Obituaries
Mourning our dead is one of the oldest and most important functions of a society; but it is one that tragically too many members of our overlooked communities miss out on - either the opportunity to do so for their friends and family, or at their own passing. We offer this section - with as much information as possible and certainly in the Dorothy Day spirit that “anything worth doing is worth doing poorly” - to try our meager best to show our friends and neighbors the dignity in death that we know every person possesses.
Rodney Dennis, “Chief” (Nov 8, 1961 - Feb 18, 2026)
Chief was a beloved Wheeling neighbor, a regular at HoH, the Soup Kitchen, the Neighborhood Center, and the Luau Manor community where he will be dearly missed. He was friendly and boisterous, especially when getting your attention about something he just needed you to know. We’ll miss you Chief.
Maurice Walker, “Babe” (Sep 6, 1968 - Mar 20, 2025)
Babe, you were a brother, a father figure, a best friend, a work husband, and a pinnacle part of what we do for our community. Your presence in our kitchen is going to be severely missed. The beautiful memories we’ve created will never be forgotten.
Til next time, “Hawkeye” Walker. We love and miss you!"
-From The Soup Kitchen, where so many of us came to know Babe
Michael Anthony Monroe III, “Trey” (Aug 21, 2005 - Feb 23, 2026)
I just want to say that I love you. I am eternally grateful for your presence in my life and will carry so much with me because of it. Just like I said that I knew the day I met you, “You are my little brother”. We spent many hours talking about God and life. We chilled and rapped about the deepest of subjects. You influenced some of my most important views on life and God. I am truly grateful for that. We also talked about our struggles. To be honest, we spent a lot of time talking about them. My heart is broken that the world won’t physically have you in it anymore. However I do know and believe that your heart and mind are at peace and I know that God wrapped you in his arms. That you’re experiencing the love you were always meant to.
Trey, brother … I love you and thank you for sharing your beautiful soul with all of us. You will be missed but also carried forward with each and every one of us.
Until we meet again…My little brother, I love you.
-Ryan HoH/MoJo Co-worker and friend
Joel Means (Nov 5, 1993 - Feb 24, 2026)
Joel was born in Wheeling, WV on November 5, 1993, the son of Dawn (Ream) Means and Ken Means. Joel was a talented drummer with a deep passion for music that resonated in every beat he played. His love for animals was evident in the care and affection he showed to his beloved pets, who brought him much comfort and companionship, especially his cat, Xena. Known for his quick wit and humor, Joel had an innate ability to bring smiles to those around him. His laughter was infectious, and his presence brightened any room.
Dwayne Matthew Keringer (August 18, 1963 - February 15, 2025)
Dwayne lived in Belmont County and worked for the City of Wheeling and Schuetz funeral home.
During the pandemic, when we were operating the outdoor shower and laundry station, Nic Cochran had his newly adopted East Wheeling street kitty (Forsythia) at the shower station. Dawyne had come to volunteer and made quick friends with Nic’s new kitty. So much so, that Forsythia hid in Dawyne’s engine and rode all the way to Belmont County without falling out! Thankfully, when Dwane parked his truck, he saw Forsythia, scooped her up, and brought her back to her very panicked cat dad, who was frantically looking for her.
Lawrence “Lurch” Smith (12/29/1972 - 8/15/2025)
Jeffrey Griffith (3/6/1961 - 3/29/2026)
Jeffrey was known among his friends and the community as a good care giver around the valley. He was a member of the Soup Kitchen community, who mourns his loss.
Greg Robertson (7/31/1983 - 3/28/2025)
Greg's work at Northwood Health Systems allowed him to meet many members of our community, who greatly appreciated his work. He was a service member (we think in the Navy). He was also part of the Soup Kitchen Community who will miss him.
In January, human remains were found in a lot in South Wheeling, and as of now they remain unidentified.
The boyfriend of one of our neighbors. We believe he died in 2026.
The boyfriend of another one of our neighbors. We believe he died in 2025 and was born in 1982.
If you know someone who has passed and would like for them to have an obituary, please contact us at contact@msmpaperwv.com