Keith "Buckeye Keith" Kistler

Keith Judson Kistler "Buckeye Keith”, age 74 of Lancaster, Ohio passed away on Sunday, October 15, 2017 at Crestview Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation center. Keith was born May 27, 1943 in Lancaster to Judson Carnes Kistler and Jane Leitnaker Kistler. He was a lifelong resident of Lancaster. He graduated from Lancaster High School in 1961 where he was the band’s drum major. He attended Ohio Wesleyan for two years.

Keith was a 1966 Ohio State Graduate where he excelled in the classroom and as a member of many OSU organizations. Keith was a cheerleader, President of his fraternity (Sigma Phi Epsilon), head of various homecoming and student union committees, and a member of the honorary Bucket and Dipper. He was also linked into Sphinx and he was named one of the top ten seniors.

Perhaps Keith’s most memorable contribution to OSU was his role in the formulation of “Brutus.” He saw the need for a Buckeye Team Mascot and along with the OSU Cheerleading squad; a committee was formed, eventually choosing a “Buckeye Nut.” The Lantern ran a naming contest and Kerry Reed won the contest with the name “Brutus.” Keith remained an avid Buckeye fan, remembering his years at OSU as “Heaven on Earth.”

Keith began his career as a realtor in 1972 with the establishment of Kistler Realty at 1400 East Main Street. He was voted Ohio Realtor of the year in 1985 and was a member of the Ohio Association of Realtors. He was a member of the National Association for Equal Housing. He served District 8 and District 6 as Vice President in 1985-86 and 1981-82 respectively. Keith served the Lancaster community in various capacities. He served as a United Way volunteer for 10 years and as a UW trustee for five years. He served 3 years on the Community Resource Board for Equal Housing in Fairfield County. In 1980, Keith was the city chairman for the Heart Campaign. He served on the city council, was involved in the local Republican politics and active in the Fairfield County Heritage Association.

During the spring of 2000, a mutual friend introduced Keith to Opal Hatlestad. That introduction marked the beginning of a love story that culminated with the first wedding performed in the OSU Shoe. “Opal Love” and Keith were married at OSU Stadium on October 19, 2002 on Sweetest Day.

His loving wife, Opal; sister, Karen (David) Billman of Hilliard, Ohio, niece, Sarah (Matt) Backiewicz and their children, Zachary, Brendan and Mary and nephew, Matt (Shannon) Billman and their children, Luke and Sam all of Upper Arlington, Ohio. Keith was preceded in death by his parents.

Caring Cremation® has taken place by the FRANK E. SMITH FUNERAL HOME, 405 N. COLUMBUS ST., LANCASTER, OHIO 43130.

Memorial gifts may be given to the First United Methodist Church in his memory.

To send an online condolence, and sign the guest book, please visit www.funeralhome.com.

Visitation

Sunday May 27, 2018 , 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM at First United Methodist Church

Celebration of Life

Sunday May 27, 2018 , 3:00 PM at First United Methodist Church