Robert P. Ketner, 90, of Bowling Green, Ohio passed away at his home Sunday, December 31, 2023 after a courageous fight with dementia.
Bob was born in Wood County to Kenneth and Moneta (McCullough) Ketner. After graduation from Bowling Green High School, he joined and served in the United States Navy. He married his high school sweetheart, Barbara A. Bronson.
While Bob was stationed at Jacksonville, Florida Naval Base, Barbara joined him. Two years later, their first child was born and they moved back to Bowling Green, Ohio. Upon completion of his navy duties, he entered the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy. Bob’s career as an Ohio State Driver’s License Examiner spanned 30 years.
Bob was a member of the Ohio Horseman Association and the United States Trotting Association. He was also inducted into the Northwest Ohio Harness Horseman Hall of Fame as a trainer and driver. He was a horse trainer and driver for over five decades.
He is survived by his children: Teresa Ketner, Kenneth Ketner, Lori (Doug) Smith, Judy Ketner (Nick Naleton); grandchildren: Carmin (Jason) Hickman, Kristen (Ryan) Gerken, James (Anna) Coy, Lorren Ketner; great-grandchildren: Marley, Ella, Jace, Blake, Camerin, Kennedy, and Graham. Bob was preceded in death by his sister Jeanette, brothers Charles and Harry, daughter Debra, and wife Barbara.
Bob was a devoted husband, father, and grandpa. He will be dearly missed.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Southern Care Hospice or Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1148 in Bowling Green.
The family would like to extend a very special thank you and gratitude to all the visiting nurses! You are amazing people.
Military Honors will be rendered by the Wood County Honor Guard on Friday, January 5, 2024 at 12:30 pm at Wood County Memory Gardens, Bowling Green.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Deck-Hanneman Funeral Home, Bowling Green www.hannemanfuneralhomes.com.
