Keith Keister Sr.

LTC Keith R. "Pops" Keister, Sr. USA (Ret.), 86, of Colonial Heights, passed away Tuesday, September 23, 2014, at John Randolph Medical Center. Born January 19, 1928 in Romney, West Virginia, he was the son of the late Roy and Kathleen Keister. He married his high school sweetheart, Edith "Hazel" Wyand Keister, who preceded him in death after 57 years of marriage. He retired from the US Army with over 20 years of service, earning the Legion of Merit Medal for Exceptional Meritorious Conduct in the performance of outstanding service and achievement. Following his military career, he joined the Virginia Department of Emergency Services, retiring after 17 years as Deputy Director. He was a graduate of the University of Maryland. He was a loyal member to the First United Methodist Church in Hopewell. "Pops" enjoyed fishing, golfing and listening to his extensive collection of CDs while sitting in his rocking chair. Surviving are his two beloved sons, Keith (Reggie) Keister, Jr. and wife, Laurie of Orlando, Florida and Gerald (Jerry) Keister and wife, Rebecca (Becky) of Owens Cross Roads, Alabama; three granddaughters, Jessica Wellington, Sarah Carr, and Elizabeth Keister; and four great granddaughters, Courtney Wellington, Hannah, Isabella and Olivia Carr. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 25, 2014 at First United Methodist Church, 502 West Broadway Avenue, Hopewell with the Reverend Chris Andress officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to First United Methodist Church, 502 West Broadway Avenue, Hopewell, Virginia 23860 or Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675. Arrangements were handled by the Colonial Heights Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes and Crematory, 2033 Boulevard. Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.