Harold Vernon "Mike" Keckley

Harold Vernon "Mike" Keckley, 96, of Hebron, OH, passed peacefully on Saturday, October 18th, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Utica, Ohio, on February 4th, 1929, to the late Harry Leslie Keckley and May Lilly Keckley. Mike lived an extraordinary life marked by dedication to his faith, family, friends and community.

A proud veteran, Mike served his country honorably in the United States Army during the Korean War. Following his military service, he devoted 39 years as a diligent inspector for Rockwell International. His work ethic and precision earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues throughout his long tenure.

He was married to the love his life, Barbara "Bobbie" Kay (Stimmel) on September 21, 1958. Lovingly spending 55 years together, until her death.

Beyond his professional and military contributions, Mike was a vibrant member of his community. For 18 years, he was the oldest living and esteemed member of the Hebron Masonic Lodge #116. His community involvement extended to being a Shriner, past President of the Lakewood Athletic Boosters and an OSU Buckeye Booster. With his unwavering support for the arts, he held season tickets for over 45 years at the Weathervane Playhouse in Newark and was an enthusiastic arts patron.

Mike cherished his time with the Tri-County Square Dancing Club and gathered regularly with his "Liars" at the Hebron morning coffee club. His winters were spent joyfully in Fort Myers, Florida, where he embraced the warmth of community living at the Martinique Condominiums for 33 years.

Revered as the "Card Shark," Mike enjoyed endless games of Euchre, relished in cultivating his rose garden, reading and indulged his passions for Ohio State Buckeye Athletics.

Mike is survived by his devoted children, Kris (Lori) Keckley and Shonda (Tim) Cline; his cherished grandchildren, Danielle (Clemmie), Tyler (Amy), Tanner (Abby), Kaylynn, Ryan, Trevor, Emily, and Olivia; his beloved great-grandchildren, McKennon, Hadley, Alivia, Trea, and a future great-grandchild due in February. He is also survived by his loving brother, Harvey (Jo) Keckley. He was predeceased by his wife; his son Brad; and siblings Edna White, Faye Carpenter, Harry Keckley, Dwight Keckley, Hazel Harvey, and Ruth Elliott.

Ever loyal to the "Buckeyes," friends and family are requested to honor his memory by wearing scarlet and gray.

Visitation will take place at Hoskinson Funeral and Cremation Service in Kirkersville, OH, on Thursday, October 23rd, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, where a Masonic service will be held at 8:00 pm; and on Friday, October 24th, 2025, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Millersport United Methodist Church in Millersport, OH. A funeral service will be held on Friday, October 24th, at 11:00 am. Burial will follow in Kirkersville Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Mike's memory to Honor Flight Columbus, 2233 N. Bank Dr., Columbus, Ohio 43220, to honor his and others' courageous service.

The Kirkersville chapel of Hoskinson Funeral and Cremation Service is honored to care for Mike and his family during this difficult time. His legacy of love, service, and community involvement will forever live in the hearts of those he touched.