Eugene Opyoke

Eugene “Leo” Opyoke, age 77 of Farmington, WV

Gene was born to Andy and Emma Opyoke of Farmington, West Virginia. After years of battling multiple medical conditions he finds his rest beyond the golden gates.

He is reunited with his mother, father, sister Shirley Boord, sister Penny Joe Opyoke, brother Jerry Opyoke, and grandson Hayden Barber.

His memory will forever remain dear to the hearts of his wife of 54 years Jessica Opyoke, brothers Andy “Sonny” (Debbie), Rick (Joni), and Terry (Jodi) Opyoke and several cousins, nieces, nephews, and many friends made throughout the years.

He leaves his legacy with his daughter Shannon (Jesse) Barber, son Andrew (Jennifer) Opyoke, two granddaughters Chloe (Braden) Tennant and Logan (Tyler) Plivelich.

He was in the 6th Special Forces group while serving his country in the Vietnam war. He was a decorated veteran and he took pride in the three years that he served our country. After his tour in the Army, he became a “jack of all trades” working underground in the coal mines, in the driver’s seat of school buses, and as the owner of a small business. But above all else, he was a husband, father, pappy, brother, and friend.

Once he retired he often spent his time wrapped around the fingers of his grandchildren – attending school events, rerouting the creek for them to swim, piling leaves to jump in, always offering to give them whiskers, and doing just about anything they asked of him.

He always stayed in the background, was never one for serious moments, and always had a story to tell. He had the privilege of being selected for the Honor Flight for his military service in 2016. His favorite place was in his garage – wandering out to sit under the carport with his classic rock turned up and his fridge fully stocked. If not there, he was kicked back in his recliner with his classic westerns as loud as possible.

As he always said “God is great, beer is good, and people are crazy”.

Smith Funeral & Cremation Care of Westover (304-292-9494) and the Hutson Funeral Home of Farmington are jointly serving the Opyoke family.

Friends may join the family to honor and celebrate Gene’s life and legacy at Hutson Funeral Home, 3171 Husky Highway, Farmington on Friday, June 6th from 1:00 pm until 8:00 pm, and again on Saturday, June 7th from 10:00 am until the commencement of the service celebrating his life at 11:00 am. Following the service, interment will take place at the Farmington I.O.O.F. Cemetery, where Gene will be laid to rest with Full Military Honors accorded at the graveside.

Serving as Pallbearers will be Braden Tennant, Tyler Plivelich, Andrew Opyoke, Jesse Barber, Mark Boord, and Fred Priester.”