Lewis Richard Keyser

Lewis Richard Keyser, age 97, passed away in Sarasota, FL, on Sunday, August 24, 2025.

Lew was born on May 29,1928, in Dayton, OH, to the late Lewis Henry and Claribel (Seifert) Keyser. A longtime resident of the Dayton area, he graduated from Oakwood High School in 1946. Lew continued his education at the University of Cincinnati, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 1951. He went on to earn his Master of Science in Structural Engineering from The Ohio State University in 1952. Lew served his country in the Navy from 1952-1955.

On November 22, 1950, Lew married his beloved wife, Marilyn Wilson. They were blessed to enjoy 64 years of marriage before her passing in 2014.

Lew was a true outdoorsman. He was an avid bow hunter and he fished all over the world landing newsworthy catches including northern pike, musky, bone fish and Tarpon. He always owned a boat and loved water-sports including scuba diving. high board diving, swimming, and water skiing.

As product developer for Price Brothers Company of Dayton, Lew designed water systems for major cities in the US, Europe, South America, Africa and Asia. He was recognized as the top expert worldwide in concrete pressure pipe and was tapped to design the largest freshwater project in the world, the “Great Man-Made River” project in Libya which still brings water to the desert today. He received recognition and awards throughout his career including “Dayton’s Outstanding Engineer and Scientist for 1990 by the Engineering and Science Foundation. The State of Kentucky honored him as a “Kentucky Colonel” when he joined professional scuba divers in a risky dive to direct the repair of the Louisville water system. He was a long-time member of the Engineers Club of Dayton where he served as an officer and Board member. He also held leadership roles in the American Society of Civil Engineers making significant contributions to the standards that support municipal water delivery and processing.

Of all his accomplishments in life, Lew was most proud of his family. Left to cherish his memory are his children, Lewis Gary (Susie) Keyser and Linda Keyser (Richard) Wokoun; grandsons, Gregory Lawrence Keyser, Daniel Wokoun, David Wokoun, and Nathan Wokoun; and great-grandchildren, Nicholas, Liam, and Addison Wokoun. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Marilyn.

Lew’s family invites mourners to gather for a graveside service at Woodland Cemetery Mausoleum on Saturday, September 6, at 11:00am (118 Woodland Ave., Dayton, OH).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to the Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation through their donation page or by mail to “Help fight RA” 8815 Conroy Windermere Rd, Suite 309, Orlando, FL 32835.