John Maston Riffe, age 76 years, a resident of the Pheasant Run Community, Kerens, WV departed this life Wednesday morning, April 22, 2026, at the Davis Medical Center at Elkins, WV, following a courageous battle with cancer, with his loving family by his side.
He was born on Monday, November 14, 1949, at Lex, McDowell County, West Virginia, a son of the late Rufus Clayton Riffe and Lovada Alice Trent Riffe. He was twice married. First, to the former Linda Gail Cook of Marlinton. On May 15, 2003, at Parsons, WV, he was married to the former Ann Dudley George, who survives.
Also surviving are one daughter, Melanie Dawn Kimble Cosner and husband Will of Marlinton; one stepson, Joshua Dudley Barnes and wife Kristen of FL; three brothers, Michael Cary “Mike” Riffe and wife Sheila, Rufus Clayton “Clay” Riffe, Jr. and wife Tressa, all of NC and Gregory Dale “Greg” Riffe and wife Barbara of Bartow; one sister, Patricia Marcella Mullins of VA; four half-brothers, Roger Riffe of AR, Thomas Riffe, Ronnie Riffe and Eddie Riffe, all of VA; three grandchildren; Emma Joy Riffe, Danny Lee Kimble, and Christopher Kimble; three great grandchildren, Lily, Dan and Mazie and one on the way; two step grandchildren, William Greyson Barnes and Laken Brynleigh Barnes; and several nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death are one son, John Maston Riffe, Jr.; two sisters, Myra Marlene Dawson and Lucille Karen Lyons; and one half-sister, Robin Beckwith.
He attended Big Creek High School. He worked for eighteen and one half years in the coal mines and was foreman for fifteen years. He was a carpenter, and along with his wife, owned and operated A & J Contracting, retiring in 2023. He was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene in Parsons, WV. John enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing and golfing, and was an excellent artist.
The family received friends at the Lohr & Barb Funeral Home of Parsons, WV on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 from 11 AM until 1 PM. Mr. Riffe was then moved to Parsons Family Cemetery at Shavers Fork for Graveside Rites. The Reverend Steve Morrow officiated and interment was followed. The Lohr & Barb Funeral Home is honored to be in charge of the arrangements for John Maston Riffe. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.lohrbarbfuneralhome.com.