(Delta Resident; Lifelong Farmer)
Clifford Cletus Keil, age 93, of Delta, Ohio, a lifelong farmer renowned for his exceptional Bender Muskmelons, passed away peacefully in his sleep Wednesday morning, April 8, 2026, at the Fulton County Health Center.
Clifford was born on December 4, 1932, in Toledo, Ohio, to Joseph John and Agnes Magdalena (Schmitz) Keil.
A 1951 graduate of Macomber High School, Clifford dedicated his career to farming, where his passion for corn and soybean agriculture and his expertise in growing muskmelons earned him respect and admiration.
His involvement with the Toledo Farm Market highlighted his commitment to supporting local farmers and the community.
Clifford’s personality was marked by his playful nature; he loved teasing people and found joy in taking Sunday drives through the countryside, inspecting fellow farmers’ crops.
A devout Catholic, he was a member of St. Richard Catholic Church. Beyond his work on the farm, Clifford embraced an array of interests. He enjoyed deer hunting, spending winters in Florida, and traveling with friends and family.
As a passionate Cleveland Indians fan, he carried a lifelong enthusiasm for the sport. Clifford was blessed to share a loving marriage of 62 years with his late wife, Shirley (Ryan) Keil, who preceded him in death on May 6, 2017. Together, they raised six children, and their legacy lives on through them.
Clifford is survived by his children, Donna (Mark) Lotycz, Peggy (Jeff) Mohr, Brenda (Kyle) Robinson and Doug (Lisa) Keil; son-in-law, Doug Blausey; 15 grandchildren; 43 great-grandchildren; his brothers Jerry (Carol) Keil and Tom Keil; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Besides his wife, Shirley, Clifford is preceded in death by his daughter, Debbie Blausey, son, Perry Keil; grandson, Brad Blausey, and siblings Kathleen, Virginia, Rose, Ronald, and Joseph.
Visitation will be held Thursday, April 16, from 3–7 p.m. at the Weigel Funeral Home in Swanton. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, April 17, at 11 a.m. at St. Richard Catholic Church in Swanton, with Fr. Eric Culler presiding. Interment will follow at St. Richard’s Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Richard’s Church, 333 Brookside Dr., Swanton, OH 43558.