general obituary websites or through genealogical resources. These platforms often gather information from various sources, sometimes even providing access to older records. For those doing family research, or simply looking for information from a little while ago, these larger databases can be a truly valuable tool. You can sometimes even find notices that were published years ago, which is pretty neat for historical purposes.

Recent Passings in Parkersburg: A Glimpse into Community Lives

The Parkersburg community, like any other, has recently said goodbye to several of its residents. These obituaries, published for all to see, help us remember the diverse lives that shaped our area. For instance, Dortha Marie Mason Burdette passed away just recently, on July 26, 2025. Her passing, like all others, marks a moment of reflection for those who knew her, and it's a reminder of the passage of time.

We also learned of the peaceful passing of David Matthew Fleming, who was 51, from Parkersburg, WV, on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at his home. He was born in Bluefield, WV, on February 13, 1974, and his life, like so many, touched those around him. There was also Roush, who was 82, from Vienna, and passed away on January 18, 2025, at The Willows Center in Parkersburg. Roush was born on August 31, 1942, right here in Parkersburg, a son of the late... and his story is a part of our shared local history.

Patricia Little, who was 85, of Parkersburg, went to be with the Lord on March 21, 2025. She was born on May 17, 1939, at Mt. Zion in Calhoun, WV, a daughter of the late Paul and Mae. Her life, like so many others, contributed to the fabric of the community. Raymond Lewis Lusk, who was 92, of Parkersburg, West Virginia, passed away peacefully at his home on January 13, 2025. He was born on November 7, 1932, in Lorado, and was known as “Captain Ham.” He retired with the rank of captain after serving 32 years with the Parkersburg Fire Department, and was also a licensed West Virginia paramedic, which is quite a legacy.

John Lorymer Bush, who was 94, passed away on April 15, 2025, at the Wyngate Senior Living in Parkersburg, WV. He was born on December 23, 1930, in Bristol, England, and was a son of the late... His journey brought him to Parkersburg, where he lived out his later years. We also remember a young woman born on June 21, 2002, in Parkersburg, WV, a daughter of Ashley Modena Wilkison Poling, whose life was cut short. And another individual, born in Parkersburg, WV, a daughter of the late Earl and... Each of these lives, you know, adds to the ongoing story of our community, and their passing is felt by many.

The Role of Local Institutions in Remembrance

Local institutions play a truly vital part in helping the community honor its deceased residents. Funeral homes, for example, are often the first point of contact for families during a difficult time. They assist with all the arrangements, from services to burials, and they also help families craft and publish obituaries. This support is pretty essential for those who are grieving, as they guide them through a challenging process.

Newspapers in Parkersburg, and across the region, have a long tradition of publishing death notices. They act as a public record, reaching a wide audience and ensuring that the news of a passing is shared broadly. Many local papers have transitioned to online platforms, making it even easier for people to access these announcements from anywhere. It's a way of keeping the community informed, which is really quite important.

Community centers, churches, and other local groups also play a role, sometimes hosting memorial services or offering support groups for those who have lost a loved one. These places provide a space for collective mourning and remembrance, helping to strengthen the bonds within the community. It's a very human way of coming together during times of sorrow, you know, and showing care for one another.

Honoring Legacies: What Obituaries Tell Us

An obituary, in a way, is a brief summary of a person's entire life. It often includes details like their birth date and place, their parents' names, and sometimes even their educational background. For instance, we know David Matthew Fleming was born in Bluefield, WV, and Raymond Lewis Lusk was born in Lorado. These details help us place individuals within a broader context, which is pretty interesting for those who like to understand family histories.

Many obituaries also mention career achievements or significant contributions to the community. Raymond Lewis Lusk, for example, was known as “Captain Ham” and served 32 years with the Parkersburg Fire Department, becoming a captain and a licensed paramedic. This kind of information highlights the impact individuals had on their local area. It shows how people dedicated their working lives to serving others, which is quite inspiring, really.

Family connections are also a big part of obituaries. They often list surviving family members, such as spouses, children, grandchildren, and siblings. This helps others understand the personal relationships that were so important to the person who passed. For instance, we know one young woman was a daughter of Ashley Modena Wilkison Poling, which connects her to her family. These connections, you know, are a testament to the love and bonds that people share throughout their lives.

Connecting with Parkersburg's Past Through Obituaries

For anyone interested in genealogy or local history, Parkersburg WV obituaries are a goldmine of information. They provide crucial dates, names, and relationships that can help piece together family trees or understand demographic shifts over time. You can learn more about genealogy resources on our site, which can be a great help for your research. They offer insights into who lived here, where they came from, and how long they resided in the area, which is really quite valuable.

These notices also reflect the social and cultural aspects of the community. The language used, the traditions mentioned, and the affiliations listed can tell us a lot about the values and customs prevalent at different times. For example, knowing that John Lorymer Bush was born in Bristol, England, tells us about the diverse backgrounds of people who settled in Parkersburg. It’s a way of seeing the community's evolution through the lives of its people.

By studying obituaries from different periods, you can gain a deeper appreciation for Parkersburg’s rich heritage. They offer a human perspective on historical events and societal changes. For instance, seeing how many people lived to a ripe old age, like Raymond Lewis Lusk at 92 or John Lorymer Bush at 94, tells a story about health and longevity in the area. It’s a bit like looking through a window into the past, actually, and seeing the lives that shaped the present.

Supporting Families in Times of Loss

The publication of Parkersburg WV obituaries is also a way for the wider community to show support for grieving families. When an obituary is shared, friends, neighbors, and acquaintances learn of the loss and can then reach out to offer condolences, send flowers, or attend services. This outpouring of support can be incredibly comforting during a very difficult time, you know, helping families feel less alone in their sorrow.

It creates a network of care, allowing people to express their sympathy and share their memories of the person who passed. Sometimes, these connections lead to new friendships or rekindle old ones, all centered around the shared experience of remembrance. It’s a powerful demonstration of community spirit, really, and how people come together when it matters most. This collective act of mourning and support is a cornerstone of any caring community.

Moreover, obituaries often include details about memorial contributions, allowing people to donate to a favorite charity or cause in the name of the deceased. This provides another avenue for showing respect and honoring the person's life and values. It's a tangible way for the community to continue the legacy of those who have passed, which is pretty meaningful. For more information on community support, you might want to link to this page .

Looking Ahead: The Ongoing Story of Parkersburg

Parkersburg WV obituaries will continue to be an important part of how our community remembers and connects. As time moves forward, each new obituary adds another layer to the city's unfolding narrative, preserving the stories of its people for future generations. They are a constant reminder that every life lived here contributes to the unique character of Parkersburg, and that's something truly special. These notices, you know, help us appreciate the individual journeys that make up our collective experience.

The practice of honoring the departed through these public notices helps to maintain a strong sense of community identity and shared history. It ensures that the contributions, memories, and legacies of those who have passed are not forgotten. It’s a very human way of keeping the past alive while looking to the future, always remembering the roots that ground us. For further historical context, you could check out a reputable genealogy resource like FamilySearch.org, which is pretty comprehensive.

So, whether you are seeking information about a specific individual, exploring family history, or simply reflecting on the lives that have shaped this wonderful city, Parkersburg WV obituaries remain a valuable and poignant resource. They are a testament to the lives lived and the enduring spirit of a community that truly values its people, both past and present. It's a continuous story, really, being written one life at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Parkersburg WV Obituaries

How can I find recent obituaries in Parkersburg, WV?

You can typically find recent Parkersburg, WV obituaries by checking the websites of local newspapers, such as the Parkersburg News and Sentinel, or by visiting the websites of funeral homes operating in the Parkersburg area. These sources are generally updated quite regularly with new announcements, which is very helpful. Sometimes, general obituary aggregator sites also collect this information.

Are Parkersburg, WV obituaries available online?

Yes, many Parkersburg, WV obituaries are indeed available online. Most local newspapers and funeral homes now publish their death notices on their respective websites. This makes it much easier for people to access them from anywhere, at any time. Online archives might also contain older obituaries, which is pretty convenient for research.

Why are obituaries important for a community like Parkersburg?

Obituaries are very important for a community like Parkersburg because they serve as a public record of lives lived, helping to preserve local history and genealogy. They allow community members to honor the deceased, offer condolences to grieving families, and learn about the contributions individuals made to the area. It’s a way of acknowledging shared experiences and maintaining a collective memory, which is quite meaningful.

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