William (Bill) Edward Kiser

William (Bill) Edward Kiser,70, of Albany, OH passed away Monday December 12th, 2022. He passed peacefully in his home surrounded by his wife and children. He was born on April 16th 1952 in Oak Hill, Ohio. He graduated from Southwestern High School in Gallia County. After his time in the United States Army, he earned his BA from Rio Grande College in 1976. He received his Master’s of Education from Ohio University in 1981.

He is survived by his wife, Caryl (Guinther) Kiser. They met on a blind date arranged by his aunts in 1973. They were married on January 24th, 1976. He has two children, VanNessa (Kiser) Voreh, husband Steve Voreh of Gallipolis, Ohio and Patrick Sean Kiser, wife Shannon Kiser, of Athens, Ohio. He is also survived by his five grandchildren Jonathan, Amanda, Christopher Elliott and Liam and Madden Kiser and nine great grandchildren. Bill is also survived by his five sisters: Joan Eggleton, Barbra Kemper, Roberta Shriver, Karen Gilliland and Pam Stover.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Rita Kiser of Patriot, Ohio and William and Blanche Kiser of Gallia, Ohio.

He was drafted into the United States Army in November 1971 and proudly served until August 1973. He was a life member of the Albany Ohio VFW, American Legion Post 0687 in Berwyn, IL. He was a past Grand Master of the Illinois Masonic fraternity of the Ancient and Free Accepted Masons of Illinois; The AZURE GRANGE Lodge 0770 of Western Springs, IL. He is an honorary member of the Illinois chapter of Demolay, was administrator of the Illinois Masonic Children’s Home in LaGrange, IL. Prior to moving to Chicago, IL where he lived for over 30 years, he was the director of the Children’s Residential Treatment Program (CRTP) through the Gallia County Mental Health Center. He was also the director of the crisis line through the Gallia County Mental Health Center.

After returning home from the service and meeting his wife he expressed his desire to work with children. He moved with his wife and son to Chicago to work at the Illinois Masonic Children’s Home in 1986, where he realized his dream of helping children and also building a children’s home in southern Illinois. Upon retirement, he and his wife moved back to Ohio to assist their son, Sean, in the opening of Kiser’s Barbeque and Eclipse Company Store.

Bill requested to be cremated and have his ashes buried at the family farm he was born on in Gallia, Ohio. In keeping with his love of helping children, he requests that in lieu of flowers sent to the family that a donation in his name be made to the Athens County Children Services Peanut Butter and Jelly Project (740-592-3061) or the Gallia County Children Services (740 446-3222). Bigony-Jordan Funeral assisted the family with arrangements. you may sign his register at www.bigonyjordanfuneralhome.com

Bill was a great person that touched the lives of many throughout SE Ohio and the greater Chicago-land area. He was an avid Kentucky Wildcats fan, Cincinnati Reds fan (sell the team Bob!), Harley rider, friend, loving husband, the #1 dad, a grandfather, a great-grandfather, father-in-law, uncle, brother, cousin, son and so much more. All those that knew him, loved him, have stories to tell about him and we will all miss him.

One of the last music events held at Eclipse Company Store while he and his son owned it was a Led Zeppelin cover band. He not only had fun with the music, but also with the memories of his youth when the time was loose and full of fast cars. We will all miss you Bill, Dad, Grandpa and Old Friend…we understand:

“It’s time I was on my way Thanks to you I’m much obliged, for such a pleasant stay

But now it’s time for me to go …

Ah, sometimes I grow so tired, But I know I’ve got one thing I got to do

Ramble on”

Led Zeppelin-Ramble On

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