All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Robert ‘Brian’ Anderson II

Obituary Robert Anderson

Robert “Brian” Anderson II was born to Pamela (Higgins) Anderson March 16, 1976, in Elkins, W.Va.

On Saturday, Jan. 26, 2019, Robert passed away at home following a brave battle with pancreatic cancer. He was a 1994 graduate of Buckhannon-Upshur High School.

Robert married his long-time sweetheart and best friend Opal (Gum) Anderson on Sept. 19,1997. Together they raised two amazing children, Lilian and John Anderson.

In Nov. 2018 Robert and Opal were baptized. Robert is an avid follower of Jesus Christ. He believed in treating every person as he would treat Christ himself.

Robert was also a dedicated family man, a known craftsman, union steward, outdoorsman, adventurer, son, husband, father and friend.

Robert was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Warren and Thelma (Canfield) Higgins, maternal aunt Rose Marie Higgins and his wife’s grandparent’s James and Opal (Grogg) Gum and James and Elsie (Woofter) Ireland.

He is survived by his mother, Pamela V. (Higgins) Anderson; wife, Opal (Gum) Anderson; daughter, Lilian Anderson; son, John Anderson; several aunts, uncles and cousins along with a loving family of in-laws and countless friends and his pets, Rocksand and Pickles.

Robert would not want any to extend their grieving. He would make a joke and want each of us to continue our adventures. For Robert – go on, treat others well, adventure along a river or ocean beach and enjoy living.

Friends will be received Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2019 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, at the funeral home with Pastor John Robinson officiating. In honoring Mr. Anderson’s wishes, he will be cremated following the service.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.polingstclair.com. Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

My Buckhannon publishes obituaries free of charge as a courtesy to the family. Readers can support our publication by becoming a premium member.

Share this obituary:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Local clothing store reopens as Kaitlin & Co. Boutique on Main Street in Buckhannon

Kaitlin Trickett reopened the former Caroline and Co. as Kaitlin & Co. Boutique at 33 East Main Street, maintaining vendor relationships while adding new lines. She’ll kick things off with a grand opening on Sept. 27.

Mary Delores Levingston

Mary Delores Levingston, 63, of Buckhannon, a loving wife, mother, grandmother and homemaker known for her gardening, crafting and music, died September 24, 2025; cremation has been completed and a Celebration of Life will be scheduled.

City of Buckhannon releases updated schedule of fall and winter events

Buckhannon released an updated fall and winter event schedule featuring parades, festivals, arts performances, holiday celebrations, community walks, theater productions, and recurring wrestling events across Jawbone Park, the Colonial Arts Center, and Brushy Fork.

West Virginia Wesleyan College named No. 2 best value school by U.S. News and World Report

West Virginia Wesleyan College was ranked No. 2 Best Value School by U.S. News & World Report, earning regional recognition for affordability, high scholarship aid for over 95% of students, and strong social mobility and academic standing.

Carpenter Crunch Time Week 5; Some hope for B-U, not so much for WVU

Local sports columnist Duane Carpenter praises Buckhannon-Upshur’s offensive progress and playoff hope, criticizes WVU after a 41-10 loss, and previews Week 5 high school and college matchups while reporting pick standings and winners.

James Everett “Jimmy” Hovis

James Everett “Jimmy” Hovis, 39, of Rock Cave, a tattoo artist and electrician who loved construction and the outdoors, died September 25, 2025, and is survived by his parents, daughter, siblings and extended family; cremation planned.

Honorary First Responders Day on Saturday to benefit Special Olympics of Upshur County

Honorary First Responders Day on Sept. 27 at Warren District Volunteer Fire Department in Hodgesville will raise funds through food, auctions and activities to support Special Olympics of Upshur County’s growing athlete roster and program costs.

Buckhannon man charged after setting tent on fire with person inside

A Buckhannon man faces multiple felony charges after investigators say he set fire to a tent with a woman inside and threatened to slit her throat.

Trick-or-treat in Buckhannon set for Halloween night, other upcoming events approved

Buckhannon officials set city trick-or-treat for Oct. 31 from 6–7:30 p.m., and the Consolidated Public Works Board approved upcoming events including parades, a suicide prevention walk, recruitment drive, Trunk-or-Treat and holiday festivities.

This week’s Hank Ellis All-Stars: Avery Hamer and Dawson Tenney

Buckhannon-Upshur athletes Avery Hamer and Dawson Tenney were named this week’s Hank Ellis All-Stars after Hamer helped the volleyball team sweep Elkins and Tenney passed for 347 yards and three TDs while rushing for 54 yards.

Wesleyan women suffer bad 3-0 loss to previously winless Glenville State

Wesleyan’s women’s soccer team suffered a 3-0 road loss to previously winless Glenville State as Valentina Quiroz scored twice and Margaux Fernandez added a late goal.

Soccer ‘Cats win second in a row after shutting out Seton Hill, 2-0

West Virginia Wesleyan earned a 2-0 nonconference win over Seton Hill as early first-half goals from Erik Rostoen and Henry Coster and six saves from goalkeeper Matteo Marciani secured the clean sheet.