Obituary of Ray Eugene Heston

Ray Eugene Heston, age 83, of Fairmont, passed away on May 6, 2026. He was born August 18th, 1942, in Fairmont, WV to the late Virgil and Jessie Heston. He married Judy Ann Hibbs on May 3rd, 1969. Ray worked in the composing room for the Times West Virginian for 37 and half years. Starting at the age of 22, he became a qualified newspaper typesetter through the structured apprenticeship. A typesetter or "printer's devil" was trained in hand-setting type, letterpress, machine operation (like Linotype), and proofreading. Later in his career he became President and Secretary of Local 815 International Typographical Union (ITU) which merged with the CWA in 1986. As a youth, Ray was a paperboy for the Fairmont Times and the Fairmont West Virginian as well as being a "pin boy" for the Eastland bowling alley in the early 1950s. This allowed him to develop a love of bowling once hitting 9 strikes in a row during a game. Ray was a 1960 graduate of East Fairmont High School. He was an all-around sports enthusiast and lifelong Pittsburgh Pirates fan. He would often refer to Bill Mazeroski 1960s World Series game-seven walk-off home run as the greatest feat in baseball history. He enjoyed canning hotdog sauce using an old recipe from Trotto's Palatine Recreation formally on Merchant Street as well as making pizzas for his poker playing buddies and family. He is survived by his loving wife Judy Hibbs Heston; his children Brian (Fiancé- Amanda Lynch) Heston, Valerie (Mike) Antonino; grandchildren, Rainy Heston (Partner- Andrew Stout), Rhett (Fiancé- Anna Shaver) Heston, Kaleb Mayle. He was recently preceded in death by family members Barbara Ashley and Noah Mayle. Ray requested cremation take place. Interment will be at the Beverly Hills Memorial Gardens in Morgantown WV at a later date. Per Ray's wishes, no services will be held. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the wonderful staff at both Majestic at Manchin and WV Caring for the comfort they provided to Ray in his final weeks. The family ask that if you wish to contribute, please remember them and The American Heart Association with your donations. Arrangements have been entrusted to Ford Funeral Home, Ford Chapel, 201 Columbia Street, Fairmont, WV 26554. In accordance with Ray’s wishes, Cremations services will occur. There will be no public services. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.fordfuneralhomes.com.