Keith R. Kelling, 74, of Grafton lost his battle on Wednesday, December 20, 2017 after being ill for 9 months . He was born January 5, 1943 in Oberlin. He worked as a Diesel Mechanic for the City of Elyria at Central Maintenance and Waste Water Departments. Keith loved the City of Elyria and talking about the history of his family. After retirement he worked on cars and equipment in his barn or with his son at Kelling Heavy Equipment repair. He enjoyed traveling and eating out with his family. He also loved his grandchildren; they were the center of his life. Keith was a simple man with a heart of gold and went by the nickname "the old man". He was loved and will be missed by everyone. Survivors include his wife Shirley (nee Fogo); daughters Shelly (Youssef) Benhaddouche of Westlake, Susan (Allen) Earl of Nova; son Keith Richard (Vickie) Kelling of Pittsfield Twp.; grandchildren Matthew, Austin, Heidi, Holly, Ameer, Faris, Ameena, and Salma. He was preceded in death by his parents Roland and Ruth Kelling; son Joseph. Family will receive friends 4-7 PM Wednesday, December 27, 2017 at the Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home and Cremation Service 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd. (at St. Rt. 57), Elyria 440-322-4626. Closing prayers will be at 10:15 AM Thursday, December 28, 2017 in the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM at St. Peter Catholic Church 3501 Oberlin Ave. (Lorain). Rev. Fr. Craig M. Hovanec will be the Celebrant. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery (Lorain). Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.laubenthalmercado.com