Our History
New River Gorge Funeral Service is a locally owned and operated funeral and cremation provider serving Fayette County families from a historic location. Guided by the Golden Rule, we are committed to treating every family with compassion, respect, and personalized care while providing meaningful services that honor each life.
This is a painting of our funeral home as a private residence. It was built in 1888 and is an important part of Fayetteville architectural history.
A Legacy of Service
For well over a century, the building at 350 West Maple Avenue has been an important part of Fayetteville's history. Long before it became New River Gorge Funeral Service, it stood as one of the community's most recognizable homes before evolving into a place where generations of families have gathered to honor, remember, and celebrate the lives of those they love.
Built in 1888
Our building was constructed in 1888 as the private residence of Colonel James W. St. Clair, a respected attorney for the Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad and a West Virginia State Senator. Designed in the late Victorian style, the home reflected the craftsmanship and character of its era.
The residence was later purchased by J.D. Boone, a prominent coal operator whose family lineage traces back to the legendary frontiersman Daniel Boone. During this time, the home remained one of Fayetteville's distinguished residences and became part of the community's growing history.
A Building Rich in Character
Although the building has evolved over the years, many of its historic details remain. Original hand-painted murals created by an Austrian artist still decorate portions of the interior, while remnants of the home's original carbide gas lighting system offer a glimpse into life during the late nineteenth century. Even the third floor, once used as a ballroom, tells the story of the building's changing purpose over time.
The property itself is also historically significant. It includes the site of Fort Toland, a Union fortification constructed during the Civil War in 1863, with portions of the original earthworks still visible on the grounds today.
A Place Familiar to Fayette County Families
For many families throughout Fayette County, this historic building is best remembered as the former Dodd-Payne-Hess Funeral Home. For decades, generations of local families came here to honor loved ones, celebrate lives, and find comfort during difficult times. The building became more than a funeral home—it became a familiar place where lasting memories were made and meaningful goodbyes were shared.
Today, New River Gorge Funeral Service is proud to continue that tradition of caring service from the same historic location. While the name has changed, our commitment remains the same: to provide compassionate funeral and cremation services in a place that has been serving the community for more than 90 years. We are honored to preserve the building's legacy while creating a new chapter for families throughout Fayetteville and the surrounding communities.
Continuing the Tradition
Today, New River Gorge Funeral Service proudly carries that legacy forward. Thoughtfully renovated while preserving its historic charm, our funeral home offers modern amenities within a setting that reflects Fayetteville's rich heritage. We are honored to continue serving families from a building that has been woven into the fabric of our community for generations, preserving its history while creating meaningful memories for those we serve today.
A New Chapter in Our History
R. Brent Cook
Licensee-in-Charge and Owner
Brent has over forty years of experience in funeral service and has managed some of the largest and most prestigious funeral homes in the United States.
Born in Anderson, SC, Brent is a graduate of Washington & Lee University of Lexington, VA and the Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service in Houston, TX. In addition to being a funeral director and embalmer, Brent is a physician and a US Army veteran. He practiced medicine for a number of years in the Army and has worked for the Army as a civilian after leaving Active duty.
After making West Virginia his home about five years ago, Brent has grown to love the natural beauty and the wonderful people of this state. His calling as a funeral director brings great satisfaction from being able to help people in their hour of need. Brent is committed to providing professional, dignified, and compassionate funeral and cremation care to the people of this community.
