John Keister

John was born November 28, 1949 in Celina, Ohio, to Kenton and Winifred (Morrow) Keister. He married the love of his life, Barb Hoban, on March 16, 1984, and they spent the next 37 years together walking beaches, hiking mountains, and watching their children grow into kind-hearted adults. Always brilliant with numbers, John started his own company, KKSG and Associates, with three longtime friends in 1999, where he thrived as Vice President of Finance and Administration, fulfilling a dream of building a company of which he was truly proud.

John took great pride in his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Barb; his children, Kent(Anna), Kyle, Michael, and KK; brothers, David (Sue), Kevin (Nancy); brother-in-law, Eldon (April) Brinkman; and many nieces, nephews, and other extended family. He delighted in being Papa to his granddaughter, Quinn. John was preceded in death by his parents, Winifred and Kenton Keister, and his sister, Judy. John will be greatly missed by family, friends, and all who loved him.

John was known for his quiet, gentle demeanor and quick, dry sense of humor. He held a steadfast loyalty to the Browns and Buckeyes through thick and thin. John was a man who truly appreciated the simple pleasures of life -- enjoying happy hour with friends, sitting outside

enjoying the scenery wherever he was, boating and fishing on Lake Erie, listening to local live music in Ohio and Florida, and just enjoying everyday life. John and Barb enjoyed their travels in recent years, especially spending multiple weeks in Treasure Island, Florida every winter and going on hiking trips. They called themselves "setting people" and truly enjoyed basking in nature's marvels whether it was on a beautiful beach, outside their Vermilion lake house on Lake Erie, or hiking in the woods, near and far.

The family is planning a private service and there will be no visitation. John's remains will be scattered at sea on his favorite place, Lake Erie, sometime in summer, 2021. John bravely and successfully fought Primary CNS Lymphoma during the past year and our family is appreciative of the excellent care he received at The James. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John's name to The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute at https://cancer.osu.edu/for-donors-and-volunteers