Gene Keister

Keister, Gene R., age 97, passed away on January 9, 2017 at Hillspring of Springboro.  He was born near Germantown, OH on April 27, 1919 to the late Vern and Maude (Gensler) Keister.  Gene graduated from Germantown High School and married his beloved wife Bertha in 1942 and they celebrated 67 years together.  Gene served with the U.S. Calvary in World War II as a Sergeant in the 104th Calvary Recon Squadron European Theater.  He and his wife moved to Cincinnati where he worked at Auto Lite for several years.  Later he moved to Middletown where he worked at the Post Office for 25 years.  In his younger years, Gene enjoyed roller skating (where he met his wife), woodworking, raising gourds and making gourd crafts, and making and repairing clocks.  In retirement, Gene and his wife enjoyed traveling.  For more than 50 years he was an amateur radio operator licensed as W8HYJ.  He was a member of Ohio Army MARS (Military Affiliated Radio Service) for over 30 years, and served 17 years as a personnel officer.  He was also a member of the former 4F club of Union Chapel Church for 30 years, and 1st United Methodist Church of Middletown for 66 years, serving on Staff Parish Committee and Board of Trustees.  Gene was a loving and devoted husband and father.  Survived by 2 daughters Marilyn Clark of Franklin and Brenda (Kerry) Byrd of Middletown, and 1 son, Ronald (Veda) Keister of Franklin, 2 grandchildren Sarah (Seth) Meyer and Sean Keister, step grandchildren Dawn Williams, Danny Byrd, Donna Warman, Susan DeGoosh, Sheri Fields, Sandie Simms, Terry Clark, Tim Clark, Grace Burkhart, and several step great grandchildren.  Per Gene’s request there will be private graveside services with Rev. John Wagner officiating at the convenience of the family.  Interment of cremains will be at Germantown Union Cemetery.  If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the 1st United Methodist Church, 120 S Broad St.  Middletown, OH 45044.  The family wishes to thank the staff at Hillspring of Springboro and Dr. Leah Avera’s staff for their care and compassion.