Wayne W. Keisling, Sr.

11/12/1939 - 12/25/2025

Wayne W. Keisling, Sr. was born on November 12, 1939, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, the son of Harold D. and Mabel (Warman) Keisling. He grew up in Scranton and attended Central High School. After graduating, he pursued theological studies at Practical Bible Training School in Johnson City, New York, where he met the love of his life, Bessie L. Graybill. They were married on May 20, 1961, in Franklindale, Pennsylvania, and shared sixty-four years of marriage marked by devotion, faith, and steadfast partnership.

An ordained pastor, Wayne dedicated his life to Christian ministry, serving congregations in Pennsylvania and New York with humility and care. He began his pastoral service in 1960 at Franklindale Christian Church in Franklindale, Pennsylvania, where he faithfully shepherded that rural congregation for nine years. In April 1969, he became joint pastor of Prattsburgh Baptist Church in Prattsburgh, New York, and Italy Hill Baptist Church in Italy Hill, New York. In 1986, he accepted the call to serve as pastor of Grace Bible Church in West Pittston, Pennsylvania, where he ministered until his retirement from full-time pastoral work. Even in retirement, Wayne continued to serve others, later acting as interim pastor at Grace Community Church in Dallas, Pennsylvania.

In his later years, Wayne also worked as a team member in the produce department at Wegmans in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania—work he found meaningful and deeply satisfying.

Outside of ministry, Wayne found joy in the simple and steady rhythms of life. He was an avid gardener who took pride in tending his vegetable garden, flowers, and fruit trees. He especially enjoyed hunting and fishing with his brothers and nephews. He delighted in spending time with his grandchildren, sharing their interests—including a special enthusiasm for plane spotting with his grandsons—and supporting them in whatever captured their attention.

Wayne is survived by his beloved wife, Bess, and their three sons: Wayne (Sharon) of Alexandria, Virginia; Bruce (Jennifer) of Louisville, Kentucky; and Craig Keisling. He is also survived by his four grandchildren, Tucker, Jacob, Elizabeth, and Johannes, as well as many nieces and nephews. He is survived by two brothers, Harold and Daniel Keisling, and one sister, Janet Keisling Schieber. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Mabel Keisling; his brothers, Rollin and Bruce Keisling; and his sisters, Arlene Keisling Rolands and Cherith Keisling Mikulak.

A memorial service will be held at Parkland Baptist Church, 7206 Shepherdsville Road, Louisville, Kentucky, on Friday, January 2, 2026. The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., with the memorial service to follow at 2:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to TKO Parkinson’s, in care of Doug Pifer, 4000 Roxbury Road, Louisville, Kentucky 40218, in honor of Wayne’s long and courageous journey with Parkinson’s disease.