Photo courtesy of Foglesong Funeral Home
Oct 19, 1942 - Jan 17, 2026
Bonnie and I send our condolences to George’ s family for your loss. I just saw his obituary on the web site. I worked with him at Foote mineral and attended Wahama at the same time with George. He was very nice person and a pleasure to talk with him when we would see him at Walmart and Bob Evans.
Bonnie and George McFarland
Bonnie and George McFarland
January 28, 2026 | Mason, WV | Friend
Remembered By
Sharon,carol, Chelsea Laudermilt
January 21, 2026 | Mason, WV | Friend
Kevin we loved your Dad he was so funny. We really enjoyed having him for the Holidays! You really took such good care of him ! He will be missed by all of us and especially Kennedi you were her Georgie . I’m sure Barbara was waiting on you when you got to Heaven !! RIP now!!!
Linda and Curtie Clarke
January 21, 2026 | Letart,, WV | Family
I would like to send my sincere condolences to Kevin, Melinda, and April on their loss of George Ray. He was always fun to be around and always seemed to be happy and laughing.
Troy Tucker
January 21, 2026 | Zanesville, OH
I had the pleasure of taking care of George at Pleasant Valley Nursing home. George was one of the sweetest people I’ve ever taken care of. He didn’t say much but when he did he said it with a smile. All he wanted was a warm blanket and something sweet to snack on. He would do this cute little giggle every time you spoke to him, I’ll probably never forget it. I am very sorry for your family’s loss. Reading his accomplishments you can tell George has always been a favorite of everyone who came...
Elizabeth Roush
January 19, 2026 | Point Pleasant, WV | Acquaintance
I want send my utmost condolences to you Kevin, Melinda and April. I will miss George . We once enjoyed going hunting together, we took my boat out on river where he drove and tried seeing how much water l could take on. LOL. The last deer l killed he and Uncle Buck helped me drag it out and he shot one up on west Creek and he shot it on top of hill and it rolled to bottom. We sure had some good times. Kevin may remember some these because he probably was there too. But Mason fire department...
Ray Tucker
January 19, 2026 | Graniteville, SC
George Ray, I always looked up at you as my cousin. As I did Uncle Pete. Losing dad at 6yrs old, I looked forward coming to see you all. Uncle Pete was very stern , then would have us kids laughing all day. Aunt June, her kindness. Always loved coming down. Know your sisters will miss you, as I do all my siblings. I miss the living " families" as bad. love you Cuz. Gilda Johnson Herb
Gilda Johnson Herb
January 19, 2026 | Columbus, OH | Family
Sending
our deepest condolences to your family during this difficult time! I I’ll
Be praying
For Makayla and Bryson.
My heart aches and will
Be praying for God
To wraps his arm around both of you during this difficult time
You in are in our heart and if you need us for anything please don’t hesitate in letting us know. Sending
Much love to you Mikayla and Bryson♥♥
Ronnie and Susie Casto
January 17, 2026 | Pomeroy, OH
Im going to miss him, we had alot of laughs, RIP my friend
Lisa Stewart
January 17, 2026 | Letart, WV | Friend
George Ray VanMatre, 83, of Mason, WV, passed away January 17, 2026, at Pleasant Valley Healthcare Center, Point Pleasant, WV, following an extended illness.
He was born October 19, 1942, in Mason, WV, a son of the late, Howard Pete and June Theresa (Tucker) VanMatre. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Barbara Alice (Byus) VanMatre; daughter, Debra VanMatre.
He was a graduate of Wahama High School and a United States Air Force veteran. He was a former employee of Foote Mineral and a member of the United Steelworkers Union and retired from A.E.P. with 25 plus years of service and was a member of the United Mine Workers Association. After his retirement from AEP, he worked for many years for Auto Options in Mason, WV. He was a 61-year member of the Mason Volunteer Fire Department and a founding member of the Mason County Ambulance Service. He was a member of the Mason United Methodist Church and enjoyed hunting, fishing, his golf cart and especially his service with the fire department.
Survivors include his son Kevin Wayne VanMatre and Stephanie Roush of New Haven, WV; daughters, Melinda Sue (Brian) Decker of West Columbia, WV and April Lynn Parsons of Middleport, OH; sisters, Carolyn (Ross) Roush of Mason, WV and Joan (George) Hoffman of Middleport, OH; 11 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. The family would like to thank three very special people for all their help and care, Lisa Stewart, Anita Turner and Jo Ann Taylor.
Service will be 1 p.m. ~ Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at Foglesong-Casto Funeral Home, Mason, WV. Burial will follow in Graham Baptist Church Cemetery New Haven, WV with military and fireman rites provided. Visitation will be from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at the funeral home.
Condolences may be shared with the family at www.foglesongfuneralhome.com
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