Robert E. Keesler

On Thursday December 8, 2022, our beloved Robert E Keesler; loving Husband, Father and Grandfather, passed peacefully away at his home surrounded by family at the age of 97.

A kind and gentle man, Bob was born to Katherine Copeland and Frances Keesler on February 14, 1925 in Galilee PA. He learned at a very young age that hard work, dedication to family, God and his country were the cornerstones of a great life.

As a graduate of Damascus High School, a young man of only 19, Bob was drafted to serve his county during WWII. He spent 2 years in the Navy – Pacific Fleet/LST.  After his discharge, he went on to study electrical engineering and graduated from Temple University in 1949. After a short stay in the Philly area, Bob was called to serve his county a 2^nd time during the Korean conflict. He and his bride, the former Ferne Schweighofer, headed south and spent 2 years in Key West at the Key West Naval Station. While there Bob was assigned to an experimental destroyer escort ship in development for his special expertise in electrical/radar.  Being too hot and rainy for the couple, they were happy when his military obligation was fulfilled and they could eventually return to Honesdale.

Settling in Bethany, Bob and Ferne focused on building Bob’s business – Keesler Electric and spending time with their friends and family. Nothing was more fun for the couple than a filthy dirty Saturday night at the Beach Lake dirt track with the Cooks! Their family began to grow when they were blessed with children. Kathy arrived in 1962 and Rose Marie in 1967. Bob would spend the rest of his life loving and caring for his family. The simple things meant the most to him. Time with friends and family fishing in Ontario, readying the local snowmobile trails for the winter season, or helping someone in need of a great handyman.  He gave selflessly of his time and heart to anyone that was in need.

In the early 1970s, Bob put a bid in on a job that would change his future in the most amazing ways. He joined the Woodloch family heading up the maintenance department where he would remain as a faithful employee until he was 94! Known as “cigar Bob”, he became the go to man for all things that needed fixing!

Along the way, he developed an intense love of antique Oldsmobile cars. This love would take him and Ferne across the county showing off the numerous models he owned and enjoyed over the years. Nothing made him happier that a good car show with lots of “car chat”!  Bob was also an avid bowler, hunter and later in life played his fair share of golf. He was also very active in the American Legion, the DAV and the Central United Methodist Church.

In 1993, his family grew a little more with the birth of his one and only Granddaughter, Jessica. She quickly became the apple of his eye and the two of them were truly blessed to have 29 wonderful years together.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 75 years, Ferne, his daughters, Kathy and Rose Marie, his granddaughter Jessica, his son-in-law Dan Baron and the most wonderful loving extended family of nieces, nephews and their families that any man could hope to have.  In addition to his parents, he has now joined his loving sister Edith Campbell in eternal peace.

We wish to extend our deepest and sincere thanks to all of the wonderful caregivers that took such great care of Bob with a special thanks to Wayne Memorial Hospice for their kindness and compassion during this difficult time.

If you would like to honor Bob, please donate to the Dessin Animal Shelter or The Central United Methodist Church.

A long life rich with the simple things too numerous to mention gave Bob a life worth celebrating. Please join us on Saturday, January 28^th, 2023 for breakfast in the Bethany Methodist Church Hall from 9am – 11am to honor, celebrate and share wonderful memories of the Bob we all knew and loved so very much.

Arrangements by Hessling Murray Funeral Home, 428 Main St. Honesdale.