ONTARIO: He heard the angels singing, then someone called his name, he turned and saw a young man – smiling as he came – “friend you may not know me, but wait, you used to drive my Church Bus, when I was only eight. Thank you, for giving to the Lord, I am a life that was a changed.” Don Keiter gave to the Lord’s work in practical, soul-winning, ways.
The Lord called Don home Christmas morning, December 25, 2020 from his Ontario home. He was 82.
Born January 31, 1938 in Bucyrus to Joseph D. and Gladys (Looker) Keiter, he was honorably discharged from the US Navy in 1955. Don trained as a machinist on the screw machines at North Electric in Galion. He worked at The Ohio Brass and retired in 2001 from Therm-O-Disc.
For over 30 years Don was a member of Community Baptist Bible Church, where he drove the church bus – collecting hundreds of precious area children – many who came to know the Lord through the bus ministry. And he was active in the church’s Thursday night visitation program and served as youth counselor with the church camp. Remembered as a “soul-winner” Don’s feet hit the ground running for the Lord. More recently he was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Shelby.
Don leaves a legacy of unwavering love for his wife Lois. Solid and dependable for his family, Don was the family chauffer for trips to Amish country, always dispensed Wintergreen Lifesavers or DumDum suckers, and made the best popcorn. He will be remembered for his sense of humor.
He is survived by his wife Lois (Ramey) Keiter, whom he married May 26, 1972; his daughter Jennifer (David) McWhorter of Ontario, stepson Bobby (Barb) Neal of Mansfield, his daughter Karol Webb of Mansfield; grandchildren Timothy McWhorter and Alex McWhorter of Ontario, Amanda Carpenter of Shelby, David (Tara) Moyer of Mansfield, and Andrea (Zack) Alleshouse of Lexington; great grandchildren Keirstyn Carpenter, Allaura Carpenter, Nash Alleshouse, Nixon Alleshouse, Shawn Gillium, Brice Gillium, Dawsen Morgan, and Micah Gillium; along with great great grandchildren; nieces, nephews; and dear friends including Don and Wilma McKinny and Stew Smith.
He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son Timothy Keiter; his brothers Charles, Kenneth, Russell, Calvin and Ralph; and sisters, Eleanor, Peggy and Carol.
The Keiter family will receive friends Tuesday, December 29, 2020 from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Marion Avenue Snyder Funeral, 350 Marion Avenue, where his funeral service will be held Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. Pastor Steven L. Schag will officiate. Burial will follow in Ontario Community Cemetery. Face coverings are requested, and wait times may be increased as building occupancy may be limited for social distancing.
Contributions in his memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Wounded Warrior may be made at the funeral home.
The family acknowledges the compassionate care they received from Avita Hospice, with special thanks to Tara and Celeste.
Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve the Keiter family. Share a message of support with them online at: https://www.snyderfuneralhomes.com/obituary/donald-lloyd-keiter/.
