Gerald D. "Watermelon" Keller, 78, rural Spencerville, died at 1:10 a.m. Sept. 28, 2014, at his residence with his family by his side following an extended illness.

He was born Jan. 24, 1936, in Spencer Township, Allen County, to William L. "Bill" and Ruth M. Hance Keller. On May 25, 1957, he married Georgia Mae "Peaches" Wisher, who survives.

Also surviving are four sons, Ricky W. (Kathy) Keller, Spencerville, Ronald D. Keller, Galloway, Mark E. (Lisa Brown) Keller, Spencerville, and Michael A. (Jodi) Keller, Williamsburg, 10 grandchildren, Shelly (Matt) Elling, Spencerville, Brandon (Sarah) Fullenkamp, Hillsboro, Haley Keller, Traverse City, Mich., Hanna Keller, Spencerville, Estella Keller, Williamsburg, Cory and Jeff Richardson, Delaware, Kayla and Jared Brooks, Spencerville, and Jordan Brown, Spencerville; two great-grandchildren, Cade and Leah Elling; four siblings, Stanley (Ida Kay) Keller, Dennis "Doc" Keller and Luella (Bill) French, all of Spencerville, and Linda (Don) Regula, Wapakoneta; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Don (Martha Tullis) Wisher, Sylvania, and Gerald (Goldie) Wisher, Spencerville; and several nieces and nephews.

Deceased are a brother, John Keller; and a sister-in-law, Brenda K. Brooks.

He was a 1954 graduate of Spencerville High School and was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Spencerville. He was a Spencerville Township Trustee for 12 years and had also served as a zoning inspector. He was a member of Acadia Lodge No. 306, Free and Accepted Masons. He was active in the Spencerville FFA, having earned his Ohio State Farmers Degree in high school.

He had been very active with the Spencerville "Dumpbusters," enjoyed Spencerville Bearcat sports and loved camping since 1969. He was a farmer and had worked at the former Superior Coach/Sheller Globe Corp., Lima, for 28 years. He owned and operated G&G Keller-Stone Hauling and had formerly worked at Flex Foam Products and Suever Stone Co. G&G Keller-Stone Hauling and his farming will continue by his loving family.

Services are 10:30 a.m. Friday at Trinity United Methodist Church, Spencerville, the Revs. David W. Howell, John G. Medaugh and Justin M. Fuhrmann officiating. Burial will follow at Spencerville Cemetery.

Calling is 5-8 p.m. Wednesday and 2-8 p.m. Thursday at Thomas E. Bayliff Funeral Home, Spencerville, and 9:30-10:30 a.m. Friday at the church.

Memorials may be given to Spencerville Bearcat Athletic Boosters for the new strength and training building.

Condolences may be left at www.tbayliff@woh.rr.com.