Robert "Bob" Arthur Kiester, 85, of St. Marys, (Grape Island), died at the home of his daughter, Renee, following a battle with cancer.
Bob, born at Grape Island, was the son of the late Arthur and Mabel Steere Kiester. He graduated from St. Marys High School in 1945. Following high school Bob enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving on the USS Mount McKinley, which participated in the testing for the atomic bomb. After the war, he worked at American Cyanamid and Consolidated Aluminum (Ormet). Bob was a member of Dewey Avenue Church of Christ, serving as a songleader for 63 years. He enjoyed playing the baritone in the St. Marys Community Band. His favorite Friday night activity was going to sings held at different churches of Christ throughout the Mid-Ohio Valley.
He is survived by his wife of over 63 years, Colleen; one daughter, Renee (John) Buckley Rockhold; two grandsons, Kane Kiester and Alex Buckley; one sister, Ruth (Phil) Bayer; brother-in-law, Maurice (Barbara) Smith; and sister-in-law, Barbara (Jim) Cox. Preceding him in death, besides his parents, is his son, Rodney Kiester; son-in-law, Marvin Buckley; and a niece, Crista Eldredge.
Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Friday at Dewey Avenue Church of Christ, 701 Dewey Ave., St. Marys, WV 26170. Burial to follow at I.O.O.F. Cemetery in St. Marys. Visitation is 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Thursday at the Dewey Avenue church building and one hour prior to the service on Friday.
Kimes Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements; condolences may be forwarded to the family by visiting www.kimesfh.com
