Stephen Michael Backes

Stephen Michael Backes, age 75, of Beckley, WV passed away at Raleigh General Hospital in Beckley, WV on Monday, June 29, 2026 following a sudden illness.

Born on April 29, 1951 in Lewes, Delaware, he was the son of the late William Anthony Backes and Josephine Guerin Backes.

Mr. Backes had been a resident of the Beckley area  for over 30 years. He was owner and operator of Appliances 4 Less on Ragland Road, Beckley, WV. Everyone knew him as the "China One Man" at the China One Restaurant in Sophia, WV.

Mr. Backes was a US Army Ranger Veteran, having served in the Vietnam Conflict. He was a member of I Heart Church at Mount Hope, WV.  He was active with the food trucks distributing food for the needy, an outreach of I Heart Church. Mr. Backes was a very selfless person, who was always willing to help anyone in need. He was also a NASCAR enthusiast, and was always working on cars and trucks. Mr. Backes loved reading books, and was an inspiration to many.

Years ago, Mr. Backes donated a kidney, and by this random act of kindness, he and the recipient became lifelong friends.

Those survivors left to cherish his memory include his wife of 25 years, Hongbing  Backes; his daughter, Jasmine Backes and fiancé Zachery Wilson;  and his son William Backes, of Beckley; two other daughters,  Whitney and Jessica; a brother David Backes and wife Nina of Delaware; a sister April Willey and  husband John of  Delaware. Two granddaughter, MacKenzie and Ryleigh, and one great grandchild Colton also survive.

A Service To Celebrate The Life of Stephen Michael Backes will be held on Thursday, July 9, 2026 at 7:00 PM, at I Heart Church, 294 Crossroads Drive, Mount Hope,  WV. Friends may visit with the family two hours prior to the services at the church on Thursday.

Private online condolences and other expressions of sympathy may be directed to the family via our guestbook at www.roseandquesenberry.net .

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation  directly to the family to help with unexpected expenses related to the death of Mr. Stephen Backes.

Military honors will be provided by the Mercer County Veterans Honor Guard.

Arrangements are by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, 1901 South Kanawha Street, Beckley, WV.