Robert “Bob” Theodore Durst, 86, of Blacksville, West Virginia, passed away unexpectedly at his home, on January 18, 2025. He was born on February 18, 1938 in Emoryville, Mineral County, West Virginia, the oldest of four children to the late Luther William Durst and Susanna Aronhalt Durst.
Robert met his wife of 65 years, Nancy L. (Sayers) Durst, while a young man living in Elk Garden, West Virginia. Growing up, he and Nancy would frequently spend time with his sister, Mildred, and Nancy’s brother, Jack, who ended up also marrying – brother and sister married brother and sister.
After growing up in Elk Garden, West Virginia, Robert and Nancy moved to Blacksville, West Virginia. They raised their family in the same home where they were living at the time of his death.
Robert was dedicated and meticulous with any work he was doing or any project he may be working on at any given time, and he always had some kind of project in the works or in the planning stages. That dedication included time spent working for Bell’s Wholesale and Mountaineer Sales after moving to the Blacksville area. It continued then with his more than twenty-five years of service with the Monongalia County Board of Education, from where he retired as a master carpenter.
Although he retired, Robert was not the type of person who could sit still or sit around the house and do nothing. Instead, to fill time after his retirement, he continued with his carpentry skills up to the time of his passing. He would spend hours and hours in his building on the hill above his house painstakingly crafting beautiful pieces of furniture for friends and family, and sometimes for strangers who learned about his beautifully hand-crafted pieces. For anyone who had the privilege of receiving one of his hand-crafted pieces, you know what a truly talented man he was. Robert very much enjoyed sharing the end result of his hard work with others. He loved to speak about his projects with anyone who would listen. and would frequently carry photos of his numerous projects around with him to show family and friends, or a stranger that he may meet out somewhere.
Robert was a kind and generous man who would help anyone out with whatever they may need. He never met a stranger and enjoyed a good conversation with anyone and everyone he may meet.
Robert’s religious beliefs were very important in his life, and he loved to witness about Jesus. He faithfully attended Jakes Run Assembly of God.
Robert was preceded in death by his sister, Mildred L. Sayers, one brother-in-law, Charles “Charlie” Sayers, and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, John Sayers and Alta Sayers. In addition to his wife, Nancy, Robert is survived by three children and spouses: Michael Durst (Leanne) of Core, West Virginia; Rebecca Durst Pettit (David) of Blacksville, West Virginia; and, James Durst (Tiffany) of Blacksville, West Virginia. Robert is also survived by a brother, Kenneth Durst (Dottie) of Elk Garden, West Virginia; a sister, Linda Durst Mayhew (William) of Elk Garden, West Virginia; a brother-in-law, Jack Sayers; a sister-in-law, Janet Sayers, and a brother-in-law and spouse, Leonard Sayers (Sherry). In addition, Robert is survived by his grandchildren: Lori Shaffer (Jacob), Michelle Tennant (George), Beth Hutson (Andrew), and M.J. Durst (fiancée, Alex), and great-grandchildren: Alec, Bryanna, Alyssa, David, J.R., Rebekah, Liam, Lydia, Spencer, and Nikolai, along with many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that you consider donations in Robert’s name to CB Pink Out, a local fundraiser that provides monetary funds each year in the fall to residents from the western Monongalia County area who are dealing with a cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment. Donations can be made at the Blacksville branch of Huntington Bank.
Friends may call at the Owen-Neely Funeral Home, 5894 Mason-Dixon Highway, Blacksville, WV from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Wednesday. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday in the Jakes Run Assembly of God with Pastor Rob Bennett officiating. Friends may call at the church from 12:00 Noon until the service hour of 1:00 PM. Mr. Durst will be buried in the Nethken Hills Cemetery near Elk Garden, WV at the convenience of family.