Harry Keister

Harry C. Keister, 90, died Monday, November 06, 2017, at the WMHS Regional Medical Center.

The oldest of nine children, he was born to Harry E. and Elizabeth (Hamilton) Keister on June 26, 1927.  He was preceded in death by one brother, Robert Keister, formerly of Oldtown, and two sisters, Mary Keister Morgan and Doris Ann Keister Morgan, both formerly of Midlothian.

He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 67 years, Elaine, Romney.  He is also survived by his four children, Susan Keister and husband, Terry Williams, Cumberland, William “Bill” and wife Sandra, LaVale, Kevin, Romney, and Jeffery and wife Loretta, Romney.  He is also survived by his three grandchildren, Stacey Keister Shriner and husband, David, Frostburg, Nathan Keister and fiancé, Chantel, Bowling Green, and Elizabeth Keister, Romney and well as great grandson, Jacob Keister.

Survivors also include his siblings, Elaine Keister Resh and husband, Robert, Warren, OH, James and wife Gloria, Carlos, Rae and wife, Ora, Finzel, Janice Keister Vought, Midlothian and Neil and wife Nancy, Midlothian as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Harry left high school during World War II to enlist in the U.S. Army.  After an honorable discharge serving in occupied Japan, he returned to complete his senior year at Beall High School.  He later graduated from Catherman’s Business School and soon after procured a certificate in engineering.  He was retired from Potomac Edison/Allegany Power.

Prior to the birth of his first child, he was pitcher for many local baseball teams including those in Cumberland, Frostburg, Keyser’s Ridge and Klondike.  He served for several years as Quartermaster of the Romney VFW.  He was also a member of the American Legion.

A reserved and quiet man, Harry took pleasure in being with his family, especially his grandchildren, and sharing family time at the annual Keister reunion.  He had a love for the outdoors and only in the last years did he no longer hunt and fish.  He enjoyed his summer cottage on the South Branch River where he delighted in feeding the hummingbirds and watching bald eagles.  There he also planted gardens that were meticulously maintained producing a variety of crops.

He instilled in his children a love of the outdoors and nature, a strong work ethic and pride and respect for the country he served.

Family and friends will be received at Durst Funeral Home, 57 Frost Ave, Frostburg, on Wednesday, November 8, 2017, from 2-4 and 7-9 pm.

Funeral services will be held at Trinity Assembly of God, Old Midlothian Road SW, Midlothian, MD, 21543, on Thursday, November 9, 2017, at 1 pm with Rev. Rob Culler and Rev. James Mou officiating . Interment will follow in Frostburg Memorial Park. Military honors will be accorded by American Legion Farrady Post 24.

Serving as pallbearers are his grandson Nathan Keister and nephews Darrell Keister, Scott Keister, Mark Morgan, Thomas Morgan and Brian Vought.