Robert "Bob" Gene Keller

Robert “Bob” Gene Keller, 87, of Wapakoneta died peacefully at 5: 55 pm on Monday, October 5th, 2015 at The Wapakoneta Manor. Robert was born in Dismore, Ohio to Arthur H. and Amelia (Mann) Keller whom both preceded him in death. He married Betty J. Katterhenry on June 12, 1947. Betty passed away March 10, 2015. Robert is survived by his three daughters: Deborah J. (Warren) Bailey, Roberta J. (Steve) Hengstler and Annette J. (Brad) Zwiebel all of Wapakoneta; his grandchildren: Thomas, Todd (Angela), Tyler (Tiffiany Price) Bailey all of Wapakoneta; Lauren Hengstler of Columbus; Caleb Zwiebel of Columbus and Cole Zwiebel of Wapakoneta; his great grandchildren: Amelia, Anthony, Lucy and Max Bailey: Step great-grandchildren: Isaac Hutchison, Taylor and Ethan Resor. Other survivors include his two sisters- in- law Pat Katterhenry and Shirley Baughman both of Wapakoneta. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers Arthur Jr. and Donald Keller, brothers-in-law Robert and Dick Katterhenry, Dick Baughman and sisters-in-law Lucille and Mildred Keller and Anna Katterhenry. Bob was a 1945 graduate of Buckland High School in Buckland, OH. Bob was a life-long member of St. Paul United Church of Christ in Wapakoneta where he served for 50 years as a Sunday School Teacher touching many young lives and was also a member of the Chancel Choir. In 1946 Bob went to Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas to begin his military career as an X-ray and Lab Technician. He served at Fitz-Simmons General Hospital in Denver, Colorado and Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, Illinois. After his discharge in 1949, Bob came back to Wapakoneta where he began his 50 plus years with The Bohrer and Moore Packing Company, as owner & operator. Bob served on the Board of Directors at Peoples National Bank in Wapakoneta. He was a 50 year member and past master of the Hamer Lodge #167, F. & A.M., Wapakoneta, a member & past high priest of the Wapakoneta Chapter #183, R.A.M., and the Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Dayton. He also served on the board of the Wapakoneta Masonic Temple Co. He was a 45 year member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, Aerie #691 and The American Legion, Post #330, both of Wapakoneta. He was a life member of the Long Rifles Association, Moulton Gun Club, life member of the Ohio Gun Collectors Association and a life member of the NRA. Bob loved the outdoors, spending many years fishing and going on numerous hunting adventures. These trips took him out West and into Canada with a very close group of friends. Bob along with his wife Betty had a very special bond with many of their neighbors and throughout the years, they would spend holidays, vacations and weekend dinners and ending the evening playing euchre. Bob especially loved being with his children and grandchildren. Bob will always be remembered for his warm, giving, kind heart and will be deeply missed. The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of the VA Medical Center, St. Rita’s Hospice, the staff at The Wapakoneta Manor and Drs. George and Parmie Herman. A Celebration of Bob’s life will take place 10:30 a.m., Saturday, October 10, 2015 at St. Paul United Church of Christ in Wapakoneta, Ohio with Pastor Becky Sunday officiating. Burial will follow in the Resthaven Memory Gardens, near Moulton, where military rites will be conducted by the Wapakoneta V.F.W., Post #8445. The family will receive friends 2-4 & 6-8 p.m., Fri. at the Bayliff & Eley Funeral Home and Cremation Services, St. Rt. 501, Wapakoneta, and 1 hour prior to the service, Sat. at the church. A masonic memorial service will be 7:30 p.m., Fri. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be directed to the St. Paul U.C.C. Christian Education Department or the Heifer Project.

Robert "Bob" Gene Keller

June 12, 1947 - October 5, 2015