Kenneth Ray Umstot

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Kenneth Ray "Kenny" Umstot, who departed from this world on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, WV, at the age of 75.
Kenny was born on March 30, 1950, in Keyser, WV, and was the beloved son of the late Betty Jane (Sears) Riggleman and Raymond H. Riggleman. He also was preceded in death by his grandparents, Lloyd and Helen Sears and a brother, Dale Riggleman.
Kenny is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Pamela Sue (Carr) Umstot, his brothers, Butch Riggleman and wife Dixie of Burlington, WV and Larry Riggleman and wife Judy of Fountainhead; a sister, Mary Ann Tekieli of Fairmont, WV; sisters-in-law, Sharon Engle and husband Fred of Keyser, Brenda Morriss and husband Raymond of Cumberland, MD and Barb Litten and husband Dan of Fort Ashby, WV; nieces and nephews, Anna and Cole Engle, Brent and Todd Riggleman and David Tekieli and special neighbors, Tom, Hetzel and L.A. He also leaves behind his cherished feline companion, "Patchie."
Throughout his life, Kenny made significant contributions to his community through his hard work and dedication. After high school, he embarked on a career in truck driving for Moran Coal Company before joining Dick Schwinabart and Lloyd Green with D&L and G&S Coal Companies in September 1974. He continued to be an integral part of the industry even after taking partial retirement in 2024 by being "on call" for Tim, Ted and Troy Schwinabart. He also hauled mulch and drove to the charcoal plant for Lawrence Kesel with Kessel Lumber.
In his free time, Kenny pursued his passions for hunting and motorsports. He shared many memorable moments with his Uncle Ray hunting in the Limestone and New Creek Mountains, and he found joy in supporting and spending time in the garage with the #31 Bob Gordon Race Team. Kenny was a social member of the Nancy Hanks Post #3518, VFW in Keyser, and Lodge #662, Loyal Order of Moose, where he cherished the camaraderie of friends and the thrill of friendly gambling where he spent a "few" dollars. He also was a former member of the New Creek Volunteer Fire Department and was an avid WVU sports fan and Nascar fan as well.
Kenny's warm personality and generous spirit touched the lives of all who knew him, making him a special presence in the community. He will be remembered for his kindness, humor, and unwavering loyalty.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during the visitation at the Smith Funeral Home, Keyser Chapel, on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. The funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., followed by interment at the Potomac Memorial Gardens, Keyser.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the New Creek Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 10 New Creek, WV 26743, Whiskers P.O. Box 99 Westernport, MD, the Mineral County Humane Society 831 Cutoff Road Keyser, WV 26726 or the Rosenbaum Family House P.O. Box 9008 Morgantown, WV 26505 to honor Kenny's memory and continue his legacy of giving back to the community.
The Umstot family expresses their heartfelt gratitude to Valley Medical Transport and the healthcare professionals at WVU Medicine in Morgantown for their compassionate care during Kenny's illness. They also extend their thanks to all the family and friends who provided unwavering support and comfort throughout this difficult time.
Condolences may be left at smithfuneralhomes.net.