Zenas Neil Queen, age 85, of Cyclone, WV, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, February 11, 2026, at his residence, surrounded by his loving wife Jewell and daughter Nickel. Born on June 24, 1939, in Man, WV, he was the son of the late Zenas and Alma Slone Queen. Zenas proudly served in the United States Army as a Private First Class E4, earning several military marksman awards for his exceptional skills. He was a dedicated member of the VFW and American Legion, deeply valuing camaraderie and service.
Known affectionately as “Dad” and “Popaw,” family was the cornerstone of Zenas’s life. He cherished spending quality time with his loved ones above all else. His passions included watching westerns, enjoying peaceful fishing trips, and enthusiastically supporting his grandsons and great-grandsons on the baseball field. His proud cheers of “(That’s My Boy)” and his infectious smile were a constant source of encouragement. Zenas’s playful spirit shone through in wrestling matches with his grandchildren and imaginative play with toy soldiers on the living room floor.
Neil’s professional life was marked by achievement and skill. A graduate of Marshall University with an Engineering degree, he excelled as a machinist and shop manager at Guyan Machinery. He further demonstrated his entrepreneurial spirit as part owner of Gilbert Manufacturing and owner of J&T Manufacturing. Adding to his diverse skillset, Zenas was also a certified electrician in the coal mining industry for over 15 years. He took immense pride in the accomplishments of his granddaughter Brittany Janeil, a school teacher, and grandson Travis Charles, a WV State Trooper First Class. He also shared a special bond with his grandson Casey Rush, enjoying baseball games, Mexican food outings, Black Friday shopping, and countless adventures.
Zenas was predeceased by his parents, his brother Kyle Queen, his father and mother-in-law Rush and Alma Paynter Cook, brothers-in-law Acie, Jimmy, Paul, and Johnny Cook and Harless Shumate, and his special niece Kristi Cook.
His memory will be forever cherished by his devoted wife, Jewell Cook Queen; his daughter Tonya (Travis) Hurley of Man; his grandchildren Brittany (Jason) Smith of Bridgeport, Travis (Mikayla) Hurley of Cyclone, and Casey Rush Hurley of Man; and his great-grandchildren Cannon and Colt Smith, Liam “Michael”, Ava “AJ” Jewell, and Travis Charles “TC” Hurley, III. He is also survived by his brothers Ellery Queen of Chicago, IL, and Charles Shumate of Morriston, FL, his nephew Stephen Zenas Queen of PA, and a large extended family of nieces, nephews, and friends who will deeply miss him.
A funeral service to honor Zenas’s life will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, February 18th, at the Campus Church of God in Campus, WV, with Rev. Donald Lafferty officiating. He will be laid to rest in the Paynter Cemetery, Campus, WV. Friends are invited to gather with the family at the church from 12:00 PM until the service begins. The Wyoming County Veterans Honor Guard will conduct Military Rites, recognizing his service to his country. Serving as pallbearers will be Travis Hurley, Casey Hurley, Jason Smith, Ben Gibson, Ethan Abbott, Ronnie Abbott, and Michael Abbott. Honorary pallbearers include Jack Cook, Lowell Cook, Keith Osborne, David Harless, Travis Hurley, Timmy Lusk, Patrick Cook, and Todd Lusk.
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Jeff Prichard with Family Healthcare Associates, and Rachael (Evan) Riggins with Vaught Neurologist Services for their compassionate care. Stafford Family Funeral Home in Lynco, WV, is honored to be serving the Queen family during this difficult time, providing comfort and professional funeral services.
