Robert J. Kyser

Robert J. Kyser, age 92, of Bryan, Ohio, died at 3:10 A.M. on Wednesday, December 30, 2009, at Fountain Park and Villas in Bryan after a brief illness. Mr. Kyser was a longtime employee of the Williams County Courthouse as a licensed boiler operator, missing only one day in thirty-five years. He was an active member of the Lick Creek Church of the Brethren, where he was famous for his apple butter and mashed potatoes at the church socials. He also was a longtime member of the Williams County Election Board and was a Republican Central Committeeman. He spent many winters in Florida, where he became an avid golfer and skilled dartball player. Most of all he enjoyed fishing with family. Robert J. Kyser was born on November 16, 1917, in Bryan, the son of Oscar and Millie (Killian) Kyser. He and Clara Etta Seslar were the first couple married in the Lick Church of the Brethren in Bryan on November 25, 1937, and she preceded him in death on January 3, 1990. He then married Mary “Betty” Laub at the Lick Creek Church of the Brethren on December 22, 1990, and she survives. Surviving in addition to his wife are his children, Robert (Frieda) Kyser, of Cape Coral, Florida, Lee (Peggy) Kyser, of Roswell, New Mexico, Karen Tyner, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Paul (Barb) Kyser, of Bryan, sixteen grandchildren, twenty-two great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren and a son-in-law, John “Bill” Hardman, of Bryan. He is also survived by two stepchildren, Ken (Kathy) Laub, of Archbold, Ohio, and Jill (Lewis) Stough, of Pioneer, Ohio, a stepdaughter-in-law, Joyce Laub, of Montpelier, Ohio, eight stepgrandchildren, twenty stepgreat-grandchildren and a brother, Dale Kyser, of Pleasant Hill, Ohio. He was also preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Alice Hardman, one son-in-law, Robert Hilton, one stepson, Larry Laub, one brother, Roy Kyser, two sisters, Edith Ewers and Bessie Kyser, and an infant sister, Zella Kyser. Visitation for Robert J. Kyser will be on Thursday, December 31, 2009, from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M. in the Krill Funeral Home, 860 West Mulberry Street, Bryan. Services will be held on Friday, January 1, 2010, at 11:00 A.M. in the Lick Creek Church of the Brethren in Bryan, with Reverend Eric G. Wetzel officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service, beginning at 10:00 A.M., in the church. Interment will be in Brown Cemetery near Bryan, Ohio. Memorials in the name of Robert J. Kyser may be given to the Lick Creek Church of the Brethren.