On Saturday, November 3, 2012, a Falls Church, VA resident since 1966, passed away at his home. Husband of Carol M. Keister for 52 years; father of Michael T. Keister (Laura Ferguson) and Stephan A. Keister (Wendy Walker); grandfather of Nicholas A., Ian W., Alyssa J. and Melanie C. Keister. Merle was born June 7, 1931 in Christiansburg, VA and grew up in Radford, VA. He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1949-1952 and graduated from Virginia Tech in 1957. He also worked for AT&T and Alcatel Lucent in government communications from 1957-1989. A prayer service will be held at MURPHY FALLS CHURCH FUNERAL HOME, 1102 W. Broad St. (Rt.7) on Wednesday, November 14 at 12:00pm. Interment Quantico National Cemetery at a later date.
