CASEY JUNKINS

Casey was employed as managing editor of Pierres’s Capitol Journal.

Born in Wheeling, WV, Casey was preceded in death by his parents, Sammy and Jo Ann Pierce Junkins of Stewartsville, OH, an uncle Tommy Junkins and an aunt Frances Pierce Funkhouser. Casey was raised in the Methodist faith.

He is survived by one sister, Marla (Ronnie) Ayers of Manchester, OH; his aunt, Marlene Pierce Hubbard of St. Clairsville; three uncles, Joe (Cheryl) Pierce of Glencoe, OH., Frank (Sheila) Pierce of St. Clairsville, Terry Junkins of Glencoe as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Survivors also include his special friends, Terry and Cheryl Loy of St. Clairsville.

Casey was a graduate of St. Clairsville High School and Ohio University, where he majored in Journalism and Political Science.

His career began as a reporter for The Intelligencer and Wheeling News-Register in Wheeling. Later he took a position as editor for the Telegraph in Nashua, NH, before relocating to Pierre. He received awards for journalistic excellence at both the Wheeling and New Hampshire newspapers. His untimely death was the top story in the February 11 edition of the Capitol Journal.

Publisher Jeffrey Hartley praised Casey as “someone of his caliber leading our newsroom during the COVID-19 pandemic and presidential election cycle. He was a great mentor and teacher and will be sorely missed.”

Casey’s heart always remained in St. Clairsville. When work obligations permitted, he often returned to visit family and friends.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing and masks are required.

Friends will be received on Monday from 10 a.m. until time of funeral service at 2 p.m. at Toothman Funeral Home in St. Clairsville with Pastor Gerald Blon officiating. Burial will follow in Warnock Cemetery.