Photo courtesy of Foglesong Funeral Home
Mason, West Virginia
Dec 26, 1935 – Dec 12, 2025
Paul David “Duck” VanMatre, 89, of Letart, WV, passed away December 12, 2025, at his home.
He was born December 26, 1935, in Mason County, WV, a son of the late David VanMatre and Leah (Grinstead) VanMatre. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Cecile Claire (Huddleston) VanMatre; brothers, Eddie VanMatre and Donald VanMatre; sister, Mona Lee Werner; and granddaughter, Tabitha VanMatre.
Paul was a graduate of Wahama High School. He was a welder for Kyger Creek Power plant for 4o+ years and enjoyed tending to his family farm, loved to hunt arrow heads, and enjoyed metal detecting. He was a member of the Grace Baptist Church.
Survivors include his son, Barry David (Faye) VanMatre of Gibbstown, WV; daughter, Lisa Kay Wood of Gibbstown, WV; grandchildren, Jeremy Tucker, Colton (Carey) Gilman, Trista (John) Ferguson, Mariah (Matt) Whiteside; and great grandchildren, Griffin Toler, Burkley Ferguson, Brayle Ferguson, Grayson Tucker, and Paislee Tucker.
Service will be 1:00 p.m. ~ Wednesday, December 17, 2025, with Pastor Jonathan Pinson officiating. Burial will follow in Sunrise Memorial Gardens, Letart, WV. Visitation will be Tuesday, December 16, 2025 from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm at the funeral home.
Read MoreWe are so sorry to hear about Duck. He was a good neighbor. And a friend. I will never forget that he came to my rescue one snowy evening
Mary and Raymond Lewis
December 15, 2025 | Letart, WV | Friend
Hi Barry, sure hate to hear the news about your Dad. I remember when we lived out past Fairview Church and would take walks along the road and would wave and holler at your Dad. He was always such a nice man and friendly neighbor. Gibbstown has sure lost a lot of great friends and neighbors over the years.
Hope you and your family can find some peace and comfort during these hard times and hold onto the great memories. I know the upcoming holidays will be bittersweet but hope the...
Carl Pettry
December 14, 2025 | West Columbia, WV | Friend
So sorry for your loss. I know he will be dearly missed. May God's grace and peace be upon your family's.
Ray Tucker
December 13, 2025 | Graniteville, SC | Friend
So sorry, Lisa, Barry & families. I thought a lot of him and your Mom. {{HUGS}}
Diane Lewis
December 12, 2025 | Langsville, OH | Friend