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

William R. “Rob” Ward

Obituary Rob Ward

William R. “Rob” Ward, 81, left this world behind on April 6, 2019, to take his place on Heaven’s Main Street.

Born in Buckhannon, W.Va. on Aug. 24, 1937, he was the son of the late Sterling “Bud” Ward and Naomi Hacker Ward.

Left to cherish his memory are two sons: William Randall Ward of Zurich, Switzerland and Steven David Ward of Buckhannon, W.Va.

Rob was preceded in death by one brother, Samuel Ward.

Rob honorably served in the Army National Guard during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He will best be remembered as owner and operator along with his former wife Sue of the family business Ward’s Cleaners.

Rob spent his retirement years continuing to serve citizens of this community working for Anita’s Flowers, Walmart and volunteering his time to the Salvation Army.

The family wishes to give special thanks to Rob’s caregivers at the ERCC in Elkins, W.Va.

His request for cremation has been honored.

A memorial gathering will be held Sunday, April 28, 2019 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Jerry Murrell officiating.

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

Buckhannon Rotary nears bench goal but has ambitious plans for soft-plastics recycling program

The Rotary Club of Buckhannon-Upshur has collected about 500 pounds of soft plastic toward a donated recycled-material bench and is working with the city to expand baling and drop-off options. Plans may shift to fundraising for inclusive playground equipment.

Carpenter Crunch Time Week 10: Get Up? I would rather stay in bed

Duane Carpenter critiques ESPN’s Get Up for repetitive, narrow coverage, praises a few pundits, mentions switching to Fox Sports, and recaps local My Buckhannon pick standings and this week’s high school and college game predictions.

Football Bucs look to right the ship against Preston Friday night

Buckhannon-Upshur (1-7) hosts Preston (1-7) Friday in a likely high-scoring Class AAAA matchup with playoff hopes still alive, as the Bucs seek rebound performances and pressure on Preston QB Slaton Manko.

Buckhannon-Upshur High School announces first quarter honor roll

Buckhannon-Upshur High School released its 2025-26 first-quarter report listing students named to the Distinguished Honor Roll (4.0+) and Honor Roll (3.5–3.99).

WVWC Arts Alive! presents free performance of West Virginia Dance Company

West Virginia Dance Company will give a free, family-friendly performance of diverse works — including new pieces by Toneta Akers-Toler and Donald Laney and choreography by Gerri Houlihan — at West Virginia Wesleyan College Nov. 4.

Flame 304 Basketball launches $5 raffle for Cincinnati Reds tickets

Flame 304 Basketball is selling $5 raffle entries for a chance to win either four View Level or two Terrace Line Cincinnati Reds tickets for any 2026 regular-season home game.

Buckhannon Colonial Arts Center Board Agenda: November 4, 2025

The Buckhannon Colonial Arts Center Board will hold a meeting on November 4, 2025, and this article publishes the agenda for that meeting.

Soccer Lady Bobcats drop 6-3 conference game to West Virginia State

West Virginia Wesleyan’s women’s soccer team rallied from a 3–0 deficit to tie but fell 6–3 as West Virginia State’s Sara París Fílter scored four goals to secure the Mountain East Conference victory.

Soccer ‘Cats give up three first-half goals in 3-0 road loss to Salem

West Virginia Wesleyan outshot Salem but fell 3–0 after Salem scored three first-half goals, with Salem goalkeeper Jason Barrientos making eight saves to preserve the shutout.

Help wanted: Buckhannon Waste Collection Department is hiring a full-time laborer/truck driver

The City of Buckhannon Waste Collection Department is hiring a full-time laborer/truck driver, offering $18-$20/hour, health benefits and PERS participation. The deadline to apply is Nov. 14, 2025.
Parish House

Upshur Parish House seeks donations, volunteers amid SNAP pause

The Upshur Parish House is seeking food, hygiene, monetary donations and volunteers to bolster their pantry as they prepare for increased demand if SNAP benefits are paused.

Orval Lee Peyatt

Orval Lee Peyatt, 84, of Buckhannon, who worked at Woody’s sawmill, died October 27, 2025; he is survived by his wife Madeline, four children, stepchildren, siblings, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.