John Melvin Testerman, 89, of Milton, West Virginia, passed away Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at St. Mary's Hospital. John was born on August 16, 1936, in Clinchburg, Virginia, a son of the late Guy Testerman and Viola Rector Testerman. He worked for BH Mott & Sons for many years and, following his retirement, continued to work at Pump Tech Inc., where the staff became like extended family and would do anything for him. A man of simple joys, John’s favorite pastime in retirement was sitting in the sun and heat—he always insisted it was never too hot for him—and riding his scooter through the neighborhood to talk with all his neighbors. He was a beloved figure who will be missed by all who enjoyed spending time with him. John was preceded in death by his wife Betty Lou Testerman and several loved ones, including his brother and sister-in-laws: Eddie Statzer, Basil Bledsoe Jr. and Eloise, Hazel and Dick Clay, Thelma and Delbert Martin, Clara and Lynn Johnson, Jo Ann and Ernest Wheeler, Jarrell and Anna Lou Bledsoe, Darrell Bledsoe, and David Bledsoe. He is survived by his devoted daughter, Marilyn Testerman-Haye and her husband, Rick Haye; his granddaughter, Mallory Jarrell and her husband, Dave; and two cherished great-grandchildren, Jackson and Madison Jarrell. Fur babies Maci Grace and Cookie.
He is also survived by his sister, Velma Statzer, sister-in-law, Barbara Brooks; Violetta Bledsoe; and special family friends, Peggy Woyan and Lonnie Jones. The family extends a special thank you to Dale Henry and Justin Chapman, who he dearly loved, as well as to Mary Lucas and Natalie Shuff with CenterWell for the care and kindness they provided during the last several months. He thought the world of them. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Wallace Funeral Home, 14594 US Route 60, Milton, West Virginia. Visitation will take place prior to the service, from noon to 1:00 p.m., at the funeral home. Pastor Allen Stewart will be officiating. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.timeformemory.com/wallace.
