Charley Edward “Buddy” Bourn, 80, of Rosedale, passed away on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at WVU Medicine Braxton County Memorial Hospital, Gassaway, WV surrounded by his family.

He was born in Sutton on June 16, 1944, to the late Charlie Burnell Bourn and Kathleen Marie Rose Bourn.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Thomas Loyd Bourn and Wilma Bourn.

Until Buddy was about 5 years old, he lived on the farm that his father grew up on in Rosedale where his family took care of cattle, horses and work horses. From the time he left West Virginia till he was 16 years old he lived with his family in Fort Pierce, Florida near the ranches that he loved. He met his true love, his wife, on one of those ranches in Florida. Following his secondary education, he entered the United States Army and served nine years as an Engineer that worked on and operated heavy equipment. His many years of service prepared him well for civilian life as he came home and went to work as a crane and dozer operator for Kenton Meadows Company. Buddy worked to build Interstate 79 and Route 19 roads and Burnsville Dam. Giving back to his community was important and so much, that he taught school in South Charleston where people would come to learn how to use and operate cranes and dozers. Buddy also taught his younger neighbors and his grandchildren how to use heavy equipment on the farm and consequently how to be good farmers. His last job was Equitable Gas Company, and he retired from there after 20 years. Once he retired, he spent hours working his farm and spending time with his family.

A steward of the land, Buddy, hung up his tools and shovel and parked the farm tractors. He knew the joy of a full harvest and will be remembered for his true grit. He was a loving husband and protective father who always put his family first. Buddy will be deeply missed.

Left to cherish his memories are his wife of 61 years, Geraldine “Geri” Matchett Bourn; three children, Steven Bourn and wife, Ann, of Florida, Kathleen King and husband, Randy, of Rosedale, and Shannon Lee and husband, Steven, of Rosedale; grandchildren, Aaron King, Leanna Allen and husband, Shawn, David Lee, Samuel Lee and wife, Tsvetina, Sarah Randolph and husband, Kyle, Emily Bateson and husband, Andrew, Allison Bourn, “Shawn David” Allen and Cyerra Allen; sister,

Patricia Spencer and husband, Victor. He is also survived by his great grandchildren, Jamison Butler, Natalie Rodgers and Lydia Randolph; 19 nieces and nephews that he loved very much; his best friend of 50 years, Homer Hines; friend of 50 years, Mike Mick; friend of 20 years, Ian Davis; and his mentor, his Uncle Dewey Bourn.

A graveside service with military rites will be held for Buddy at 2:30 P.M. on Sunday, October 6, 2024, in the C.E. Bourn Cemetery with Aaron King officiating.

The family would like to give special thanks to Ian Davis and family, Mike Mick and his family and Randy King for being his co-farmer for years and for always being there to help him.

Arrangements by Roach Funeral Home, Gassaway.

Words of comfort and fond memories may be extended to the family at www.roachfuneralhome.com.