Michael Norman Core, 60, of Wadestown, passed away Tuesday, February 3, 2026, in his home. Michael was born in Morgantown March 15, 1965, to Norman Core and the late Marcia Kay Russell Core.
In addition to his father, he is survived by his sister, Dawn Forsythe and husband Jim of Berkeley Springs; his nephews, Erik Hartley (Jessica) of Morgantown, Jeremy Hartley (Katina) of Buckhannon; great- nephew, Mason Wyatt Hartley of Vermont; his aunts and uncles, Jackie and Lloyd Moore of Homosassa, Fla., Jim Core of Hundred, and John and Mary Core of Cameron; cousins, Justin Moore (Ely) and little Victor Moore of Tampa, Fla., David Core, Max “Eddie” Core, Sharon Core Simpson, as well as numerous other cousins and their spouses; and his helpful neighbors, Louise Myers Novitske and her husband, “Ski”.
In addition to his mother, he was proceeded in death by his grandparents, Raymond and Alma Lee Bean Russell, and Russell and Hazel Rice Core; uncles and aunts, Russell Core, Jr., Max Core, Charles “Doc” Core, Ruby Core Herr, Mary Core Stottlemire, Maxine Core Myers, Patricia Core Shrout Furey, Norma Core; and his cousin, Jared Cole Moore.
He grew up in Wadestown, attended Blacksville Elementary School, South Middle School, and graduated from Morgantown High in 1988. During his time in school, he was very active in Special Olympics and the Pace-Tec program.
Upon graduation, he participated in a life skill program in Marion County, which included volunteering at the Good Will Store in Fairmont. He was a part of the Valley Health Care System.
He was a member of the West Warren Baptist Church in Wadestown, where he served as custodian for a number of years.
Anyone who knew Michael, knew that he loved being affiliated with volunteer fire departments. He was an honorary captain of the Wadestown Co. #22 and Blacksville #11 VFD’s. In addition to Wadestown and Blacksville, he was an honorary member of many of the other companies in the Monongalia County Volunteer Firemen’s Association, as well as in companies in many surrounding counties. He had a wealth of firefighter friends and acquaintances and numerous shirts, caps, jackets, and firefighter trophies and memorabilia to prove it.
He loved attending the Battelle District Fair in Wadestown and was a regular attender of the West Virginia Association of Fairs and Festivals annual convention in Charleston for a number of years. He thoroughly enjoyed visiting with the musicians and vendors. Because of his love of music, he had a room at his home called “the station” where he spent hours playing music and drawing. He also loved to bowl and looked forward to going bowling with his Aunt Jackie.
Friends may call at the Tennant Funeral Home in Hundred from 11 a.m. until the time of funeral services at 1 p.m. Saturday, February 7, with Pastor Bob Scharnhorst officiating. Interment will follow in the Wadestown Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Wadestown Community Volunteer Fire Department, 9743 Mason Dixon Highway, Wadestown, WV 26590; or Blacksville Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 43, Blacksville, WV 26521.
Send condolences for the family to Tennant Funeral Home at www.tennantfuneralhome.com
