John Keller Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Bayliff & Son Funeral Home, Inc. - Cridersville on Sep. 29, 2026.

John Woodrow Keller, age 54, passed away peacefully surrounded by love on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at St. Rita's Medical Center. Born on February 10, 1972, in Lima, Ohio, he was the son of the late John Raymond and Zelma Ruth (Mullenhour) Keller. On June 18, 1994, John married the absolute love of his life, Valera (Tigner) Keller. Together, they built a life beautiful enough to last a lifetime, and she survives him in Lima.

 

John graduated from Lima Senior High School in 1990 and proudly went on to serve his country in the U.S. Army. Back home, he brought his warm smile and quick wit to Carr Supply, where he worked as an inside salesperson, and he was a faithful member of St. Rose Catholic Church.

 

To know John was to know a man of immense passion, laughter, and community spirit. For over 25 years, he was a driving force and a familiar, welcoming face at the Amil Tellers-Encore Theater, where he served as a former president and a dedicated member of the Board of Trustees. His love for life was contagious, but nothing made him shine brighter than his family. He loved them with everything he had. He was the ultimate cheerleader for his pride and joy, Nicholas, never missing a moment to support him. John also brought his energy to the soccer field, happily assisting as a coach for the Lima Central Catholic (LCC) varsity soccer team.

 

When he wasn't shouting at the TV cheering on his beloved Ohio State Buckeyes or the Pittsburgh Steelers, John was mastering his favorite and most rewarding role: being a human jungle gym for his sweet grandbabies, who brought him endless joy.

 

Survivors include his son Nicholas A. (Courtlyn) Keller of South Point, Ohio; an adopted daughter for life, Kendra (Brandon) Peters of Ironton, Ohio; 3 grandchildren Piper, Genevieve and Emberly; a brother James R. (George Byrd) Keller; a sister Melissa (Jodi Brincefield) Keller; step brother Zane Ditto; step sister Robin (Jeff) McElroy; brother in law Jeff George; brothers and sisters in law Daniel (Jacque) McNeal, David (Sue) McNeal, Douglas (Margie) McNeal, Judie (Mario) Tata, Sally (Don) Goodman, and Brenda (Eric) Harper; a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and a great great nephew; his furry little friend Zippy; special friends David (Teresa) Geiger, Stacee (Bill) Johnson, Kris (Kati) Brewer, and Erin (Chase) Falke.

 

He is preceded in death by his sister Cindy Keller George; stepmother Barbara Keller; in-laws Bob and Kay Tigner.

 

Family, friends, and anyone whose life was touched by John's bright spirit are invited to gather, share stories, and support one another from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at the Encore Theater (991 North Shore Drive, Lima, Ohio 45801). A celebration of his life will begin at 4:00 p.m., with military rites to follow, honoring a life beautifully and fully lived.

 

Memorial contributions can be made to the family in lieu of flowers.