Obituary of Michael Keesling

Michael Wayne Keesling, 66, of Chester passed away on Friday November 28, 2014. He was preceded in death by his brother, Stanley Keesling. Mike was a graduate of Roxboro NC High School Class of 1966. He started his career in the funeral service in 1968. Mike graduated from John Tyler Community College School of Mortuary Science in 1973, served as vice president of Pi Sigma Eta National Morticians Fraternity and was in Who's Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges in 1972-73. Mike has worked for many firms such as, Dellinger, Finch & Finch, Bliley's, Bennett's, Nelsen, and most recently served as chapel manager at Memorial Funeral Home in Hopewell over his 46 year career. Mike had a love for flying and received his pilot's license in 1981 which allowed him to fly several single engine planes. He enjoyed gardening, animals of all kinds, fishing, especially in Nags Head, and spending time with his family and friends. Mike is survived by his wife of 33 years, Pauline Keesling; parents, Harold R. and Marie Via Keesling; sisters, Sharon Beaver and her husband, Andy, Patty Spadavecchia and her husband, John; sons, Shane Ritenour and his wife, Teresa, Darren Ritenour and his wife, Kathy; grandchildren, Josh, J.J., Jacob, Emily; great-grandson, Brayden; several nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends. A memorial service will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday December 3, 2014 at the Memorial Funeral Home 214 N. 6th Ave Hopewell VA, 23860. In Lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to American Red Cross Greater Richmond Chapter PO Box 26508 Richmond, Virginia 23261 or Medi Home Health & Hospice 10543 S. Crater Road Petersburg VA, 23805. Condolences may be registered at www.memorialfh.com.