A Funeral Mass for Bernard M. "Ben" Keck, 58, of Newark, will be held at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 10:30 A.M., Thursday, November 6, 2014, with Rev. Ed Keck as celebrant. Interment will follow in Perryton Cemetery.

Ben, a devoted Catholic, and parishioner of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, died at the Selma Markowitz Care Center of Hospice of Central Ohio on Sunday, November 2, 2014. Ben passed from this life in the arms of his wife and daughters, surrounded by many members of his large, loving family. He was born in Newark, Ohio on December 10, 1955 to the late August "Bud" and L. Frances (Gorius) Keck.

Ben was a graduate of Newark Catholic High School, Class of 1974. From the time he was old enough to work, Ben enjoyed his positions in the customer service industry. This included, most recently Matesich Distributing, where he was employed since November, 1987, and where he enjoyed the many customers he came to know on his routes in Newark, Lancaster and Zanesville.

For 34 years, Ben was a dedicated committee member and volunteer for the Special Olympics, Area 6. He was also a member of the Newark Elks Lodge 391 and former member of the Newark Area Jaycees and the Newark Catholic Alumni Association.

He is survived by his wife of thirty-seven years, Sally Hay Keck, of the home; his daughters and son-in-law, Valerie and Kevin Lyons of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Tracy of Athens, Ohio; his siblings: Bill (Pat) Keck of Dayton, Mary (Bill ) Burkamp of Newark, Father Ed Keck of Canton, Ohio, Ken (Connie) Keck of Dayton Ohio, Carol (Dave) Young of Baltimore Ohio, Roberta (Randy) McDonald of Newark, Rita (Tony ) Adams of Newark; mother-in-law, Twila Hay, and sisters-in-law, Pam Hay, and Janet (Fred) Eberts; and many nephews and nieces and great nephews and nieces.

In addition to his parents, Ben was preceded in death by his infant sister, Clara Louise Keck; and sister-in-law, Sue Ann Keck, and father-in-law, Fred Hay.

Asked what message he would give to others in his passing, Ben responded to the effect that in the end the only thing that matters is family and friends, and the love you share. It was commented in his passing that Ben Keck was a man who loved "actively." He will be remembered for his generosity, and willingness, always, to help a friend, or a friend of a friend.

He was touched, in turn, by all of the prayers, all of the "Buds for Ben," and all the love that was returned to him in the months of his illness. The family is grateful for the care Ben received through the OSU James Cancer Hospital and Hospice of Central Ohio.

Friends and family may call from 3-8 P.M., Wednesday, November 5, 2014 at the REED-EGAN FUNERAL HOME, 141 Green Wave Drive, Newark, where a Vigil Service will be held at 7:30 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Foundation for Hospice of Central Ohio, PO Box 430, Newark, Ohio 43058; or the Central Ohio Chapter of the Special Olympics, 3303 Winchester Pike, Columbus, OH 43232,

To share your memory of Ben or leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.reedegan.com.