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

Harry Edward Drost

Harry Edward Drost, 84, of French Creek, W.Va., died Tuesday, May 28, 2019, at United Hospital Center in Bridgeport, W.Va.

He was born January 1, 1935, in Grantown, W.Va., a son of the late George and Anna Kolvek Drost. On November 19, 1954, he married Billie Adkins who survives.

Also surviving are one son, Michael Drost and wife Debra Sue of French Creek; one daughter, Donna McClain and husband Ronald of Daniels, W.Va.; three grandsons, Michael Drost and wife Rose of Clarksburg, W.Va., Jason Drost and wife Melissa of Bridgeport and Christopher McClain and wife Melanie of Beckley, W.Va.; one granddaughter, Jennifer and husband of Boston, Mass.; eight great-grandchildren and three sisters, Edna Wilson of White Hall, W.Va., Patty Thorne of San Diego, CA and Caroline Gaines of Md.

Mr. Drost served in the U.S. Navy from 1952 until he retired in 1971. While in the military, he served in 13 tours overseas and the last ship he served on was the U.S.S. America.

Mr. Drost was the Head Navy Recruiter for all of Fayette County, Pa. He was a lifetime member of the V.F.W. Post 3663 in Buckhannon. After his years of military service, Mr. and Mrs. Drost opened the Sears Catalog Merchant on Main Street in Buckhannon; they sold the business in 1989.

A graveside service will be held Friday, May 31, 2019 at 11 a.m. in the W.Va. National Cemetery in Pruntytyown, W.Va.

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

Joshua Bowers joins Buckhannon Fire Department as new paid firefighter

Joshua Bowers was sworn in as Buckhannon Fire Department’s newest paid firefighter at the Dec. 18 city council meeting, with Mayor Robbie Skinner administering the oath and his wife Grace pinning his badge.

First Holiday Furtastic Elimination Dinner raises nearly $8,500 for animal rescue organizations

The first Holiday Furtastic Elimination Dinner raised nearly $8,500 for local animal rescue groups and the Buckhannon Dog Park.

Ronald Earl “Ronnie” Grall Sr.

Ronald Earl “Ronnie” Grall Sr., 83, of Buckhannon, a 2006 Sago Mine Disaster survivor and former coal mine fire boss, died December 29, 2025; he is survived by his wife Helen, five children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Upshur County Sports Calendar

Upshur County sports schedule runs Dec. 29–Jan. 4 with multiple Buckhannon-Upshur basketball games in winter classics and out-of-state tournaments, wrestling entries in Powerade and regional meets, and a Mohawk Invitational swim.

WVWC’s Witt named MEC Women’s Basketball Player of the Week

West Virginia Wesleyan senior Emma Witt and Concord’s Alexis Frazee were named co–MEC Women’s Basketball Players of the Week after Witt’s 30-point double-double and Frazee’s 20.5-point weekly average.

Driver cited after triggering three-vehicle crash on Main Street that damaged police car, hit Buckhannon bank

A Beverly woman allegedly ran a stop sign on Main Street in Buckhannon, causing a Dec. 27 crash that involved three vehicles and struck the First Community Bank building, according to the Upshur County Sheriff’s Department’s wreck report.

Woman extricated after Route 33 crash near Huddle House; truck driver cited

A Salem woman was trapped in her vehicle and had to be extricated after a two-vehicle crash on Route 33 north of the Huddle House. Police say a truck driver attempting to cross lanes to turn left was cited for failing to yield.

Bryan Lynn Fitzgerald

Bryan Lynn Fitzgerald, 68, of French Creek, WV, died December 24, 2025, in Morgantown and is survived by his family, with cremation and private services planned.

On the City of Buckhannon Calendar: Week of Dec. 29, 2025

No regularly scheduled meetings this week. City offices and waste collection closed January 1 for New Year’s Day.

Buckhannon man charged after allegedly breaking into trailer, fighting resident

A Buckhannon man was arrested after allegedly breaking into a home and fighting with one of the occupants. He faces charges including burglary, destruction of property, assault and battery.

Buckhannon woman charged with using elderly man’s bank card online

A Buckhannon woman was arrested after police say she used another person’s bank card information for multiple unauthorized transactions totaling about $1,201.29. She said the transactions were not intentional, and his card might have been saved to her online payments account.

St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation funds advanced ophthalmology equipment through Lavera Clark Trust

The St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation purchased new retinal imaging technology that enhances early detection and monitoring of conditions like diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and macular degeneration.