Olen Bruce Robertson, 84, of Willowton, West Virginia, heard the voice of his Savior on Saturday, January 10, 2026, and walked out of this life and into his eternal home.
Olen was born in the heart of East River Mountain on November 22, 1941, to William Everett and Minnie Ellen Nunn Robertson. Olen—or “Obie,” as he was lovingly called by his wife, especially when she was aggravated with him—was the youngest son of eleven children. He grew up putting up hay in his family’s fields and working out his call to ministry by preaching to the birds, squirrels, and any other creatures that would sit still long enough to listen.
In 1965, his life was turned upside down when he married the love of his life, Linda Darlene Terry. Borrowing a few slick moves from Elvis Presley, he wooed her with the simple proposal, “It’s now or never.” She took him up on his offer, and together they became a dynamic duo in ministry—Olen, the Methodist minister, and Linda, the devoted first lady.
They served faithfully for 32 years, first at the Maybeury, Elkhorn, and Powhatan charge in McDowell County, West Virginia, and later at the Calvary–Mount Hope charge in Clarksburg, WV. Even after retiring in 2004, Olen continued to serve congregations throughout southern West Virginia who needed a preacher.
Olen said goodbye to his wife and best friend, Linda, in February 2024. He was also preceded in death by all of his siblings: Woodrow Robertson, Russell Robertson, Graham Robertson, Deloris Ostrow, Margaret Macri, Ella Jane Wall, Louise Reed, Izetta Neely, Shirley Bryant, Sandra Angel, and Shirley Bryant.
He is survived by his children, Melissa (Steve) Hinerman of Clarksburg, WV, and Yvonne (Todd) Gauer of Moncks Corner, SC; his grandchildren, Katie (Erica) Dorshimer, Sarah (Robbie) Stevens, Trey (Morgan) Gauer, and Madison (Eliseo) Reyes; and his great-grandchildren, Mateo and Amira Reyes.
Friends will be received at Calvary United Methodist Church, 390 South 22nd Street, Clarksburg, on Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., with the service immediately following the visitation. Son-in-law Steve Hinerman will preside over the funeral service, and nephew Bill Reed will officiate the final committal on Friday, January 16, at the Christie Family Cemetery in Willowton, WV, at 1:00 p.m.
Flowers may be sent to Calvary United Methodist Church on the day of the service, or in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one of Olen’s favorite ministries, Samaritan’s Purse.
The Robertson family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff of Harmony at White Oaks Memory Care for the love, dignity, and joy they gave Olen over the past two years—especially for singing with him and caring for him so faithfully.
Condolences may be extended to the family at www.perinefunerals.com. The Perine Funeral Home is honored to serve the Robertson family.