5 days ago
Gordon Robert Keyser
Gordon Robert 'Bob' Keyser, 91, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus Saturday, January 25, 2025, following a brief illness.
Born in Grafton, Bob was one of nine children.
At 17, he joined the U.S. Navy and served honorably during the Korean War aboard the USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31) as an Electrician's Mate.
After his service, he returned to West Virginia to continue his craft as an electrician and settled in Morgantown, where he met and married Dolores 'Becky' Sickles, his beloved wife of 57 years.
Bob was known for his deep love of family, strong faith, and heart for service. He enjoyed the outdoors, woodworking and gardening.
Although he didn't spend much time in the kitchen, Bob loved making buckwheat cakes for friends and family, earning him the title 'King of the Buckwheat Cakes' from his grandchildren.
His most treasured role was 'Pappy.' After retirement, Bob and Becky moved to Virginia to be near their daughters and grandchildren.
'Mimi and Pappy's house' became a place of joy and togetherness.
After Becky's passing, Bob lived with his daughter, Lori and her family, quickly becoming a cherished presence in their lives and an honorary 'Pappy' to their friends.
A man of unwavering faith, Bob was a founding member of Covenant Global Methodist Church in Morgantown.
In Virginia, he was active in Winn's Baptist Church and later helped plant The Church on the Avenue in Richmond, where he continued to serve with his hands and heart. In addition to serving on Sundays and at various church events and mission projects, Bob could often be found at church working on electrical and construction tasks, or helping wherever needed.
Bob was preceded in death by his treasured wife, Becky; daughter, Robin Bargerstock; parents, Gordon and Susie Nestor Keyser; and seven siblings, Vivan Keyser, Shirley Keyser, Roscoe Lorn Keyser, Rosalee Benfante, Kathleen Amodio, Mary Kann, and Edith Castro.
He is survived by his daughter, Lori Keyser-Marcus (John); grandchildren, Christian Bargerstock-Duckworth (Lenny), Emma Marcus-Askey (Sam), and Lucas Marcus (Claire); greatgrandchildren, Jackson Duckworth, Jase Duckworth, and Heidi Askey; and his sister, Carol Manos (George).
Bob's legacy of love, faith, and service lives on in the many lives he touched.
A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, June 6, at West Virginia National Cemetery in Grafton, with longtime friend and former pastor, the Rev. Dr. Edward W. Williamson, and the Rev. Nathan Williamson presiding. The service will be immediately followed by a celebration of Bob's life at Tygart Lake State Park Lodge, in Grafton.
