Andover – John Oliver Keyser, 73, of Keyser Road, passed peacefully on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at the White River Junction VA Medical Center surrounded by his family.

He was born in Andover on September 7, 1950, the son of the late Harold A. and Georgianna JoAnn (Fleury) Keyser.

John had many different jobs throughout his lifetime.  He worked in his Dad’s sawmill, logged in the woods and hauled wood chips in a tractor trailer truck to Canada. He learned how to weld from Mary’s father and became an expert, working at the Andover Continental Machine Shop.

He loved working on old cars and helped many friends restore theirs.  He was given a 1942 Ford Pickup which was full of rust, had bullet holes, and came in pieces.  That didn’t stop him!  His son, Chuck, some friends and John restored it back to life.  He went to many car shows and was even put on a billboard at the Maine car show in Hebron, Maine, and also won a trophy for the truck.

John was a Vietnam Veteran and served with the 101st Airborne Division.  He met his future wife, Mary, when he was at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. They have been through thick and thin, but have survived 55 years of marriage.

John had his first health issue in May, 2018.  He suffered with heart, lung, and kidney diseases.  The medical profession tried so hard, and the family appreciates everything that the staff and ICU did to help keep John peaceful and pain-free. They took care of John’s family while they were with him and kept them informed every step of the way.

John was full of life, would help anyone he could, made many great friends and entertained folks with his quick wit and funny quirks.  He will certainly be missed by all who got to know him.  We know he no longer suffers with any health issues as he looks down on us.  Rest in peace, dear John.  We love you.

He is predeceased by his parents and brother, Budd.  John is survived by his wife of 55 years, Mary (Lang) Keyser of Andover, four sons, John of Andover, Jeff (Wendy) of Claremont, Chuck (Katie) of Andover, and Justin of Concord; 15 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; sisters, Annette (Henry) Stevens, Yvonne Ireland and Toni (Robert) Myrick; nieces and nephews.  Most of the grandkids called him “Grandpa Dollar”.  Every time they came to visit he would give them a dollar.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at 1 P.M. in Proctor Cemetery, Andover.

Memorial contributions may be made to the White River Junction VA Medical Center (check to WRJ VA), 215 North Main Street, White River Junction, VT  05009.

To sign an online guestbook please visit chadwickfuneralservice.com.