Note: If a family member would like to create a memorial I will delete this one.


Ray E. Keck, age 91 died February 17, 2016 at his residence.

He was born June 20, 1924 in Paulding the son of the late Orvel and Florence (Manson) Keck. On June 19, 1948 he married Carrie G. Tinlin who preceded him in death on October 16, 2002. He was employed by Paulding-Putnam Electric Cooperative retiring in 1986 and a US Army WWII veteran. He was a member of Paulding United Methodist Church; Lifetime member of Paulding VFW Post #587; Paulding Genealogical Society; Century Families of Ohio; John Paulding Historical Society; and First Families of Ohio where he had served as chairman.

He won The State of Ohio “Citizen of the Year” award; “The History Award” from the National D.A.R.; as well as numerous “Volunteer of the Year” awards. Ray penned several hardbound books of Paulding County Ohio Records for Genealogy. He was the first veteran from WWII to ring the Paulding County Bicentennial Bell.

He is survived by his daughter Rae Ann (Rev. Tim) Pieper, of Arcanum, Ohio; granddaughters: Becky Pieper, Marie Pieper, Lona (Eric) Trombley, and Mary Pieper; great grandchildren: Byron Cullison, Timothy, Logan, Ethan, Eli and Elizabeth Trombley; sisters, Justine Holtsberry, Paulding, and Joy Harris, Hicksville.

He was also preceded in death by a brother, Roy B. Keck.

Funeral services will be conducted 11 AM Monday, February 22 at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, with Rev. Tim Pieper officiating. Burial will follow in Hedges Cemetery with military graveside rites accorded by VFW Post #587.

Visitation will be 2 – 8 PM Sunday, February 21 at Den Herder Funeral Home. There will also be visitation from 10 AM until time of services on Monday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations made to Paulding County Genealogical Society or Paulding United Methodist Church.

Note: If a family member would like to create a memorial I will delete this one.


Ray E. Keck, age 91 died February 17, 2016 at his residence.

He was born June 20, 1924 in Paulding the son of the late Orvel and Florence (Manson) Keck. On June 19, 1948 he married Carrie G. Tinlin who preceded him in death on October 16, 2002. He was employed by Paulding-Putnam Electric Cooperative retiring in 1986 and a US Army WWII veteran. He was a member of Paulding United Methodist Church; Lifetime member of Paulding VFW Post #587; Paulding Genealogical Society; Century Families of Ohio; John Paulding Historical Society; and First Families of Ohio where he had served as chairman.

He won The State of Ohio “Citizen of the Year” award; “The History Award” from the National D.A.R.; as well as numerous “Volunteer of the Year” awards. Ray penned several hardbound books of Paulding County Ohio Records for Genealogy. He was the first veteran from WWII to ring the Paulding County Bicentennial Bell.

He is survived by his daughter Rae Ann (Rev. Tim) Pieper, of Arcanum, Ohio; granddaughters: Becky Pieper, Marie Pieper, Lona (Eric) Trombley, and Mary Pieper; great grandchildren: Byron Cullison, Timothy, Logan, Ethan, Eli and Elizabeth Trombley; sisters, Justine Holtsberry, Paulding, and Joy Harris, Hicksville.

He was also preceded in death by a brother, Roy B. Keck.

Funeral services will be conducted 11 AM Monday, February 22 at Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, with Rev. Tim Pieper officiating. Burial will follow in Hedges Cemetery with military graveside rites accorded by VFW Post #587.

Visitation will be 2 – 8 PM Sunday, February 21 at Den Herder Funeral Home. There will also be visitation from 10 AM until time of services on Monday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations made to Paulding County Genealogical Society or Paulding United Methodist Church.