Ward Harshbarger III

Ward Harshbarger III, of Dunbar, West Virginia, passed away Sunday, October 25, 2026, at his home following a brief illness.

To the people of Kanawha County, he was Magistrate Harshbarger. To his closest friends, he was “Wardie.” And to one family who claimed him as their own, he was affectionately known as “Uncle Buck.”

No matter what you called him, if you knew Ward, you probably have a story to tell.

Ward was one of a kind. He was witty, generous, opinionated, sometimes a handful, and always unforgettable. He could drive you absolutely crazy one minute and have you laughing the next. But beneath that larger-than-life personality was a man with an enormous heart who would do just about anything for someone he cared about.

He had a saying for nearly every situation, including one of his favorites: “Make that money and watch it burn!” Those who spent much time around Ward knew there was rarely a dull moment, and they wouldn't have expected anything less.

Born July 18, 1954, Ward was the son of the late Dr. Ward Harshbarger Jr. and Edna Harshbarger. He graduated from Dunbar High School in 1972, attended Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia, and continued his education at Marshall University, pursuing undergraduate and graduate studies in business.

Ward began his public service career as a governmental auditor with the West Virginia Department of Highways. At just 25 years old, he was elected a Kanawha County magistrate, beginning a career that would span nine terms and more than 35 years.

Becoming a magistrate wasn't something Ward had originally planned, but it became a responsibility he took seriously and a career of which he was proud. He believed in fairness, understood that people sometimes found themselves in difficult circumstances, and never forgot there was a person behind every case that came before him.

Outside the courtroom, Ward was just as busy — and usually had several things going on at once.

For generations of Charleston baseball fans, he was the “Funnel Cake Man” at Watt Powell Park, home of the Charleston Charlies. What started with funnel cakes and lemonade turned into years of working festivals, community events, and celebrations throughout the Kanawha Valley.

Ward was a proud member of the Dunbar Lions Club for more than 40 years, serving much of that time as president. He was a familiar face at the Vandalia Gathering, where he faithfully helped serve ramps, potatoes, and eggs. He worked the Regatta, rib festivals, and countless other events. At one point, he and a good friend even decided to sell Christmas trees at Capitol Market.

And then came the chili cook-offs. Nothing pleased Ward more than winning a People's Choice award for his chili.

Ward was also a former board member of the West Virginia K-9 Search and Rescue team and a member of Alpha Kappa Psi fraternity. His life was filled with community involvement, longstanding friendships, and a willingness to lend a hand wherever he could.

Ward loved a good adventure, especially when it involved his friends. His twice-yearly deep-sea fishing trips to Ocracoke Island were among his favorite times of the year. He loved football and proudly cheered for WVU, Marshall, and the Green Bay Packers.

Among his special friendships was Carl Hammond, his fishing and football buddy. Ward made sure Carl was included in the experiences they could enjoy together. That was something Ward did naturally. If he cared about you, he wanted you to be part of whatever adventure came next.

And when someone needed help, Ward was there.

If a family lost a loved one, you could almost count on Ward showing up with the biggest ham he could find or 150 pieces of fried chicken from the Dunbar Kroger. He wasn't one to arrive empty-handed, and he certainly wasn't going to let anybody go hungry.

He was equally devoted to his father and his sister Susan, standing by them and helping care for them through difficult times until their deaths. For Ward, family wasn't just about being there for the celebrations. It meant showing up when someone needed you most.

Ward shared a special bond with his beloved companion, Jennie Lynn Pyle. They enjoyed spending time together, going places, and sharing common interests. When Jennie Lynn became ill, Ward did everything he could to help her find the care she needed. Losing her broke his heart.

For more than twenty-five years, Ward shared a bond with his longtime assistants, Guyla Black, Melanie Rucker-Rollyson and Megan Egnor, that went far beyond the courthouse. Somewhere along the way, the three became family.

They worked together, laughed together, fussed at one another, celebrated the good times, and helped one another through the difficult ones. These friends were there for the everyday responsibilities, the community events, the appointments, and the moments when Ward simply needed someone he trusted. They weren't just his assistants. They were his chosen family, and the love, loyalty, and memories they shared will always be treasured.

Even during his own health struggles, Ward never stopped worrying about everybody else.

While recovering at a rehabilitation center, he would be found rolling through the halls in his wheelchair with his favorite 70s rock music playing loudly from his phone. He checked on the staff and other residents, helped when he noticed someone struggling, and found little ways to make somebody's day brighter. When his birthday came around, he wanted doughnuts for everyone. Leave it to Ward to turn his own birthday into a reason to treat everybody else.

Ward was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Ward Harshbarger Jr. and Edna Harshbarger; his sisters, Susan Harshbarger and Elizabeth Ann Broadus; and his beloved companion, Jennie Lynn Pyle. He is survived by his sister, Lynn Williams, of Birmingham, Alabama.

Ward leaves behind more than 35 years of dedicated public service, but his legacy reaches far beyond the courtroom.

It lives in the friendships he made, the people he helped, the adventures he shared, and the stories that will be told about him for years to come.

That's how we'll remember Ward not just for what he did, but for the way he lived, the people he loved, and the unforgettable place he made for himself in so many hearts.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, November 7 at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar. Burial will follow in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans.

Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.

www.kellerfuneralhome.net