Bill O. Keck

Bill O. Keck, age 81, passed away on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, at his home in Celina.

He was born August 4, 1941, in Tazewell, Tennessee, to the late Buford A. and Cecil (Evans) Keck.

Bill and Thelma “June” Gilbert were married on April 5, 1965, and she preceded him in death September 5, 2015. 

He is survived by their children: Angie (Randy) Dixon of Cincinnati, Lisa Keck of Fairborn, and Steve (Kelly) Keck of Coldwater, as well as five grandchildren: Cory Seibert, Shaun Seibert, Gavin Keck, Caleb Keck, and Libby Keck, and eight great-grandchildren.

Also surviving are twelve brothers and sisters: Cleo Ford, Reba Cardwell, Bob (June) Keck, Carl (Shirley) Keck, Ruth (Brownlow) Sweet, Diane (T.C.) Russell, Ray (Terrie) Keck, Brenda Sue (Rev. Larry) Bull, Darel Keck, and Rick Keck - all of New Tazewell, Tennessee, Wayne (Susan) Keck of Barbourville, Tennessee, and Willard Keck of Knoxville, Tennessee, along with June’s brothers and sisters: Edward (Mary) Gilbert, Rita Hagaman, Anita Gilbert (Mike Donthnier), Brenda (Dave) Gingerich, and Roger Gilbert, all of Celina, and a sister-in-law, Sharon Gilbert of St. Marys.

Preceding him in death were an infant sister, Cindy Keck, June’s parents: John and Thelma (Green) Gilbert, her brothers and sisters: Gene (Vivian) Gilbert, Nancy (Thomas) Temple, Jim Gilbert, Peggy Gilbert, and Billy Gilbert, and a brother-in-law, Karl Hagaman.

Bill retired from New Idea in Coldwater after 30+ years of service, and also worked in construction with his son, Steve.  

An avid gardener, Bill was known as the "Vegetable Man" on Sycamore Street, where he sold the fruits of his labor.  

He was raised in the Baptist Faith.  Bill enjoyed woodworking, and had made many furniture items.

Most of all, Bill enjoyed time spent with his family and grandchildren.   

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 24, at W.H. Dick & Sons-Hellwarth Funeral Home in Celina, with Ronnie Hagaman, officiating.

Burial will follow at Neptune Cemetery, in Center Township.

Calling Hours are 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., Sunday, July 23, and 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Monday, at the Funeral Home.

Memorial Contributions may be made to The Cancer Association of Mercer County. 

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