News + Press
News + Press
News + Press
WV Democratic Party Mourns the Passing of Former Delegate Rodney Pyles
For Immediate Release April 9, 2026
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Democratic Party is mourning the passing of former House of Delegates member Rodney Pyles, who represented the 51st District in Monongalia County from 2016 to 2020.
Rodney Pyles was a lifelong public servant whose dedication to his community spanned decades. He served as Monongalia County Assessor for 20 years, worked as State Archivist under Governor Jay Rockefeller, and shared his knowledge with students as a teacher at Alderson Broaddus College. Throughout his career, Rodney brought a deep love of West Virginia and a commitment to service that left a lasting impact on those around him.
Delegate Evan Hansen said, “I send my heartfelt condolences to Rodney’s family. Rodney and I, together with three other Democrats, represented Monongalia County after the Fab Five swept all the seats in 51st district in the 2018 election. I always appreciated Rodney’s experience with local government, his knowledge of West Virginia history, and his love of cats.”
Former Delegate Barbara Fleischauer said, “I will remember Rodney first and foremost as a kind person, who was especially interested in local and state history. A dedicated supporter of civil rights and women's rights, Rodney was proud of sponsoring and passing the state legislative resolution calling on Congress to name the NASA facility in Fairmont in honor of Katherine Johnson"
West Virginia Democratic Party Chair Mike Pushkin added::
“Rodney Pyles was the kind of public servant every community hopes for—someone who truly cared about the people he represented and worked every day to make their lives better. Whether it was his decades of service as Monongalia County Assessor, his work preserving our state’s history as State Archivist, or his time in the House of Delegates, Rodney approached every role with dedication, integrity, and a genuine love for his community.
He also had a special place in his heart for animals and was known for his compassion both in public service and in his personal life. Rodney’s enthusiasm for baseball—especially his loyalty as a season ticket holder for WVU Mountaineer baseball—was just another reflection of his deep ties to the community he loved.
Rodney will be remembered not only for his service but for his kindness, his passion, and the relationships he built over a lifetime of giving back. Our thoughts are with his beloved wife Carol, his daughter Janessa Greg, his family, and his many friends during this difficult time.”
The West Virginia Democratic Party extends its deepest condolences to Rodney Pyles’ family and all who knew and loved him.