Robert Baird Opperman

Robert B. Opperman, 77, of Cross Lanes, WV, went to his eternal home to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, July 19, 2024, from complications of a stroke. Robert “Bob” was born to Bruce and Madalyn Opperman in Portland, Oregon, on August 19, 1946. He was the third of eight children and also enjoyed growing up with many other children his parents served in their home. His early years were in Portland, OR, but the family relocated to Cherryville, OR, during his childhood, where he thrived growing up in the shadow of beautiful Mt. Hood. Bob entered into a saving relationship with Jesus Christ as a young teenager at the Chapel of the Hills, Sandy, OR. He graduated from Sandy High School, Sandy, OR, and completed his undergraduate degree from Western Oregon University. After completing graduate work at Multnomah University, he earned his master’s degree from Bob Jones University.

Bob’s ancestors arrived in Oregon on the original Oregon Trail in the 1800s and established a gold mine in eastern Oregon. As a child, Bob loved the family times of traveling to the old, abandoned gold mine and visiting his family’s cabin in the ghost town of Greenhorn. He loved being outdoors, hiking, and riding his horse. He was actively involved in his church, school, and local politics. Bob lived an exciting life filled with many adventures. During and immediately following his undergraduate years, he worked with several youth and educational groups, worked at a Libby pineapple plantation in Hawaii, worked with the U.S. National Forestry Service blazing trails in the West, was a forest firefighter, climbed Mt. Hood seven times, and traveled and explored our country. Additionally, he became a 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Army

during the Vietnam era.

Bob met his wife, Carol, at the Billy Graham Crusade for Christ Convention, Expo ’72, in Dallas, TX. He escorted a group of teens from OR, and she escorted a group from FL. They married in 1974 and began their married lives in her home state of WV. Bob helped construct and establish Cross Lanes Christian School. He served there for 16 years as a teacher, administrator, and in any other role that was needed. Then, he served for many more years as a teacher in the Putnam County Public Schools. He remained active in his church and politics, and loved to share with others about the goodness and faithfulness of God.

Bob was an extrovert who loved the Lord, his family, Oregon, West Virginia, Greenhorn, politics, and history. He rarely met a stranger, and he was loved by his family, colleagues, and students, many of whom have shared messages of their love, admiration, and appreciation for the godly, positive influence he had on their lives. For more than 20 years, Cross Lanes Baptist Church was his home church; he loved his Sunday School class, singing in the choir, attending services, and participating in numerous church groups and outreach events. Bob frequently shared the Gospel with his family and wanted more than anything to know for sure that those he loved would join him in heaven one day. He discipled his family and many others for many years through his words and deeds. Bob honored the Lord with his life, and we know he heard, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” as he entered the presence of his Savior.

Bob leaves behind his beloved wife, Carol, of Cross Lanes, WV, and three children: Virginia “Genny” McDole (Dr. Robert I. McDole) of Springfield, OH, John Opperman (Brooke Opperman) of Milton, WV, and Emily Lanham (Jeremy Lanham) of Cross Lanes, WV. Additionally, he leaves behind eleven grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. There are four surviving siblings and many nieces and nephews, all in Oregon.

Celebration of Robert's life will be 2:00 P.M. Friday, July 26, 2024 at Cross Lanes Baptist Church with Pastor Seth Polk officiating. Burial will follow in Tyler Mt. Memory Gardens, Cross Lanes with Military Graveside Rites conducted by St Albans VFW Post 6418 and American Legion Post 73.

Gathering of family and friends will be from noon until time of service at the church.

Family and friends seeking to give donations are asked to consider contributing to the Missions Ministry of Cross Lanes Baptist Church, a group that serves many of the pro-life and international missions ministries that Bob heartily supported.

Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.tylermountainfuneralhome.com