Robert M. Kiley

Robert M. Kiley, a deeply loved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend, was lovingly welcomed into the arms of his Heavenly Father on Saturday, August 23. He was blessed with 84 wonderful years of good health and the devoted love of his family. Each of his children and his grandchildren knew without a doubt that they were deeply loved unconditionally. He left a legacy of devoted love and an example of honesty, integrity, kindness, generosity and hard work. He was extremely proud of both his children, Brian and Beth, and each grandchild and their accomplishments.

He was born March 27, 1941, and grew up on a farm where he loved to explore in the woods with his twin brother making up all sorts of adventures. He enjoyed observing the animals and birds and loved to share many nature discoveries in the parks with his children, grandchildren and groups of youth he led over the years. He enjoyed nature, feeding the many different types of birds that came to his feeders, and the beauty of each day.

He graduated from Buckeye High School where he was active in many organizations including president of the student body. He attended Defiance College and graduated from Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. Except for his college years, he lived his entire life in Medina and was proud of the town which he served in many ways.

He never met a stranger and enjoyed getting to know about a person's life and interests. He had a welcoming nature and easily made many friends of any age. Younger ones were excited to see Mr. Bob. He was jovial and kind and a loyal and devoted friend to many and was always willing to lend a hand on any project or offer advice in any situation.

Bob loved music, singing in high school choirs and quartet, church choir, select concert choir in college, SPEBSQSA and the Medina County Chorus. He met Betty in high school choir, and they sang together in church choir for 25 years as well as the County Chorus, and many duets at church and weddings. They passed this love of music on to their children and grandchildren who all enjoyed instruments and vocal singing in many select groups.

He was a lifetime member of York United Methodist church and enjoyed telling people he was the longest member of the church and remembered when his feet did not touch the floor in the pews. His faith was a very important part of his life, and he freely shared his commitment with others in the way he led his life of the highest integrity, honesty and kindness. Throughout the years he served on many committees in different areas of service in his church. Bob and Betty led the youth groups for many years sharing their faith and exemplifying lives of service and kindness.

He was proud of his 32 years of service on the Medina City Fire Department serving as lieutenant and driving the aerial ladder truck. The mayor asked him to serve as the next fire chief, but Bob decided it was time to retire. The younger members on the department respectfully called him "Uncle Bob."

He had a passion for his corvettes winning several awards for Best of Show and even driving the "getaway car" for his granddaughter's wedding. He also enjoyed model A cars and especially postal delivery trucks.

He rescued his first boat from the bottom of Lester dam as a teen and boating became a lifelong activity. Fishing, sightseeing with friends, or tubing his grandkids around the lake-he loved to be on the water. The family made many cherished memories at the Lakeside cottage where Bob and Betty hosted many gatherings for family, friends and neighbors. It was always "open house" at the cottage, and he enjoyed being at Lakeside any season of the year. He was very proud to share that his grandchildren worked a total of 18 summers at Lakeside.

He had many varied interests throughout his life including an extensive collection of Native American artifacts which he shared with many elementary classrooms over the years.

He studied World War II history and had a large library of books and film documentaries. One highlight of his life was visiting Normandy, Omaha Beach and many world war areas of France and England.

He enjoyed woodworking and crafted many beautiful wooden toys for his children and grandchildren over the years. For a few years he built equipment for several nursery schools and churches. He was an entrepreneur in many areas including owning a storage facility.

He served 42 years with Waite Funeral Home, becoming a partner in the firm and helping to mentor the next generation. They were not coworkers but friends who shared a deep respect for each other. He was gifted in the way he brought comfort to many families sharing his faith and deep sense of caring. He served faithfully, unselfishly giving his time and guidance to those who needed his care. After his retirement, he continued to guide families with compassion as they worked through their grief choosing markers for their loved ones.

He is survived by his wife Betty, recently celebrating 61 years of marriage; his children Brian and Chrissy Kiley and Beth and Gene Hubler; grandchildren Jake (Liz) Kiley, Mallory (Noah) Rayne, Rachel (Michael) Carman, Hailey Hubler, Zach Hubler, Hannah (Alec) Dicus, and Nate Hubler; 8 great grandchildren; twin brother David; brother in law, nephews, nieces, and cousins. He was preceded in death by brothers Michael and John and parents John and Rosa Kiley.

His life will be celebrated with calling hours from 5:00 to 8:00pm on Thursday, August 28 at Waite Funeral Home, 765 N. Court St., and 11:00am to noon on Friday, followed by the service at noon. Rev. Dr. David Baker and Rev. Judy Claycomb will lead the celebration of his life. Interment will be at Spring Grove Cemetery in Medina. Instead of flowers, please consider donations to York United Methodist Church, 6566 Norwalk Road, Medina, Hospice of the Western Reserve, 5075 Windfall Road, Medina or Lakeside Chautauqua, 236 Walnut Avenue, Lakeside.

His life was lived with faith, honesty, integrity, generosity, hard work, kindness and a devoted love for his family. "Well done good and faithful servant. Enter into your Father's house with joy and find rest."

Online condolences and memories may be left for the family in Bob's guestbook at www.WaiteFuneralHome.com

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