Propst, Albert (Al) Ervin of Blacksburg, VA went home to be with the Lord on July 9, 2007 at age 78. He was born July 26, 1928 to Elizabeth J. and Albert Thomas Propst in Franklin, West Virginia.
Al was preceded in death by three brothers, Richard, Arthur and Earl, two sisters, Lillie and Alice, and a daughter, Dorothy Gayle. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary L. Propst and his children Dennis B. Propst of Mason, Michigan, Dale R. Propst of Waynesboro, Virginia and Dona P. Bussard of Weyers Cave, Virginia. Also surviving are five grandchildren: Blake M. Propst, Bridget M. Propst, Angela P. Berry, Dorothy G. Propst, and Daphne P. Davidson, and two great-grandchildren, Hannah G. Berry and Emma A. Berry.
During his lifetime, Al was actively involved in Boy Scouts of America, serving as Scoutmaster of Troop 86 New Hope, Virginia where he introduced many boys, as well as his two sons Dennis and Dale, to camping, hiking and other outdoor activities. He enjoyed bird dogs and quail hunting and was an avid fisherman. He spent many hours casting a line into Middle River, and later into the New River, Smith Mountain Lake, Claytor Lake, Pandapas Pond, the Duck Pond and any other body of water that might hold a fish.
In his middle years, he loved pitching softball and played for many years in church leagues in New Hope and, later, in Christiansburg, Virginia. He was an active member of the Christiansburg Church of the Brethren choir and the Joy Makers Christian music group which entertained many senior citizens in the Christiansburg area. He eagerly entertained audiences with his bass singing and his harmonica playing. Family and friends enjoyed the beautiful cross-stitched gifts that he lovingly created. Al and Mary enjoyed many years of bowling in the Golden Years Bowling League where he served as league President from 2002 to 2004. He is truly loved and missed.
Visitation will take place at Horne Funeral Home on Thursday, July 12 from 6 to 8pm. The funeral service will be held at the Christiansburg Church of the Brethren at 11am on Friday, July 13. Burial will follow at Sunset Cemetery in Christiansburg.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made to the American Heart Association.