GERALD KELLER

SPENCERVILLE — Gerald D. "Watermelon" Keller, 78, died at 1:10 a.m. Sept. 28, 2014, at his residence, following an extended illness, with his family at his side.

He was born Jan. 24, 1936, in Spencer Township to William L. "Bill" and Ruth M. Hance Keller, who preceded him in death. On May 25, 1957, he married Georgia Mae "Peaches" Wisher, who survives.

Mr. Keller was a 1954 graduate of Spencerville High School. He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Spencerville. He had been a Spencer Township trustee for the last 12 years, where he had also previously served as zoning inspector. He had been a member of Acadia Lodge Post 306, Free and Accepted Masons. He was active with the Spencerville FFA, having earned the Ohio State Farmers Degree in high school. He had been very active in the Spencerville Dumpbusters and enjoyed Spencerville Bearcat sports. He had loved camping since 1969. He was a farmer and had worked at the former Superior Coach/Sheller Globe Corp. in Lima for 28 years. He owned and operated G and G Keller Stone Hauling and had formerly worked at Flex Foam Products and Suever Stone Co. G and G Stone Hauling and his farming will continue with his loving family.

Survivors also include four sons, Ricky W. (Kathy) Keller, of Spencerville, Ronald D. Keller, of Galloway, Mark E. (Lisa Brown) Keller, of Spencerville, and Michael A. (Jodi) Keller, of Williamsburg; 10 grandchildren, Shelly (Matt) Elling, of Spencerville, Brandon (Sarah) Fullenkamp, of Hillsboro, Haley Keller, of Traverse City, Michigan, Hanna Keller, of Spencerville, Estella Keller, of Williamsburg, Cory Richardson, of Delaware, Jeff Richardson, of Delaware, Kayla Brooks, of Spencerville, Jared Brooks, of Spencerville, and Jordan Brown, of Spencerville; two great-grandchildren, Cade and Leah Elling; four siblings, Stanley (Ida Kay) Keller, of Spencerville, Dennis "Doc" Keller, of Spencerville, Luella (Bill) French, of Spencerville, and Linda (Don) Regula, of Wapakoneta; in-laws Don (Martha Tullis) Wisher, of Sylvania, and Gerald (Goldie) Wisher, of Spencerville; and several nieces and nephews.

He was proceeded in death by a brother, John Keller; and a daughter-in-law, Brenda K. Brooks.

Services will begin at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Trinity United Methodist Church in Spencerville. The Rev. David W. Howell, the Rev. John G. Medaugh and the Rev. Justin M. Fuhrmann will officiate. Burial will be in Spencerville Cemetery.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and 2 to 8 p.m.Thursday at Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home in Spencerville, and from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Friday at the church.

Contributions may be made to the Spencerville Bearcat Athletic Boosters for the new strength and training building.

Condolences may be sent to tbayliff@woh.rr.com.