1. U.S., Index to Public Records, 1994-2019; Ancestry.com Website.
"Name George Pierce Hampton
Birth Date Aug 1944
Residence Date 1961-2020
Address Po Box 413
Residence War, West Virginia, USA
Postal Code 24892
Second Address 12 George Ln
Second Residence War, West Virginia, USA
Second Postal Code 24892
Third Address War
Third Residence War, West Virginia, USA
Third Postal Code 24892"
1. Russell Co, VA; Marriage License #76-046654; Ancestry.com Web Site.
Ronnie Asbury; age 22; born 1 Jul 1954 in Horsepen, VA; single; 2 yrs HS education; living in Sqiure,
McDowell Co, WV; son of Elbert and Leora (Graham) Asbury; married on 23 Oct 1976 in Lebanon,
VA; Loretta Charles; age 25; born 22 Oct 1951, in Tazewell Co, VA; single; 8th grade education;
living at Cucumber, McDowell Co, WV; daughter of General and Mandy (Hicks) Charles.
2. Douglas Mortuary; Welch, WV; Posted Obit.
"Lona E. Hampton, 73, of War, WV, passed away Friday, August 29, 2025 at Johnson City Medical Center in Johnson City, Tennessee. Born October 22, 1951 in Big Creek, WV, she was the daughter of the late General Jackson Charles and Amanda Hicks Charles."Lona was an associate shift supervisor for Rite Aid and Walgreens. She was a member of the East War Advent Christian Church in War Cove, WV. She enjoyed crochet, reading, flower gardens and taking long rides in the mountains with family and friends and her dog Sophie.
"In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three brother, Clyde Hicks, Willy Charles, Robert Charles; two sisters, Lucille Brewsteer, Retha Crockett; and one step daughter, Lisa Ann Coe.
Those left to cherish memories are her husband, George Hampton of the home; one daughter, Patricia Jared and Tony of Medon, TN; two sisters, Deloris Adair of Tazewell, VA, and Jeanette Hess of Tallapoosa, GA; and six cherished grandchildren."Funeral services will be conducted Thursday, September 4, 2025 at 1:00 PM from the East War Advent Christian Church, with the Reverend Danny Cyphers, officiating. Burial will follow in the Woodall
Family Cemetery at Grassy Spur, Bishop, VA."Friends may call at the church Thursday from 12:00 noon to 1:00 PM.
"Pallbearers will be family and friends.
"The Douglas Mortuary in Welch is serving the family. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.douglasmortuary.com"
1. 1940 Census, McDowell Co, WV; Sandy River District; Iaeger; E.D, 24-56; taken on 12 Apr 1940;
Page 1079A; Image 21 of 28; Household #194.
Listed as John Patton Fanning; age 5; born in WV; no education; not attending school; lived in
same place on 1 Apr 1935; in household of father, James P. Fanning.
2. Winchester, VA; Marriage License #3339; Ancestry.com Website.
John P. Fanning; age 21; born in Iaeger, WV; single; student; living on Riverside Dr, Iaeger, WV; son
of James and Gertrude (Neal) Fanning; married on 4 Feb 1956 in Winchester, VA; Marianna Young;
age 19; born in Clarlesburg, VA; single; living at 98 Elm St, Buchanan, WV; daughter of William and
Mary (Reeder) Young.
3. US Public records index, 1953-1993, Vol #1; Ancestry.com Web Site.
"Name: John P Fanning
Birth Date: 14 Aug 1933
Phone Number: ..."
"...Address: PO Box 126, Iaeger, WV, 24844-0126 (1993)
[PO Box 68, Iaeger, WV, 24844-0068]
[RR N POB 68us, Iaeger, WV, 24844] "
4. "The Heritage of McDowell County, West Virginia, 1858-1999"; 1999; By Geneva Steel, Tom
Hatcher and Sandra Long; "The Fanning Family"; Article; Page 145; submitted by Robert Fanning,
PO Box 1008, Welch, WV 24801
5. Fannng Funeral Home; Iaeger, WV; Posted Obit.
"Former State Senator John Pat Fanning, 89, of Iaeger, West Virginia, died on Sunday, January 7, 2024, in Charleston, West Virgina."John Pat Fanning was born August 14, 1934 in Iaeger, West Virginia, son of the late James P. and Gertrude (Neal) Fanning. He attended Davis and Elkins College and Cincinnati College of Embalming. John Pat followed in his father’s footsteps and worked as a mortician and funeral director for the family business.
"John Pat began his political career when he was elected mayor of the Town of Iaeger from 1962 to 1966. He was then appointed to the West Virginia State Senate in 1968, to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of Glenn Hatcher. John Pat’s district covered McDowell and Wyoming Counties and portions of Wayne County. He was subsequently elected as Senator for a remarkable eight terms from 1968 to 1980, 1984 to 1988, and 1997 to 2012. Upon his retirement in 2012, the Senate passed a resolution honoring John Pat for serving over thirty years in the legislature.
"John Pat was often described as a “statesman” by friends and peers. He was a man of honor, compassion, and commitment to public service. Although a humble man by nature, John Pat was a formidable advocate for what he fondly called “the Independent State of McDowell,” and always sought to improve the lives of his constituents there and his district as a whole. He was renowned for his keen knowledge of finances and parliamentary rules, as well as his ability to ease tensions with his sharp wit and common-sense approach to handling problems.
"In addition to his distinguished career in the legislature, John Pat Fanning operated the Iaeger branch of Fanning Funeral Homes where he touched the lives of so very many people grieving the loss of loved ones with compassionate and tenderhearted support.
"John Pat proudly served as Director of Pioneer Bank for many years where he served as Chairman of the Board from 2005 to 2018. He was also a Mason for over fifty years and a Shriner. There was nothing John Pat wouldn’t do to help a friend, neighbor or stranger in need.
"While serving as a Senator and in his personal time, John Pat enjoyed traveling with his loving wife of thirty-nine years, Kathryn Killen Fanning, who passed away suddenly in 2016. One of their many common interests was playing golf and he always joked that he “rarely won a round against her!”
"In January 2018, John Pat developed pneumonia and other health issues. In June 2018, he moved from Iaeger to an assisted living home in Charleston, West Virgnia. He quickly became called “Poppa” or “Pops” by staff who enjoyed his sense of humor and caring disposition. In his later years, John Pat still retained his sharp mind. But he also loved to watch Westerns, preferably starring John Wayne, and every episode of Mash on repeat.
"Sadly, John Pat became acutely ill in October 2023, was hospitalized for two months, then moved to a rehabilitation facility. He passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 7, 2024.
"John Pat Fanning is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Kathryn, and six siblings: Juanita, Bob, Ranny, Shirley, Judy, and Tom.
"He is survived by Brenda Wells (daughter) and her husband James Wells; Deborah Tankersley (daughter) and her husband Tom Tankersley; John William Fanning (son) and his wife, Kim Auman Fanning; Stacy Killen (daughter) and her husband, Stephen Hodge. He is also survived by four grandchildren - Daniel Wells, Valerie Bennsky, Cole Tankersley, and Kaleigh Fanning; one great grandchild, Lucas; and multiple nieces and nephews.
"A funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at 1:00 pm in the Chapel of Fanning Funeral Home, Iaeger, West Virginia with Pastor Randall Dority officiating. Friends may call on the family from 11:00 am until the time of the service. Burial will follow in Iaeger Memorial Cemetery at Roderfield, West Virginia.
"A memorial service will also be held on Monday, January 22, 2024, at 11:00 am at Christ Church, United Methodist, Charleston, West Virginia. The Reverends Jay Parkins and Randall Flanagan officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 10:00 am to 11:00 am and following the service in the fellowship hall of the church.
"In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to a charity of your choice in John Pat’s memory. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.fanningfuneralhomes.com."
1. Winchester, VA; Marriage License #3339; Ancestry.com Website.
John P. Fanning; age 21; born in Iaeger, WV; single; student; living on Riverside Dr, Iaeger, WV; son
of James and Gertrude (Neal) Fanning; married on 4 Feb 1956 in Winchester, VA; Marianna Young;
age 19; born in Clarlesburg, VA; single; living at 98 Elm St, Buchanan, WV; daughter of William and
Mary (Reeder) Young.
1. Fanning Funeral Home; Iaeger, WV; Posted Obit.
"Brenda Jean Wells passed away peacefully at Commonwealth Assisted Living on August 30, 2025 after an extended battle with Parkinson’s and Frontotemporal Dementia, which she faced with humor and grace."Brenda was born in Iaeger, West Virginia on September 23, 1956, daughter of the late Sen. John Patton and Marianna Young Fanning.
"She was a graduate of Iaeger High School, West Virginia Wesleyan College with a BS in Home Economics and a Master’s Degree in Counseling from West Virginia University.
"Brenda married James Wells on May 23, 1981 in Salem, Virginia.
"Brenda had a varied teaching career which included Culinary Arts and Elementary School in McDowell County West Virginia. In 1987 she began her career with Warren County Public Schools as Coordinator of YES, then GRADS programs. Brenda was Director of Guidance for Warren County High School, Warren County Junior High School and the first Director of Guidance for Skyline High School. She retired in 2016.
"Brenda was involved in her community primarily through the Warren County Mental Health Association, Front Royal Kiwanis Club, where she served as President and Secretary, two terms on the Warren County Social Services Advisory Board, PEO, Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, Warren County Retired Teachers and in various roles at Front Royal United Methodist Church.
"Survivors include her first husband (her favorite running joke), James Wells of Front Royal; son, Daniel Wells and wife Michelle of Front Royal; daughter, Dr. Valerie Bennsky and husband Drew of Front Royal; grandson and the star of her universe, Lucas Wells of Front Royal; and granddog, Daisy. She is also survived by her brother, John Fanning and wife Kim of Waxhaw, North Carolina; sister, Deborah Tankersley and husband Tom of Hollins, Virginia; a cousin and surrogate older sister, Frances (Dee Dee) Bivens and husband Butch of Roderfield, West Virginia; sisters-in-law, Susan Fitchko and Joyce Wimmer; nephews, Cole Tankersley, Jason Fitchko, Christopher Jenkins and Aaron Jenkins; and nieces, Kaleigh Fanning, Jennifer Bitzky and Rebecca Koosman.
"Brenda’s love for her community was only exceeded by her love for her family and for cooking.
"The Family wishes to thank the legion of folks who have visited (many from long distances), and sent cards and prayers during her battle. Not enough gratitude can be expressed to Sarah, Jennifer and the rest of the caregivers at Commonwealth as well as the marvelous staff of Blue Ridge Hospice, you made this journey so much easier. Brenda is at peace and rests in that house not made with hands eternal under Heaven.
"In keeping with Brenda’s wishes there will be no services.
"In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Front Royal United Methodist Church, Blue Ridge Hospice, Samuels Public Library or Front Royal Women’s Resource Center.
"Information submitted by courtesy of Fanning Funeral Home in Iaeger, West Virginia.
John Brooks "Johnny" Blankenship Rev
1. 1920 Census, McDowell Co, WV; Sandy River District; Bradshaw; taken on 24/27 Jan 1920;
Page 220B; Image 14 of 26; Family #110/110.
Listed as John B. Blankenship; age 12; born in WV; in household of father, Perry Blankenship.
2. McDowell co, WV; Death Certificate # '60 008354; WV Archives Website.
John Brooks Blankenship; age 52; born 7 Dec 1907 (sic?, 1908?) in WV; married; miner; living at
Jolo, WV; son of Perry and Patsy (Muncy) Blankenship; died 31 May 1960 at Iaeger, WV; due to
crushing head injuries from automobile falling on him; buried 2 Jun 1960 in Jewell Cemetery,
Bradshaw, WV; informant, Faye Blankenship, Jolo, WV.
(His headstone shows he was buried in the Tom Sparks Cemetery not the Jewell Cemetery.
FindAGrave Website does not list a Jewell Cemetery in McDowell Co, WV)
3. FindAGrave.com Website; submitted by P.A.; 31 May 2017.
"Rev John Brooks Blankenship
Birth 7 Dec 1908
Death 30 May 1960 (aged 51)
Iaeger, McDowell County, West Virginia, USA
Burial Tom Sparks Cemetery
Paynesville, McDowell County, West Virginia, USA
Memorial ID 179908689"
1. 1920 Census, Tazewell Co, VA; Clear Fork District; Bluestone; taken on 6/7 Feb 1920; Page 28B;
Family #233.
Listed as Fay Wells; age 8; born in VA; in household of mother, Angie (______) Wells.
2. FindAGrave.com Website; submitted by P.A. 31 Mar 2017.
" Faye Wells Blankenship
Birth 12 Aug 1912
Tazewell County, Virginia, USA
Death 12 Jan 1979 (aged 66)
Burial Tom Sparks Cemetery
Paynesville, McDowell County, West Virginia, USA
Memorial ID 179908811"
1. Buchanan Co, VA; Marriage License #26305; Ancestry.com Website.
Erby Verlin Brown; age 21; born in Buchanan Co, VA; single; no previous marriage; member of
armed forces; living at Whitewood, VA; son of William Hufford and Cassie (McKinney) Brown;
married on 8 Sep 1951 in Buchanan Co, VA; Beulah Josie Day; age 21; born in Buchanan Co, VA;
single; no previous marriage; housework; living at Whitewood, VA; daughter of John Sam and Mary
(Cole) Day.
1. 1930 Census, Buchanan Co, VA; Garden District; taken on 18 Apr 1930; Page 4A; Image 8 of 26;
Family #65/68.
Listed as Beulah J. Day; age 2 mons; born in VA; in household of father, John S. Day.
2. 1940 Census, Buchanan Co, VA; Garden District; E.D. 10; Page 10A; Image 19 of 68;
Household #152.
Listed as Beulah Day; age 10; born in VA; 3rd grade education; attending school; lived
in same house on 1 Apr 1935; in household of father, John S. Day.
3. Buchanan Co, VA; Marriage License #26305; Ancestry.com Website.
Erby Verlin Brown; age 21; born in Buchanan Co, VA; single; no previous marriage; member of
armed forces; living at Whitewood, VA; son of William Hufford and Cassie (McKinney) Brown;
married on 8 Sep 1951 in Buchanan Co, VA; Beulah Josie Day; age 21; born in Buchanan Co, VA;
single; no previous marriage; housework; living at Whitewood, VA; daughter of John Sam and Mary
(Cole) Day.