Middleburg - Gary E. Keister, 60, of Middleburg, passed away Sunday, July 20, 2025, at his home. He was born July 18, 1965, in Lewisburg, a son of the late Gary L. (Fib) Keister and mother Shirley Keister who survives. Gary was a 1983 graduate of Middleburg High School. On May, 3, 1986, he married the former Catharine Duncan. Over the course of his life, Gary worked at Poloron, Playworld Systems and co-owed Sports Zone for 22 years. Gary was of Christian faith.

Gary accomplished much in his shortened life. If you knew Gary, then you know that sports were in his blood. He was a tri-athlete in high school; a goal leading striker, an all-time assist leader in Men's basketball, and an outstanding golfer who was named all around MVP his senior year. In good ole Gary fashion, he never let his family and friends forget his many high school sports achievements with his endless story telling. After high school, he continued his love for sports by coaching his children's soccer teams in AYSO, which evolved into coaching the girls Junior High and High School teams. His proudest coaching moments were coaching his children and leading one of his high school teams to the final 4. If you ask one of Gary's past players what he meant to them, you'll hear, "he was more than just a coach; he was a mentor, a motivator and a fierce believer in the potential of others."

Gary's ultimate sports accomplishment started as a dream between friends. Gary, Nick and Bob had a vision of bringing a soccer complex to the area, that dream came to life in 2001 with the opening of Sports Zone. Sports Zone became a sports staple to the community for 22 years. Throughout his years at Sports Zone, Gary dedicated his time to bettering the local sports community, he developed lifelong friendships, became a mentor to many, and impacted more lives than he will ever know. He loved seeing the Sports Zone Champion shirts everywhere he went near and far.

In 2010, at the age of 45, Gary along with his friend Troy Whitesel started 270 micro sprint racing. FOG racing (fat old guys, fast old guys, funny old guys, some of you know the rest...) made a splash into the racing world. He named his first car "the mistress" because racing was the one sport that was a challenge for him. Even through the challenge, with the help of his crew, he did manage to win two races in his 270 micro career. (Way to make it go, Dad!) His love for racing and pushing the limits was matched by his joy in sharing the open road on motorcycle rides with Cathy, Troy and Crystal. Their goal while riding motorcycles was to visit all 50 states, they accomplished 41 of the 50 states.

Gary was known for his outgoing and entertaining personality; always sharing his quick wit and great sense of humor. He was born a storyteller and the life of the party, so naturally he enjoyed sharing details of the many shenanigans with his sister and brother growing up; including ice skating on the swimming pool and drag racing on 522 after a night of roller skating. Gary was a true staple in the lives of so many and enjoyed his time with family on vacations, picnics at Shirley and Fib's with the famous chicken, the annual visit with Aunt Judy over the carnival week (where the laughter didn't stop for her entire visit), Christmas Eve at the Calendar's, golfing at Shade Mountain and golf trips with friends, playing cards with his buddies, and shooting pool in New Berlin.

Above all else, Gary's family was his world and most proud accomplishment. He loved his family more than anything. He was a devoted husband to Cathy, a proud and loving father to Ryan (Liz) and Jenica (Joshua) and an incredible Poppy to his cherished grandchildren, Anden, Jadence, Rylan, Mason and Charlie. He was present at everything he could make for both his children and grandchildren. Poppy was always there for whatever-whenever: never saying no to his family.

Though his physical journey has ended, the stories, his laughter, his whistle and the love he shared will live on in every life he touched. His legacy isn't measured by accolades, but by the countless people he inspired, the lessons he taught, and the memories that will forever live in the hearts of those lucky enough to have known him.

Surviving in addition to his wife, Cathy, of 39 years and mother are one son, Ryan (Liz Bender) Keister; one daughter and son-in-law, Jenica and Joshua Hummel; five grandchildren, Anden, Jadence, Rylan, Mason and Charlie; sister and brother-in-law, Justine (Keister) and Dave Rutherford; brother and sister-in-law, Troy and Wendy Keister; mother-in-law, Henrietta Weader; sister-in-law, Jane Duncan; two brother-in-laws, Michael and Reed Duncan; and five nieces and three nephews; Jozette Moyer, Kolleen Keister, Taylor Keister, Dustin Moyer, Dawson Moyer, Janelle Smoker, Andrew Smoker and Rhonda Moore; and two aunts; Miriam Keister and Joane Zimmerman; and many cousins, great-nieces, great-nephews.

Gary was preceded in death by his father, Gary (Fib) Keister; four uncles, Clair "Tuffy" Keister, Eugene Keister, Glenn Keister and Eddy Klose; two grandparents, Clair and Phyllis Keister; two aunts, Aunt Sandy Reibsome and Nancy Anderson; a father-in-law, Warren Weader.

A viewing will be held on Friday, July 25, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, July 26, 2025 from 10 to 11 a.m. at Grace Covenant Community Church, 99 Cafe Lane Middleburg. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Grace Covenant Community Church, 99 Cafe Lane Middleburg with the burial following in Orchard Hills Cemetery in Shamokin Dam.

Arrangements are by Hummel Funeral Home, 574 Hill St., Middleburg.