Obituary of Gene P. Keppel

Gene P. Keppel, 78, of Bemus Point, NY, passed away at 11:15 a.m. Monday, April 23, 2018, in UMPC Chautauqua WCA Hospital. An area resident for most of his life he was born May 27, 1939 in Lackawanna, NY, the son of Leah Keppel. Gene was a 1957 graduate of Salamanca High School and was a veteran of the U.S. Navy serving from May 27, 1958 to April 20, 1962. Upon his discharge from active duty he served in the U.S. Naval Reserve for two years. Before his retirement he was employed by the U.S. Postal Service working as a front desk clerk in the Jamestown Post Office. In earlier years he had worked for the former Crescent Tool Company. He was a member of the Jamestown Elks Lodge and the Lakewood Rod & Gun Club. He was an avid golfer and fisherman and enjoyed spending time on Chautauqua Lake. He was also a toy train collector, with a special interest in Lionel trains. Surviving are two sons; Jeffrey G. (Tracey) Keppel of Jamestown, NY, Grant G. Keppel of Jacksonville, FL, five grandchildren; Tyler and Hannah Keppel both of Jacksonville, Thea, Drew, and Erin Keppel all of Jamestown. Besides his mother he was preceded in death by a daughter, Allison Ann Keppel who died April 29, 2005, his aunt Isabel Biscup and his uncle John Zielinski. The family will receive friends from 12-2 & 4-6 pm Saturday, April 28, 2018, in the Lind Funeral Home. The Keppel family wishes to thank the many friends and caregivers for their support during this difficult time. Memorials may be made to the Audubon Community Nature Center, 1600 Riverside Rd. Jamestown, NY 14701 or to the Chautauqua Lake Association, 429 East Terrace Ave. Lakewood, NY 14701.