Frederick Lee Keesling

Middletown...Frederick Lee ""Tony"" Keesling, 82, resident of Middletown, passed away early Wednesday morning at St. Vincent Hospice in Indianapolis.He was born in Markleville, March 26, 1925, the son of Russell and Ruth Williams Keesling.He was a 1942 graduate of Markleville High School and was self employed most of his life as an auto mechanic at Keesling and Sons Service in Mechanicsburg.He was a US Navy veteran of WW 2 serving as a 2nd class petty officer aviation machinist mate.He taught Motor mechanics at Shenandoah High School for many years and was a 50 year member of the Mechanicsburg Masonic Lodge.He was a member and Lay Leader for the Mechanicsburg United Methodist Church and taught Sunday School and was on the church board.He had been a scout leader and also attended the Middletown church of the Nazarene.He was preceded in death by his first wife: Lola May Keesling in 1965 and his second wife: Lela Eileen Keesling in 2001.He was a direct descendant of the 5 Keesling brothers who settled Mechanicsburg in 1854,He gave generously with a sense of humor and in service to his Lord and Savior.Survivors include his children: Sheila (Larry) Cole of Cadiz, Dean (Shirley) Keesling of Clyde, OH, Pamala Jeanne (Sam) Kantner of Alexandria, IN, Kathleen Keesling of Indianapolis and Lee (Mary) Keesling of New Castle and 9 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren, 1 brother: Joseph Keesling of Pendleton and 3 sisters: Helen Craig of Markleville, Mabel Reedy of Middletown and Nora Harris of Anderson, several nieces and nephews.Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 10:00 am at Ballard and Sons Funeral Home, 118 South 5th, Middletown.Burial will follow in Mechanicsburg Cemetery.Friends may call on Friday at the funeral home from 4-8 PM.Online Guestbook at: www.ballardandsons.comSpecial thanks to: Bruce and Kathy Sutton and Stacey Phipps Stucker.