Vickie Lynn Rider, 62, of Moneta, died Friday, March 13, 2020. She was born in Roanoke, VA on October 14, 1957. She was preceded in death by her husband, Roy Leonard Rider. She was a bus driver for Bedford County Public Schools. Vickie is survived by two sons, Roy “Lee” Rider and wife Heather, Scottie Rider; granddaughters, Haley Tanaka, Molly Tanaka; great-granddaughter, Emily Tanaka; sister, Dinah Davis, niece, Michelle Pease; brother, Albert Janney; special friends, Cathy Jones, Dana Brunk, Todd Knuckles; and all of her friends and family at Bedford County Public Schools.Due to COVID-19, the gathering for Vicky scheduled for April 18th has been changed to May 16, 2020 from 2-4 pm at Thrasher Memorial United Methodist Church in Vinton.  For future updates, please text 540-583-0304.  Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Randy Walter Wade, 62, of Rustburg, passed away Wednesday, March 11, 2020 in the presence of his family at Centra Lynchburg General Hospital after a decline in health from cirrhosis of the liver. Raised in Grit, he was the son of Emerson Walter Wade of Hurt, and the late Barbara Ann Wade.  In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by his three brothers, Robbie Wade, Ronnie Wade, and Ricky Wade. He is survived by his two sons Matthew Clarence Wade of Nashville, Tennessee and Carlton (Tyler) Wade of Gretna; a sister Rhonda Krantz and her husband, Bobby Krantz of Rustburg; a granddaughter Brileigh Ann Wade of Nashville, Tennessee; and numerous nieces and nephews, and other family members. Randy was a plumber, electrician, and carpenter by trade.  He enjoyed fishing, gardening, woodworking, horses, and spending time with friends and family. Due to the Covid19 the memorial service has been postponed and will be held at a later date. Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360, is assisting the family.

Geraldine Kirby Farmer, 94, of Lynchburg, died Tuesday, March 10, 2020. She was born in Lynchburg, VA on November 28, 1925, a daughter of the late Joseph Nathaniel Kirby and Hattie Almond Kirby. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Charles Lewis Farmer; son, Charles Michael Farmer; and a daughter, Patricia Holofchak. She was retired from Leggett Department Store. She loved to cook and share with others. Geraldine is survived by her daughter-in-law, Patricia “Pat” Farmer; three grandchildren, Amy Farmer Hensley and husband Jeremy, Katie Farmer Hall and husband Scott, and Jonathan Holofchak; seven great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other family members. A graveside service will be held 10:00 a.m., Monday, March 16, 2020 at Fort Hill Memorial Park with Rev. Dr. Lawrence Randall officiating.  Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Edwin (Mr Ed) Marden 82 formally of Moneta, Va. went to be with his heavenly father on Friday March 6th, 2020. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

Richard L. Gordon, age 69, of Salem, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, March 3, 2020.  Rick was a life-long resident of Salem and a contractor by trade, whose skills were unmatched for he could fix anything.  He served as trustee of the Salem Family Moose Lodge, where he could be found calling Bingo games every Sunday.  He predeceased by his parents, Ed and Ruth Gordon; and his brother, Lee Gordon.  He is survived by his two daughters, Michelle (Greg) Bloom, Salem, and Brandy (Shawn) Davis, Roanoke; four grandchildren, Robert “T.J.” Watkins, Kenzie Watkins, Wyatt Davis, Lilly Davis, all of Roanoke; brother, Les (Suzanne) Carpenito, Salem; sister-in-law, Patty Gordon, Salem; a long-time dear friend, Maggie Widener, Salem; and also a number of nephews, cousins, and innumerable friends.  A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, March 14, at 1:00 PM, at the Riverside Evangelical Methodist Church, 1920 Lucas Street, Salem, with the Revs. Brian Gordon and Derek Gordon officiating.  In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to make a donation in Rick’s name to Operation Smile, 3641 Faculty Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA  23453; or online at operationsmile.org. Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360 is assisting the family.

Roger Lee Cowart, Sr., 75 of Rustburg, died on Monday, March 2, 2020.  He was born in Campbell County on July 28, 1944, a son of the late Marion Jesse Cowart and Thelma Wilson Cowart. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brothers, Jesse Cowart, Sr., Earl T. Cowart; sister, Marjorie N. Stanley; and son-in-law, Timothy Lee Boaze, Sr. Roger was an automobile painter and was the number one painter with his job at Amherst Ford. He loved and trained horses, he had a great passion for them and was known as a horse whisperer. He was a kind man with a generous soul and will be missed by all those that loved him. He is survived by his wife, Barbara C. Cowart; daughter, Tammy Boaze; son, Roger Lee Cowart, Jr.; brothers, Leonard Cowart and wife Nancy, Louis Cowart and wife Nancy, Larry Cowart and wife Carolyn, Dennis Cowart and wife Pam; his grandchildren, great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like thank his caregivers; Dennis and Pam Cowart, Louis and Nancy Cowart, Jesse Allen and Judy Cowart; special sister-in-law, Mrs. Earl (Nancy) Cowart; special niece, Linda Faye Inge and husband Dwight; and special nephew, Ron Cowart for their care of Roger. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360 is assisting the family.

April Star Barnicoat, 42, of Roanoke, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, March 1, 2020. She was born in Roanoke, VA on August 23, 1977, a daughter of Frederick James Barnicoat and Gloria Dodson Barnicoat. She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Russell and June Stevens, David and Sally Barnicoat; maternal grandparents, Clarence and Ruth Dodson; aunt, Brenda Keesee; her boyfriend, Eric Glen Surface; and her dog, Tibbie. In addition to her parents she is survived by her children, Alexys Barnicoat and Reno Ray, Truleigh Manning and Cody Harris, Kayleigh Manning; sisters, Christy Barnicoat Vaughn and Kevin, Jamie Fay Barnicoat Horvath; aunt, Beverly St. Clair and Barry; many nieces, Nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles spread across the country; and her dog and best friend, Roxy Starheart. Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360 is assisting the family.

Michael Scott Haymaker, 51, of Rocky Mount, died on March 1, 2020. He was born in Clifton Forge, VA on March 19, 1968, a son of Kenneth Richard Haymaker and Anita Jones Haymaker. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Heather Haymaker. Michael proudly served his country in the United States Navy. In addition to his parents he is survived by his wife, Christy Hart Haymaker; son, Robert Haymaker; brother and sister-in-law, Chris and Leah Haymaker; niece, Alexis Haymaker; nephew, Patrick Haymaker; father and mother-in-law, Doug and June Hart; and uncles, Vern Jones and John Jones. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, March 14, 2020 at Staunton Baptist Church, 15267 Smith Mountain Lake Parkway, Huddleston, VA with Pastor Garry “Buzz” Offenbacker officiating. Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360 is assisting the family.