William Henry “Bill” Durst, age 88, of Buckhannon, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 29, 2019, at Colonial Place in Elkins, where he was a resident. He was born on March 22, 1930, in Frostburg, MD, a son of the late Sylvan C. and Flossie B. Broadwater Durst. On February 17, 1952, he was united in marriage to Betty H. Stahl Durst, who survives.
Also surviving are three daughters: Vickie and husband James Waugerman of South Carolina, Tammy and husband Chris Casto of Elkins, and Penney and husband Jim Schell of Fairmont; one son Rick Durst and wife Mary Kay of Martinsburg, WV; ten grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren; two sisters: Sue Bowers and Peggy Robinson, both of Grantsville, MD; several nieces and nephews; and special lifelong friends, Exil and Nelda Light. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by one sister Betty Jo Stull. Bill came to Buckhannon from Maryland as a salesman for Craig Motor Company.
Later, he was employed by Premier Fastener Company as a salesman, and was the co-owner of two car washes in Buckhannon in the 1970s. He was the owner of Rick’s Auto Parts and also operated a saw-sharpening business and woodshop, where he made furniture for his family, as well as park swings for the City of Buckhannon. Bill and Betty thoroughly enjoyed camping and travelling to the Mt.
Nebo gospel sings in Summersville, where he celebrated his love for music; he was a talented singer, singing in the Good Hope Tabernacle Church Choir and a local barbershop quartet. They spent their winters in Florida for many years, where Bill was able to spend time pursuing his golfing hobby. He was also an avid pheasant hunter and made frequent hunting trips to Nebraska.
Bill was a veteran of the United States Army, having served during the Korean War. He was a member of the Good Hope Tabernacle Church, Gideons International, Rotary International, and Kiwanis International. Many will remember Bill for his many years as a Babe Ruth baseball coach as well.
During his years in the Kiwanis Club, he became known for his famous barbeque chicken, and could be found during the Strawberry Festival each year barbequing. He was a very active community member, and a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather, who will be sorely missed. The family will receive friends on Saturday, February 2, 2019, from 12-1:00 PM, the funeral hour, at the Good Hope Tabernacle Church, with Pastor Holly J. Hoover officiating.
Graveside services and interment will be held on Sunday, February 3, 2019, at 12:00 PM, at the Grantsville Cemetery in Grantsville, MD. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of William Henry “Bill” Durst please visit our Sympathy Store.
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