Roger Gene Salmons

Roger Gene Salmons of West Hamlin, WV, passed away suddenly on February 23, 2026. Two days before his 84th birthday. Roger was born on February 25th, 1942, to John Ervin Salmons and Bonnie Vivian (Duncan) Salmons. Roger was a 1960 graduate of Guyan Valley High School, where he excelled in football and basketball.

Roger is preceded in death by his father, John Ervin Salmons, mother, Bonnie Vivian (Duncan) Salmons, sisters, Lorene Salmons, Mary Ann Holman (Billy), Joann Pauley (Steve); and his half-siblings, John, Mae, Margie, and Buster.

Roger was a well-known master steelworker. He was an employee of Huntington Alloys for 32 years. He worked on special projects in the public like the large lighted Christmas tree atop what is now Special Metals, and he was part of creating the sculpture “Continuous Ascent” located at Mountain Health Arena.

Roger’s gift was that of giving. He gave of his time, talents, and even treasures. With joy and eagerness, his talents helped upkeep the local schools' playgrounds, sports complexes, and clothing closets. He helped his neighbors with welding needs and other ways he was able to.

From meek beginnings of drawing water from the well and chopping wood for morning fire for his mom to cook, to losing his father at 11 years of age, he had the mindset of a survivor. His life experiences created his hard work ethic. We saw this coming through in his high school sports in men's league softball, and in building his family’s home.

Roger and his wife, Judy, were blessed with three daughters. They were the joy of his life; all were daddy’s girls. They each had a special and cherished relationship with him. His blessings continued with the 8 grandchildren. He retired when the first grandchild came around, and his retirement was full of all they did to keep him wrapped in love and silliness. Of course, we cannot forget that he was an avid hunter and loved to trout fish.

He is survived by his wife of a wonderful 60 years, Judith Ann (Johnson) Salmons, three daughters, Dina Marie Vacho (Peter), Kerry Anne Bates (Keith),Laura Kathleen Collins (Raleigh), and eight grandchildren, Grant Austin Bates (Shian), Victoria LeeAnn Bates (Dalton), Zoe Alexandra Collins, Gabriel Loren Bates (Madison), Raleigh Leno Collins III, Samuel Cole Vacho, Anna Bai Vacho, and Dean William Vacho, his buddy and older brother, Robert Glen Salmons (Debbie), sister Helen Gill (Larry), a special niece Gay Farley (June), and a host of nieces and nephews that loved uncle Roger. He loved his Coleman Creek Community and had a special bond with his neighbors, Robbie and Shawnda Manns.

Friends and Family can pay their respects on Saturday, February 28th, 2026, from 11 AM to 12 PM at McGhee-Handley Funeral Home at West Hamlin, WV. Funeral Services will be performed by Lenny Romans at 12 PM, followed by graveside services conducted by Rodney Linville at Enon Cemetery Salt Rock, WV.