Russell Martin "Buck" Probst

Russell Martin "Buck" Probst, 88, of Weston, WV, passed away peacefully on September 8, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones at the United Hospital Center after a tenacious battle with cancer. Buck was a proud graduate of Weston High School, class of 1955, and was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Linda Kay Probst, to whom he was married for 46 years. They were longtime members of the Episcopal Church.

Buck was the beloved son of the late Rodney and Virginia Probst, both of Weston, WV. He is survived by his two children, Traci Marla Probst and Travis Martin Probst, and his fiancée, Chelsea Bailey, all of Weston. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Brycen Williams and his wife, Cardyn of Weston, WV; Issac and his fiancée, Emma Starrett of Weston, WV, Gracie Monachello of Morgantown, WV, Bo Probst and her significant other, Kevin Parsons; and Jayden Bailey, both of Weston, WV. Buck is further survived by his sister, Terri Bond of Hurricane, WV, along with many nieces and nephews who dearly loved him. He was also blessed with the close friendship of Bill and Molly Burkhammer.

Self-described as a "professional car salesman," after 49 and a half years with Rogers Motor and H & M Motor of Weston, WV, Buck sold almost 10,000 cars for the Chrysler corporation and kept a handwritten ledger of every car he sold. He served three terms as an elected official for the Lewis County Board of Education and dedicated many years to the Weston Moose Lodge, serving on its board. He also played a meaningful role as campaign manager for his grandson, Brycen Williams, who ran for and was elected as Magistrate in Lewis County for two terms.

Buck was honorably discharged from the US Army and the West Virginia National Guard, where he served six years and attained the rank of staff sergeant. He was offered a position on the Army rifle team but respectfully declined. He is still known as being a sharpshooter after shooting a perfect score at Fort Jackson.

An avid hunter, fisherman, and golfer, for many years, he boasted that he had been everywhere in West Virginia and had fished most trout streams with his son, Travis, and grandson Ike. Buck invested much time supporting his grandchildren's athletic careers, traveling to Ike's football games, Bo's basketball games, and Jayden's cheerleading events. Buck spent his mornings with the breakfast club at McDonald's, then at Bob's Auto Sales in Weston with the men who could solve all the world's problems in forty-five minutes.

Buck's life will be celebrated at Hardman Family Funeral Home in Weston, WV, on Sunday, September 14, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. with Pastor Jay Burkhart officiating. Fellowship time for family and friends to gather and visit will be from 1–3 p.m. Online condolences and life stories in memory of Buck may be expressed at hardmanfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Hardman Family Funeral Home of Weston, WV considers it an honor and a privilege to serve the family of Russell Martin "Buck" Probst.