Gary B. Stalnaker

Gary Bailey Stalnaker, 87, of Moorefield, W.Va. (formerly of Weston, W.Va.), passed away on Sunday, May 16, 2021 at his home in Moorefield, W.Va.

Gary was born in Lewis County, W.Va. to Lewis Hanson Stalnaker and Virgie Mae Lane on November 30th, 1933. He attended Weston High School. He married Betty Lou Cussins on January 24th, 1958. After serving 35 years in law enforcement (including fifteen years as a state trooper, eight years as Sheriff of the Hardy County, and ten years as Moorefield PD), he retired in 1994. In 1980, he was elected President of West Virginia Sheriff Association. After retiring from law enforcement, he went on to become head of security at Pilgrim’s Pride (Moorefield plants) and mayor of Moorefield. He is a veteran of the Korean War and served in the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Coast Guard. He was involved in the Potomac Highland Shrine Club (PHSC). During his lifetime, he received numerous honors and awards; to name a few, he was presented with the 2017 President’s Exemplary Contribution Award (PHSC), the 2019 Shriner of the Year (PHSC), and the annual greatest father and grandfather t-shirt and mug award, except in 1993 when he only mustered honorable mention because he did not buy his grandson (Joshua) a bike.   

Gary is preceded in death by one daughter, Rhonda Kay Stalnaker, one great-grandson Ernest William Berg, and two sisters, Clara Reger and Doris Smith, and two brothers, Ralph Stalnaker and Kenneth Stalnaker.

Gary is survived by his spouse of 63 years Betty, one daughter Pamela Stalnaker (Jay Carr) of Moorefield, W.Va.; one former son-in-law James L. Parsons, three granddaughters Rachel (Lester, Jr.) VanMeter, Pamela (Barry) Haynes, and Danielle Carr, three grandsons Logan Swick, Joshua Parsons, and Jamie Parsons, one great-grandson Lucas Haynes, and two great-granddogs, Gidget and Wanda. Also, surviving is one sister, Nell Hall of Parkersburg, W.Va. and two brothers, Zane (Linda) Stalnaker of Weston, W.Va. and Nelson (Karen) Stalnaker of Boone County, Ark. and four brothers-in-laws and several nieces and nephews.

Arrangements are being handled by Schaeffer Funeral Home in Petersburg, W.Va. Per his wishes, his body will be cremated, and a memorial service will be held at a future date.

Memorials may be donated in his memory to Potomac Highlands Shrine Club, P.O. Box 1001, Petersburg, W.Va. 26847.  Cards and flowers may be sent to 215 Central Ave., Moorefield, W.Va. 26836.

The family of Gary wishes to extend our sincerest thanks to the Sentara RMH Medical Center, Grant Memorial Hospice, Pilgrim’s Pride, Town of Moorefield, and the members of our Hardy County and Moorefield community to which he proudly, perspicaciously, warmheartedly, and humorously served for last 52 years.

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