Bernard Keiter was an outstanding athlete who excelled in football and basketball for the Stivers Tigers. He was an All-City end, noted for excellent receptions and good speed. He was also the team kicker and usually played every down on offense and defense.
Beno attended the University of Dayton following high school and was a three year starter in both football and basketball. His skill in football was recognized by being selected to the All Ohio college team as an end and kicker. He was honored by his induction into the first University of Dayton Hall of Fame class.
Beno served as a U.S. Marine Captain during World War II and the Korean War. He remained in the Marine Reserves, and held the rank of Colonel, at the time of his death.
Keiter worked briefly at General Motors after WWII and served as a probation officer before being elected Sheriff of Montgomery County. He was the first sheriff in Ohio to implement civil service protection for his employees. His leadership continued to set standards for law enforcement agencies in Ohio. Beno was greatly admired by all who met him. He served as President of both the Ohio Sheriffs Association and the National Sheriffs Association.
Beno and his wife Bette had two daughters, Karen and Kathleen. Regrettably, with a bright political future ahead, Beno developed colon cancer and died at age 57. Shortly thereafter, the Bernard L. Keiter Scholarship Fund was established in his honor for UD students pursuing an education in Criminal Justice. The Scholarship Fund is in its 30th year and currently funds two scholarships annually.
