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Burch-Messier Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 317 W Main Street, Bedford, VA (2026)

02/04/2026

Every decision is yours — we’re here to support you at your own pace.
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02/03/2026

Melanie Clark Hodges Munsterman of Lynchburg, Va, passed into the Arms of God
on January 18, 2026. She is predeceased by her mother, Sheila Viar Clark.
She is survived by her daughter, Christen Hodges (Angus); beloved grandson, Waylon; father, Jerry Clark, Sr. (Madeline); brother, Jerry Clark, Jr. (Ivonne); and two aunts, Sandra Clark (Favorite Aunt) and Connie Clark.
Melanie attended Timberlake Christian School for 10 years and graduated from Heritage High School. She then pursued a career in Nursing and graduated from Virginia Baptist School of Nursing. She held many jobs in the Nursing Profession as a Nurse. She attended Jordan Baptist Church in Lynchburg. She was well loved by her family, and she loved them very much. She will forever be loved and will always be in our hearts!
At the request of the family all arrangements were private.
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford VA, 540-586-7360.

02/01/2026

Honoring life with dignity and care — when it matters most. Visit Burch-Messier.com to explore our compassionate funeral and cremation services and plan with confidence today.

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01/30/2026

Mary Harris Tobias
12-5-1954——01-29-2026
Mary was called to her heavenly home and reunited with her mother Sadie, & sister Cindy on January 29, 2026. She shared with many, that’s all she wanted, was to “be with my momma & Cindy.” In addition to her mother and sister, she was preceded in death by her father, Lester P. Harris, brother Mark Anthony “Tony” Harris, and the father of Robbie & Amy, Bobby Williams, and Nicole’s father, Bill Tobias.
Mary was born 12-5-54 in Roanoke City (Va.) to Lester Payne Harris and Sadie McConville Harris. She was their oldest child and enjoyed being a sister to Cindy, Tony & Scott, and being one of the many many cousins from the McConville family.
Mary sadly leaves behind her 3 children; Rob Williams (Angelica) of Florida, Amy W. Anderson (Bertin) of Lynchburg/Crozet and Nicole Arthur of Winston-Salem. Mary also leaves her grandchildren to cherish her memory; Amy’s two sons, Jay (her “J-bird”) & Bradley, and Nicole’s children, Maleah (her “Sunshine”) Jessie, Ari and Lexi, and great granddaughter Sophia. Missing her as much as we will, is James Lee, whom our family has cared for, for 12+ years; and her 5lb grand dog “Bentley.”
Mary is also survived by her “big little brother” Glenn Scott Harris & wife Roxanne, as well as 3 nephews; Jonathan (Lisa) Matt (Nora) and David, and Matt’s children, Sequoia, Leilani and Adonis.
Mary was always a hard and dedicated worker, working in the school system cafeterias for years, Lynchburg Parks & Rec, Paktron, and finishing employment with Aztec Rental for 12 years. As a party and wedding planner, she helped make countless and treasured memories for many!
Her greatest role, however, was caring for her mother Sadie, for 4 1/2 years before her passing a little over 2 years ago. After Sadie’s passing, Mary found joy in caring for her second cousin,
Hazel Hartless. Hazel filled a void in her life and gave her purpose. This (and the friendships she found there) was a great source of happiness for her, and she did this, up until the day she sought medical care in December. She often said she’d “been taking care of others her whole life.”
Mary also treasured time spent on Saturday mornings with her cousin Diane (& Dorothy!) getting breakfast, going to yard sales, the farmers market and many other excursions along the way! She delighted in this time and could always find a treasure and pack a 5$ bag full to the brim!
She could grow anything, and had many many beautiful plants that she would care for, talk too, and even nurse back to health for others. Having a green thumb was an understatement!
Perhaps, the one thing that will be missed by many, will be the dishes she would make and the desserts she would bake. She found joy in cooking and baking for others, and so many of her dishes and desserts will surely be missed by all.
There are many memories that Scott, Rob, Amy & Nicole will hold near and dear to their hearts. We always knew no matter what, she loved us and would do anything she could for and with us.
We thank all those that loved her too, and hope her service to others will encourage and inspire you to do the same.
The love and the laughter we shared, will live in our hearts forever momma….
A celebration of life will be held in the near future when travel arrangements can be made for out of state children.
Final arrangements will be published in advance.
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

01/30/2026

***Rescheduled*******
***Updated Service Date***

Dr. Diane Louise (Failor) Rowell, 69, of Moneta, Virginia (Bedford County), passed away unexpectedly at 12:02 a.m. on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, from injuries sustained in a tragic motor vehicle accident on the evening of January 12, 2026.
Diane was born on February 9, 1956, in Washington, D.C. From the time she was just four years old, Diane knew she wanted to become a doctor—and she pursued that calling with unwavering determination, grit, and purpose. She accomplished her lifelong dream while raising three young children through medical school, a reflection of her strength and perseverance, and the depth of her devotion to both family and service.
At just 17 years old, Diane met the love of her life, Joe Rowell, Sr., while working as a gift wrapper at Hecht’s Department Store. Together, they built a life rooted in love, commitment, and family. Joe preceded her in death in 2023.
Diane obtained her Associate in Science from Sandhills Community College in 1979, her Bachelor of Science from Vanderbilt University in 1982, and later earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) in 1989. She completed her residency training with Carilion at Roanoke Memorial Hospital in 1991, and was board certified in Family Medicine. She later became board certified in Emergency Medicine through ABPS in 2016.
Following residency, Diane began practicing in Stuart, Virginia, where she served the community as an Emergency Room physician and helped strengthen and build emergency services within Patrick County as its Operational Medical Director. She later worked at the Farmville Centra Southside Community Hospital's Emergency Department, and in 2012, began her long-term service at the Martinsville Emergency Department, where she continued working full-time until her untimely passing.
In 2005, Diane also opened a primary care practice in Bedford, Virginia, where she compassionately cared for generations of families and patients. She worked there full time until she sold the practice in 2023, shortly after the death of her beloved husband. Even then, she continued serving the Bedford community part-time while remaining deeply committed to her work in Martinsville.
***UPDATED WITH RESCHEDULED SERVICE INFORMATION***
Diane dedicated her life to caring for others—her patients, her coworkers, her friends, and her family. Across decades of service, she touched countless lives through her compassion, kindness, humility, strength, and tireless advocacy for those in need. She fought hard for her patients and loved ones, and her impact as a physician and a woman of integrity will never be forgotten.
Outside of medicine, Diane found joy in the peaceful beauty of home in the countryside. She loved gardening, spending time with her cats and dogs, taking walks on the farm, and watching over her chickens. She was truly the heart of her family—their rock—steady, devoted, and deeply loved.
Diane was preceded in death by, not only her husband, Joe, but also her mother, Lucille Failor; her older brother, George Failor; and her younger brother, Lodi Failor.
She is survived by her children, Joe Rowell, Jr., Robert Rowell (Darcy), and Leah Franks (Jerry); and her cherished grandchildren, Noah Franks and Katelynn Franks. She is also survived by her mother-in-law, Martha Jo Rowell, who still lives on the farm, and many other extended family members, friends, colleagues, and the countless patients whose lives she touched throughout her remarkable life and career.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, March 1, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Bedford Baptist Church, 1516 Oakwood Street, Bedford.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Bedford Humane Society.
Arrangements are being handled by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, 317 W Main St, Bedford, Virginia 24523.

01/30/2026

***UPDATED WITH RESCHEDULED SERVICE INFORMATION***
Roger Ernest Schneider, 91, of Bedford, passed away on Friday, January 9, 2026. He was born in East Orange, NJ on September 19, 1934 a son of the late Ernest Wilhelm Schneider and Anna Lundberg Schneider.
He was a proud Air Force veteran. Roger loved wood working and he was a master wood crafter. He was a retired teacher and he loved his family.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Dawn Savannah Schneider; children, Carrie Collin, Donna Anufriyev (Aleksey); grandchildren, Alexander Anufriyev, Natalie Anufriyev, Michael Anufriyev; and brother, Stanley Schneider (Katherine).
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at Longwood Avenue Baptist Church with Pastor Ross Gilfillen officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 12 noon. Burial will follow in Greenwood cemetery with Air Force military honors.
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

01/30/2026

***UPDATED WITH RESCHEDULED SERVICE INFORMATION***
MASON, Thomas Kent “Tom”, 75, of Goode, Virginia went into the arms of Jesus to Heaven on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2025, while sleeping and being cared for by Hospice House, Bedford, Virginia.
He lived and embodied his calling from Father God, Lord Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit. His calling included daily intercessory prayer for his family, his church, Thomas Road Baptist Church and its staff, his community, state and nation.
He was a devoted, faithful, respectful, protective and loving husband to Bonnie Gaynelle Bruce Mason for 35 years and father during those years to Corrie Alexa Mason Barrick (Andrew), Meredyth Alyssa Mason, Lance W. Byrd (Annie), Leah Mason Virgin (Brad); and grandfather to Hallie Drew Barrick, Mason Byrd, Miles Byrd, and Jackson, Joshua, and Jada Marie Virgin.
Beloved and respected by his fellow Schrader Bridgeport employees he served from 2009 to approximately 2025 with time away for medical leave. He designed and helped to build automated assembly applications to manufacture automotive parts for a worldwide industry. Mechatronic Engineering and mentoring young Engineers was his specialty evidenced in his ownership of MMB Automation, Inc., and Mason Manufacturing Services, Inc., both of Maryland, whose customers included Orbital Sciences, Siemens of Newport News, Siemens of Italy, Ford of Michigan, Federal Mogul, GORETEX, Dentsply, and others to support his family. He volunteered to minister to inmates and teach The Bible with a Jail and Prison ministry, teach Sunday School, sing in the choir, serve on the vestry and pray and study God’s Holy Scriptures of the Bible with men’s groups at church.
Tom was the son of Kenneth Joseph Mason and Irma Doris Eide Mason. He was a sibling to Jim, Stuart, Pam and Christy. Growing up, Tom loved being with his cousins, the Johnsons and Masons as well as the “across the street” neighbors, the Corbin family of Wausau, WI. He spent summers as a child in Eagle River, WI enjoying golf and watersports. Tom studied engineering and fine arts at the University of WI at Milwaukee graduating to use the skills he attained there (where he built kilns, worked in pottery and welded sculptures) to work in a naval shipyard reading blueprints and welding! As a Patriot, Tom researched truth to protect and effectively pray for his family and nation. Maintenance and driving his Audi TT was a shared enjoyment with his wife. Generous with his time, he attended family reunions with Bonnie’s cousins on her mother’s side, the Phillips family.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Thomas Road Baptist Church Pate Chapel. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 12:00 Noon.
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

01/29/2026

Eugene “Gene” Austin Bowyer, 92, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, January 18, 2026. He was born on February 22, 1933 in Bedford County, a son of the late Howard Austin Bowyer and Rosa Mae Bowyer. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Doris Ann Bowyer; and daughter, Sheila Ann Bowyer.
Gene retired from Rubatex with 31 years of service. Gene and Doris will celebrate 70 of years of marriage in Heaven on July 9, 2026.
He is survived by his children, Fred A. Bowyer (Betty), Debra Jean Bowyer, Carlton E. Bowyer (Sherry), Rosa B. Dinwiddie; grandchildren, Chris Bowyer (Gina), Misty Bowyer, Brandie Martin, Carl Bowyer (Melinda), Jamie Bowyer (Carl), Shanon Hogan, Tyler Dinwiddie (Alina), Dustin Dinwiddie (Brooke); numerous great-grandchildren; and sister, Faye Bland.
Gene read his bible daily and kept all his loved ones in prayer. His children will cherish his memories. He was a wonderful husband and daddy.
Special thank you to Carlton for always making sure he was cared for and his needs were met.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to New Prospect Church, 4445 Sheep Creek Road, Bedford, VA 24523.
A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Monday, February 9, 2026 at Walnut Street Chapel, 1235 Walnut St., Bedford, with Rev. Earl Ragland officiating. Burial will follow at Peaks Community Church Cemetery. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 12:00 Noon.
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

01/28/2026

***SERVICE POSTPONED UNTIL A LATER DATE***
John N. Bradley, Jr. passed away on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at the age of 78, after a two-week stay at Lynchburg General Hospital. John was the son of John N. “Jack” Bradley, Sr. and Mildred Bradley (née McCullough). He lived in Bedford, VA for his first sixteen years, before moving to Northern Virginia when his mother accepted a position with Fairfax County Public Schools.
John worked as an employee at IBM for twenty-five years before taking an early retirement. After that, he continued working with IBM on a contractual basis, as well as beginning to work with sound engineering and installation, a business that evolved out of volunteer work he did for the church he attended at the time.
After attending college in New Mexico, and living in Centreville, Virginia; Rochester, Minnesota; and Marietta and Roswell in Georgia. John returned to his hometown of Bedford, Virginia in
2007. John was an active member of his local and church communities wherever he found himself
throughout his life. He was on the Board of Directors at the Sedalia Center, and did construction
work for Habitat for Humanity, until medical issues and treatment slowed him down in late
2019. He nonetheless continued volunteering at his church (Word of Life in Bedford) doing
audio engineering and being active in the community.
John is survived by his son John Bradley, and daughter Teresa Bradley, his sister Suzannah
Kuhns, his dear friend Mary Lee Nance, as well as several cousins, nephews and nieces of
various removes. He was well loved and will leave a perceptible empty space in his community.
The Memorial service has been postponed until a later date.
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

01/25/2026

Anita Clements was a bright light in the lives of everyone who knew her. Funny, loving, and full of heart, Anita had a way of making people feel welcome, cared for, and truly seen. To know her was to love her.
She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend who spent her life taking care of others. Her greatest joy was her family.
She is survived by her two daughters, Mary Barry (Carson) and Brenda Carroll (Timothy), and her five beloved grandchildren, Joshua, Erica, Brenden, Jacob, and Justin, whom she adored beyond measure. She also leaves behind her faithful dog, Bobo, her constant companion and best friend.
Anita was preceded in death by her husband, Terry Clements, and her dear friend, Diamond Dave.
She found happiness in life’s simple pleasures tending to her plants, soaking up the sunshine, and spending time with the people she loved. A firm believer in Jesus Christ, her faith guided her life and gave her strength, compassion, and grace as she cared for everyone around her. Her laughter, kindness, and nurturing spirit touched so many lives, and her home and heart were always open.
Anita will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and lovingly carried in the hearts of all who knew her.
A Memorial sercice will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday , February 7, 2026 at Timber Ridge Baptist Church with Pastor Phillip Kelley officiating .
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

01/21/2026

Patty B. Turpin, 91, of Bedford, passed away January 18, 2026. She was born in Lumberport, WV on September 26, 1934, a daughter of the late George and Beatrice Boggess.
Patty is survived by her husband of 67 years, Richard B. Turpin; her children, Barbara T. Phillips (Blaine), Tracy T. Patterson (John) and Steven R. Turpin (Pam). She had three grandchildren that she adored, Erika Dailey, Tyler Patterson and Hunter Patterson; three great-grandchildren, Landon, Leighton and Laine.
There will be no visitation.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

01/21/2026

***UPDATED WITH A CHANGE OF SERVICE DATE***
Roger Ernest Schneider, 91, of Bedford, passed away on Friday, January 9, 2026. He was born in East Orange, NJ on September 19, 1934 a son of the late Ernest Wilhelm Schneider and Anna Lundberg Schneider.
He was a proud Air Force veteran. Roger loved wood working and he was a master wood crafter. He was a retired teacher and he loved his family.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Dawn Savannah Schneider; children, Carrie Collin, Donna Anufriyev (Aleksey); grandchildren, Alexander Anufriyev, Natalie Anufriyev, Michael Anufriyev; and brother, Stanley Schneider (Katherine).
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at Longwood Avenue Baptist Church with Pastor Ross Gilfillen officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 12 noon. Burial will follow in Greenwood cemetery with Air Force military honors.
Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.

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