Robert “Bob” Theodore Durst, 86, of Blacksville, passed away unexpectedly, in his home, Saturday, January 18, 2025. He was born February 18, 1938, in Emoryville, Mineral County, 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. 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, Robert and Nancy moved to Blacksville. 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 25 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 met.
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- and mother-in- law, John Sayers and Alta Sayers.
In addition to his wife, Nancy, Robert is survived by three children and their spouses, Michael Durst (Leanne) of Core, Rebecca Durst Pettit (David) of Blacksville, and James Durst (Tiffany) of Blacksville. Robert is also survived by a brother, Kenneth Durst (Dottie) of Elk Garden; a sister, Linda Durst Mayhew (William) of Elk Garden; a brother- in-law, Jack Sayers; a sister-in-law, Janet Sayers; a brother-in-law and spouse, Leonard Sayers (Sherry); grandchildren, Lori Shaffer (Jacob), Michelle Tennant (George), Beth Hutson (Andrew), and M.J. Durst (fiancee 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 asks for 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 from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, January 22, in the Owen- Neely Funeral Home, 5894 Mason-Dixon Highway, Blacksville. Visitation continues from 12 noon until the 1 p.m. hour of service Thursday, January 23, in the Jakes Run Assembly of God, with Pastor Rob Bennett officiating. Mr. Durst will be buried in the Nethken Hills Cemetery near Elk Garden, at the convenience of family.
