Robert Edward Bob Keiling

Robert “Bob” Edward Keiling, 83, of Beckley, passed away Saturday, September 11, 2010 at Raleigh General Hospital. Born May 12, 1927 in Gary, WV, he was the son of the late Ernest and Elizabeth Nameth Keiling. After completing high school he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was a veteran of WW II. After his service in the Navy Bob and his brother Francis graduated from NC State University with degrees in Forest Management. Bob worked as a forester for J.P. Hamer Lumber Co for 27 years and retired in 1980. Following his retirement he started a forestry consulting business and was also employed by Beaver Coal Co.. He was a member of the WV Forestry Association, member emeritus of the Society of American Foresters. Bob was inducted into the West Virginia Agriculture and Forestry Hall of Fame. He was a member of the Flat Top Lake Association, a long time Weblo scout leader, attended St. Francis deSales Catholic Church and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. . Bob was an avid fisherman and claimed to have won the last dollar on his fishing bets with his good buddy Dr. Fox.
Survivors include his wife, Ruby Bennett Keiling, sons; Robert Gregory Keiling of Beckley and Brian Stephen Keiling and wife Lisa of Beaver, grandchildren; Gregory Eugene Keiling, Ashley Nicole Reynolds, William Edward Keiling and Jessica Brianne Keiling, great-granddaughter, Baylee Renae Reynolds, special nephew, John Arthur Campbell and wife Pat of St. Louis, MO and special friends and fishing buddy, Dr. and Mrs. Lewis N. Fox.
A funeral liturgy will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, September 16, 2010 at St. Francis deSales Catholic Church with Father Joshua Stevens officiating. A rite of committal will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. Friends may call at the Calfee Funeral Home from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Wednesday where a rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m.
Pallbearers will be, Greg Keiling, Brian Keiling, Frank Cline, Gregory Keiling, Mike Field and Bobby Keiling.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to Bowers Hospice House, 454 Cranberry Dr, Beckley, WV 25801.
On line condolences may be left at www.calfeefh.com.
Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.