Bob Keller, 90, died Friday, December 19, 2025 after several months of failing health.
He was born in the family home near Marengo on August 24, 1935 to the late Chester and Maxine (Martin) Keller and they named him Jay Robert Keller. He grew up on the farm and enjoyed playing sports. He and his high school sweetheart, Helen Pruett, graduated from Sparta High School in 1953. Bob joined the Army and was stationed at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii where he was a mechanic. He and Helen were married May 28, 1955 and he was honorably discharged in 1956. He used the GI Bill to pay for barber school in Toledo and the Kellers moved to Bucyrus in 1959.
Bob was an incredibly hard worker. He operated his barber shop until he retired just a week shy of turning 88 years old. In addition to cutting hair, he painted and was a pilot with commercial and instrumental ratings. To call Bob frugal was an understatement as he could stretch a dollar as far as anyone; but as conservative as he was, he didn’t get political and was friendly toward everyone. If he saw a need, Bob was there to help lend a hand or offer advice. He also never shied away from pulling a good prank on his friends, family, or customers.
He and Helen enjoyed traveling with several cruises and a trip to Guatemala being especially memorable. When she became ill with Alzheimer’s he was her caregiver until she preceded him in death August 4, 2012. Bob loved his family. He and Helen adopted the two luckiest kids in Bucyrus, and they never heard their parents argue. He was at every sporting event for his kids and grandkids and he was there early. Bob had an excellent memory, making him a great person to reminisce with and he was a good Euchre player, playing at the Moose, AmVets, and Elks. He was also a member of Bucyrus United Methodist Church and former First UMC.
Bob is survived by daughter, Connie S. Kiser and husband Chip and their children, Kellen Kiser, Jace (Olivia) Kiser, Kevin (Kelly) Kiser, and Michelle (Jim) Harmon; son, Jay W. Keller and wife Tamy and their children, Zac Keller (Cassie Jackson), Jordan Keller (Nate Boyd), and Emily (Wes) Kochheiser; great grandchildren, Videl, Shay, Shauna, Chase, Kody, Kamryn, Madison, Maranda, McKenzie, Paxton, Willow, and soon-expected Grady; his friend, Ruth Moening; and siblings, Howard (Peg) Keller, Ruth Dinges, Danny (Brenda) Keller; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents and wife of 57 years, Bob was preceded in death by sister, Nancy Keller and brother-in-law, Ralph Dinges.
All services will be held on Tuesday, December 23 at Wise Funeral Service in Bucyrus where Bob would expect those attending to DRESS DOWN. Family will receive friends from 11-11:55 am and the funeral will begin at 12 Noon with Pastor Matt Anderson officiating. Burial will follow in Bloomfield Cemetery in Morrow County where the US Army Honor Guard will provide military rites.
Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers are encouraged to be made payable to Tunnel to Towers Foundation and given at the funeral home. Memories and photos can be shared on the guestbook of Bob’s tribute page at www.wisefuneral.com.
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