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

Robert “Kroger Bob” Hamner

Robert “Kroger Bob” Hamner, 81, of French Creek, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, May 2, 2021, at the United Hospital Center in Bridgeport.

Bob, a Christian by faith, was a lifelong member of Sago Baptist Church, where he served as Sunday School Teacher, Youth Leader, and Deacon. He loved serving God.

Bob was born in Bergoo on January 2, 1940, a son of the late George and Anna Wyatt Hamner. Also preceding him in death were his first wife, Luella McKenzie Hamner; and brother, George Junior Hamner.

He graduated from Buckhannon-Upshur High School located in Tennerton in 1957 and was employed by the Kroger Company for 41 years. Over 30 years of Bob’s tenure was at Gassaway. He was a U.S. Army Veteran and an avid fisherman and hunter. Bob proudly supported the WVU football and basketball teams.

He was a wonderful loving husband to his wife, Cheryl who survives. Also surviving are his son,Robert  “Bobby” Hamner and wife, Mahalia; two grandchildren: Laina and Chase of Gassaway; step-son, Christopher Simmons and wife, Jill; step-daughter, Katrina Bruce and husband, Aaron; three step-grandchildren: Alyssa and Zack Monford, and Cole Simmons all of Hilton Head, SC; three brothers: Tom Hamner and wife, Janet, of Indian Camp, Paul “Bugs” Hamner and wife, Liz, of French Creek, and Roger Hamner of Buckhannon; two sisters: Linda Reaser of Harrisville, and Dorothy Radcliff and husband, Hearlon, of Volga; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Due to the Statewide COVID-19 restrictions, masks are required indoors. Family and friends will gather for Visitation at Gassaway Baptist Church located at 56 Beall Dr. in Gassaway from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, May 6, 2021. A second visitation will be held at Clutter Funeral and Cremation located at 21 Elnora Circle in Buckhannon from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Friday, May 7, 2021. Funeral services will begin at 1 p.m. on Friday in the Clutter Funeral Chapel with Pastor Wease Day and Reverend Shawn Frame officiating. Interment will follow at the Rock Cave Cemetery with military rights accorded by the Upshur County Honor Guard.

We, at Clutter Funeral and Cremation, appreciate the service of Robert F. Hamner and are honored and privileged to serve his family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.ClutterFuneralHome.com.

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.