Gordon Robert Keyser

Bob was born in Grafton, WV, and was one of nine children. At age 17, he left home to enlist in the Navy, serving in the Korean War on the USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA 31), as an Electrician's Mate. After four years in the Navy, Bob returned home to West Virginia and settled in Morgantown, where he met Becky, the love of his life, with whom he shared 57 glorious years of marriage.

Throughout his life, Bob enjoyed hunting, boating, fishing, gardening (he always planted and tended two gardens each year), and creating beautiful furniture and crafts in his workshop. His love for the outdoors and working with his hands was something Bob passed down to his daughters and grandchildren. 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" by his grandchildren.

Bob’s favorite title was “Pappy”. After retirement, Bob and Becky moved to Virginia to be closer to their daughters and grandchildren, becoming Mimi and Pappy full-time. They embraced this new chapter, with “Mimi and Pappy’s house” becoming a favorite destination for making wonderful lifelong memories of countless sleepovers, mealtimes, playing games, and spending time with family. After Becky’s passing, Bob moved in with his daughter, Lori, son-in-law, John, and grandchildren, Emma and Luke. In no time at all, Bob became an honorary Pappy to all of their friends and extended family.

A man of unwavering faith and a heart for service, Bob was a founding father and church leader at Covenant Global Methodist Church, in Morgantown, WV. After moving to Virginia, he became an active member of Winn's Baptist Church in Ashland, VA, and later helped plant The Church on the Avenue in Richmond, VA. Bob’s heart for service was evident throughout his life. In addition to serving on Sundays and at various church events and missions projects, Bob could often be found at church, working on various electrical/construction projects, or helping wherever needed.

Bob was proceeded in death by his beloved wife, Dolores “Becky” (Sickles) Keyser; their daughter, Robin Bargerstock; his father and mother, 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); three grandchildren: Christian Lynn Duckworth (Lenny), Emma Grace Marcus-Askey (Sam), and Lucas Robert Marcus (Claire); three great-grandchildren; Jackson Duckworth, Jase Duckworth, and Heidi Askey; and his sister, Carol Manos (George).

Bob’s legacy of faith, love, and service to God and others touched many people in his life. He is deeply missed by his family and friends. A graveside service is planned for Friday, June 6 at 2pm, at the West Virginia National Cemetery, in Grafton, WV, with longtime friend and former pastor, Rev. Dr. Edward W Williamson, and Rev Nathan Williamson presiding. The service will be immediately followed by a celebration of Bob’s life at the Tygart Lake State Park Lodge. Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you. John 16:22.