Joseph Ray "Joey" Hanning, Jr. passed away Sunday, June 10.

Joey was severely burned in a Doddridge County explosion and taken to University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, where he survived for nearly four weeks. Out-of-service above-ground well tanks had been moved and were being cleaned and cut up for scrap in West Union.

Laurie Ann Deal Hanning, Joey’s wife for 18 years, posted:

“ It’s your worse nightmare multiplied by 100.”

Monongah High graduate Barbra Eller-Hanning, who lives in Fairmont, posted about her brother-in-law:

“As I sit here with tears and a heavy heart I am asking for prayers for Joey Hanning's family. He lost his battle and grew his wings.”

Jennifer Aldridge Payton, Barbra Eller-Hanning’s daughter, is married to German native Mike Payton.

Barry Lattea of Weston, who worked for  Buckhannon’s Hydrocarbon Well Service, passed away Saturday from his injuries.

Two other men also were burned severely.

Joey is survived by children, Joseph Ray Hanning III and Amelia Dale Hanning; brothers Glen Hanning (married to Barbra), John Hanning (married to Patricia), and Clinton Hanning;  sisters, Cindy (married to Mike) Lipscomb, and Sandra Hanning.

Joey’s obituary:

“Joey” Joseph Ray Hanning, Jr., 51 of Fairmont,WV passed away on Tuesday, June 12, 2018 due to an oil tank explosion.  After weeks of fighting, he succumbed to his injuries at the UPMC Mercy Trauma and Burn Unit in Pittsburgh, PA.  

He was born on March 16, 1967 in Fairmont a son of Joseph Ray Hanning Sr and Josephine Syslo Hanning.

Joey was a graduate of Fairmont Senior High School and worked for Mike Yanero and Patricia Yanero for almost 20 years.  

He helped Mike Yanero develop the Fair Oaks Community along with High Point Community on East Side in Fairmont, as well as many other projects.  

In August of 2011, Joey began working for Waste Management.  He worked in different areas of the company and at the time of his death, he was in the Energy Services Department.  He would clean oil and gas tanks, clean up spills and operate heavy equipment.  Joey was a man of many talents.  

He loved working with his John Deere tractors and especially loved spending time on his farm in Bruceton Mills, WV. He was an avid sportsman and shared this with his children.  

His gift of humor and laughing made him fun to be around.  He was a man of character and integrity.  Joey will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his loving wife of 18 years, Laurie Ann Deal Hanning: two children, Joseph Ray Hanning III and Amelia Dale Hanning; three brothers, Glen Hanning (Barbara), John Hanning (Patricia), and Clinton Hanning; two sisters, Cindy (Mike) Lipscomb, and Sandra Hanning, as well as many nieces and nephews.  He is also survived by special friends, Bonnie Yanero, Bill Hannig, and Ernie Rush.

The family will receive friends and family at the Ford Funeral Home, 201 Columbia Street, Fairmont, WV 26554, on Sunday, June 17, 2018 form 2PM until 4PM and 5PM until 8PM, on Monday, June 18, 2018 from 2PM until 4PM and 5PM until 8PM, and on Tuesday, June 19, 2018 from 10AM until 11AM.  The funeral will be held in the funeral home on Tuesday, June 19, 2018 at 11AM with Reverend Matt Holbert and Reverend Orville Wright officiating.  Interment will follow at the Clermont Cemetery in White Hall, WV.  Online condolences may be made to www.fordfuneralhomes.com .