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BUCKHANNON - Tom Keadle, a retired circuit judge who served Upshur and Lewis counties, has died.
Keadle retired as a circuit judge in 2013. He had been a judge since 1985 and an attorney since 1974.
A native of Alderson, Keadle had served four years in the United States Marine Corps, and was then a state trooper in both Romney and Buckhannon for nearly eight years. He then graduated from West Virginia University in 1971 and the WVU School of Law in 1974.
He practiced law in Romney from 1974-81 and was also an assistant prosecutor in Hampshire County during that time. He moved to Buckhannon to practice law and was elected to the bench in 1984.
Keadle’s passing was announced in a social media post by the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office.
"We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of retired Circuit Judge Tom Keadle," the post states.
"Judge Keadle served Upshur and Lewis Counties with dedication and distinction for many years. He was deeply respected throughout both communities, and his commitment to public service left a lasting impact.
"The Upshur County Sheriff's Office extends our heartfelt prayers and condolences to Judge Keadle's family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him during this difficult time," the post continues.
"Rest in peace, Judge Keadle. Your many years of dedicated service will not be forgotten."
After retiring from the bench, Keadle and his wife Beverly returned to her hometown of Romney, and Keadle was appointed as a senior-status judge to serve in the 22nd Judicial Circuit, after former Judge Donald Cookman retired and assumed the West Virginia Senate seat formerly held by Walt Helmick.
Cookman was sworn in to this new post by Keadle, his brother-in-law. Cookman had served as a circuit judge since 1983 and had been a practicing attorney since 1971.