Bond's Broadcast

Marty Backus and I had been friends since the early 1980s. Marilyn, his wife Judy, and the rowdy duo spent several hours at conventions and other events having great times.

This is sad news for me, but felt it was necessary to publish.

From the Appalachian News Express, Pikeville

Former News-Express Publisher Marty Backus died July 30 at his residence.

Backus was a fixture of journalism in the region before coming to the News-Express, serving in numerous roles with WVOW in Logan, West Virginia, then working as a reporter and weekend anchor for WSAZ-TV in Huntington, West Virginia.

Backus came to Appalachian Newspapers as advertising director in 1980 and was named president and publisher of the Appalachian News-Express in 1990, a position he held until 2007. During that time, Backus served as president of the Kentucky Press Association in 2001 and represented the newspaper on the board of the Pike County Chamber of Commerce, an organization for which he also served as president.

Backus was also involved in his church, Cornerstone Christian Church, and civic organizations such as the Pikeville Area Family YMCA and the Pikeville Rotary Club.

Appalachian Newspapers Publisher Jeff Vanderbeck said Backus played an integral role in making Appalachian Newspapers a success story in Central Appalachia.

“Because of what Marty did during his tenure at the News-Express, we are able to continue to serve the people of Pike and now other counties by providing vital information they need for their daily lives,” Vanderbeck said. “Marty’s tenacity in reporting and his love of his community are embedded in the DNA of our company. He will be missed.”

“Marty” Backus

Leonard Martin “Marty” Backus, 81, of Ratliff Road, Mullins, Pike County, died Saturday morning, July 30, 2022, at his residence.

He was born Aug. 18, 1940, in Beckley, West Virginia, the only son of the late Martin and Elizabeth Eileen Fink Backus, of Mullens, West Virginia.

A graduate of Mullens High School, Marty earned an associate degree in Washington, D.C. before returning to his native West Virginia in 1967, first as advertising manager at WVOW AM/FM Radio in Logan, and later as general manager of Logan Broadcasting Corporation, parent company of the radio stations.

Marty worked for Logan Broadcasting Corporation 14 years, except for a brief tenure in the news department at WSAZ-TV3 in Huntington, West Virginia. Although he was a natural for television news, he and his family much preferred small-town living, so he returned to WVOW until his move to Pikeville.

Marty was recruited to work for Appalachian Newspapers as advertising director in 1980. He was named president and publisher of the Appalachian News-Express in 1990, a position he held until 2007. In 2001, he was tapped to lead the Kentucky Press Association as its president. He also represented the News-Express on the board of the Pike County Chamber of Commerce (now the Southeast Kentucky Chamber) and was elected president of the Chamber during that time.

Marty joined the Pikeville Church of Christ (now Cornerstone Christian Church) in 1985, remaining a faithful member until his death. In fact, his last public outing was to attend worship services at Cornerstone in September 2021.

A long-time board member of the Pikeville Family YMCA, Marty received the organization’s Outstanding Service Award in 2019.

A member of the Pikeville Rotary Club, Marty served as president during the local club’s 75th Anniversary year, 1996-1997. He was also a Paul Harris Fellow, a designation named for Rotary International’s founder and conferred upon individuals who contribute significantly to the Rotary Foundation’s worldwide humanitarian service projects.

In addition to his parents, Marty was preceded in death by his only son, Leonard Martin Backus Jr., in 2011.

Survivors include his wife of 37 years, Judith Wiley Backus; sister, Janet (James E.) Lester, of Grove City, Ohio; three daughters: Karla Sue (Steve) Morris, of Saulsbury, Tennessee; Leigh Anne Dials, of Silverhill, Alabama; and Robin R. Loos, of Harrison, Ohio; nine grandchildren: Brandon M. Chaffins, Andrew Dials, Stephanie R. Loos, Aaron J. Chaffins, Amanda L. Chaffins, Tabitha R. Dials, Taylor L. Loos (Alex) Messey, Nicholas A. Loos, and Nathaniel A. Loos; and 12 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service was held Saturday, August 13, 2022 at Pikeville Cornerstone Christian Church with Bob Ford and Pastor Paul Potter officiating.

Arrangements J.W. Call Funeral Home of Pikeville.

I will miss my friend Marty. He was great at what he did. Bless you my friend. Rest in Peace.

And so, for another week, thanks and thirty.