Obituary of Joel Keiter

AUBURNDALE - Dr. Joel E.L. Keiter, age 78 a resident of Auburndale passed away Fri., May 6, 2011 at Palm Garden of Winter Haven due to heart failure. Mr. Keiter was born Aug. 2, 1932 in Washington D.C. to William and Margaret (Lingle) Keiter. He was a resident of Auburndale since 2006 coming from Pompano Beach, FL. He graduated from Cherrydale High School in VA. Joel started his education in 1953 at Columbia Bible College with a Bachelors in Biblical Education; 1956 he earned a Bachelors in Divinity from Faith Theological Seminary; 1957 a Master's of Education from the University of Delaware and then in 1977 a Doctorate in Education from Nova University. He was a Broward Co. Elementary School Principal from 1962-1992, then obtained Mediation Skills Consulting for Elementary Schools and opened his own consulting firm (Positive Connections, Inc.) from 1994-2004. He volunteered as a Chaplin through his church for Lakeland Regional Medical Center & Good Shepherd Hospice in Auburndale. He was also a member of the First Baptist Church @ the Mall in Lakeland. He was preceded in death by his parents and half sister - Ruth Miller. Joel is survived by his loving family; wife of 28 years, Penny Smith-Keiter of Auburndale, FL.; son, Dr. Robert J. (Kerry) Keiter of Edmond, OK.; daughter, Charlene L. Keiter (Rick) Meyer of Sarasota, FL.; 2 brothers, Rev. William L. (Colina) Keiter of Hilo, Hawaii & Dale L. (Charlotte) Keiter of Orlando, FL.; sister, Faith Coachman of Etowah, TN.; & 5 grandchildren, Rachel, Gordon, Ella, David, & Harrison. In lieu of flowers donations in Mr. Keiter's name can be made to either: First Baptist Church @ the Mall (R7 Missions Fund) Box 90669, Lakeland, FL. 33804 OR the Cantaros de Bendicion, Inc. (Pitcher of Blessing) P.O. Box 51535, Lighthouse House Point, FL. 33064. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Wed., May 11, 2011 at the Kersey Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Auburndale Memorial Park. Visitation will be held before from 10:00-11:00 AM at the funeral home. Arrangements By: Kersey Funeral Home, 108 E. Lake Stella Dr., Auburndale.