1.3.5.8.1.4 Charles Orville Keslar (11 Mar 1878-11 May 1960 Donegal, Pa)
1.3.5.8.1.4 Charles Orville Keslar (11 Mar 1878-11 May 1960 Donegal, Pa) was the fourth child and third son of 1.3.5.8.1 John Wesley Keslar (b: 18 Mar 1845 Donegal-d: 6 Apr 1927 Donegal) and Mary Amanda “Minnie” Mosholder Keslar (Abt 23 May 1846 Donegal-21 Jun 1944 Westmoreland County Pa) and the great-grandson of Andreas Keslar (1746-1809). He married Lillie ‘Effie’ Stahl Keslar m: 10 Jan 1905 (b: 30 Jun 1885-d: 17 Jul 1968 Donegal, Pa). This family line is interesting because each year there is a family reunion. Click on the link to go to the detailed page for Charles Orville Keslar. Here is a link to the Keslar Family Reunion Web Site.

The following US Census entries …:
- 1880: District 090, Donegal Township, Westmoreland County, Pa (2/29 2 Jun) John W. Kesler 34 (farmer), Mary A. 31, Annie 12, Lloyd 6, Mary 4, Charles 2 Note: Lives 2 doors away from another John who is same age, son of Eli, John’s uncle
- 1900: District 090, Four Mile Run, Donegal Township, Westmoreland County, Pa (8/12 26 Jun) John W. Kesler 54 (farmer), Mary M. 51, Charles 22 (Mar 1878), Harry 18 (Jul 1881), Lizzie A. 17 (Apr 1883), Jenny M. 12 (Dec 1887), Ida 10 (Nov 1889), James W. 8 (Mar 1892), Elroy 4 (Feb 1896)
- 1910: District 0117, Donegal, Westmoreland County, Pa (9/15 26 Apr) Charles Keslar 31 (farmer), Effie L 23, John L. 4, Susie E 3, Ray H. 10, Paul A. 9, Daisy 7, Charles 5, Lillie M. 3, Ray H 11/12
- 1920: District 0089, Donegal, Westmoreland County, Pa (5/13 6 Jan) Charles Keslar 40 (farmer), Lillie 34, John L. 13, Susan 12, Ray H. 10, Paul A. 9, Daisy 7, Charles 5, Lillie M. 3, Roy 1 & 11/12
- 1930: District 0022, Donegal, Westmoreland County, Pa (2/25 4 Apr) Charles Keslar 51 (farmer), Lillie 44, Susan 22, Ray H. 20, Paul A. 19, Daisy 17, Charles Jr. 15, Lillie M. 13, Roy 11, Loren 8 (son), Vernon 4
- 1940: District 65-33, Donegal, Westmoreland County, Pa (12/39 1 Apr) Charles Keslar 61 (farmer), Lillie 54, Roy 21, Gordon E. 18 (son), Vernon 14
- 1950: 249 US Highway 31, Donegal, Westmoreland, Pennsylvania, USA (28/49 Apr) Lilly E. Keslar 64, Charles 70, Vernon E. 24 (son)
Charles and Effie had ten children:
1.3.5.8.1.4.1 John Lawrence Keslar (22 Jan 1906-17 Sep 1986 Donegal, Pa) married Birdie Dora Lankey Keslar (21 Mar 1906-1 Feb 1991 Fayette County, Pa) on 21 Mar 1906. John worked in the timber industry for much of his working life. They lived in Bullskin, Fayette County, Pa.

John and Birdie had seven children:
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- 1.3.5.8.1.4.1.1 Lucy Keslar Princler (4 Sep 1923-1 Nov 2012) Lucy was born on September 4, 1923 in Melcroft, the daughter of the late John and Birdie Lankey Keslar. She was a member of the Trinity United Church of Christ, Youngwood, and the Ladies Circle and Fellowship Club of the church. Lucy enjoyed cooking, baking, reading, flowers, gardening and was a volunteer at the Youngwood Area Public Library. Lucy is survived by her sons, Gerald Princler and wife, Joan of Frederick, MD and Donald Princler and wife, Cynthia of Connoquenessing, PA; Lucy was grandmother to Matthew, John, Laura and Julie; also nine great grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren: brothers, John Keslar and wife Cecilia of Pleasant Unity, Harry Thomas Keslar and wife Helen of Scottdale, James Keslar and wife Benita of Acme, Robert Keslar and wife Norma of Garrettsville, OH, Richard Keslar and wife Margie of Bullskin Twp and a sister-in-law, Helen Keslar of Acme. In addition to her parents, Lucy was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence Oscar Princler and a brother Charles David Keslar.
- 1.3.5.8.1.4.1.2 Charles David Keslar (31 Jan 1929-5 Jul 1990 Westmoreland County, Pa)
- 1.3.5.8.1.4.1.3 John Wesley Keslar (9 Dec 1930-8 Oct 2018 Westmoreland County, Pa) John W. Keslar Sr., 87, of Pleasant Unity, died Monday, Oct. 8, 2018, at his home. He was born Dec. 9, 1930, in Acme, a son of the late John L. and Birdie D. (Lankey) Keslar. He served in the Army during the Korean War, was a member of St. Florian Catholic Church, United, and life member of Little Sewickley Sportsmen’s Club. Prior to retirement, he worked for Operating Engineers Local No. 66 at Noralco Corp. He was a bird watcher and avid gardener, enjoyed hunting, and especially loved spending time with his family more than anything. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Cecelia R. (Lesko) Keslar; two brothers, Charles D. and James R. Keslar; his sister, Lucy Princler; and a brother-in-law, Clarence Princler. He is survived by four children, Cynthia Forbes and husband, Kevin, of Mt. Pleasant, Joyce Sullivan and husband, Bill, at home, and John W. Keslar Jr. and wife, Kim, and Michael Keslar and wife, Kris, all of Pleasant Unity; seven grandchildren, Ryan Forbes, Carrie Ferrenberg, Matt Keslar and wife, Jessie, Lea Frye and husband, Alex, Danny Keslar, and Lori and April Smartnick; and 12 great-grandchildren, Halie, Mackenzie, Kendra, Amelia, Aubrie, Grady, Molly, Arianna, Jalynn, Jaxon, Addy and Cashius. He is also survived by three brothers, Harry T. and wife, Helen, of Scottdale, Robert and wife, Norma, of Ohio, and Richard F. Keslar and wife, Marge, of Wooddale; two sisters-in-law, Helen and Benita Keslar; and several nieces and nephews
- 1.3.5.8.1.4.1.4 Harry Thomas Keslar (20 Mar 1933-Living). Harry T. Keslar, Sr., 91 of Scottdale passed away, Thursday, August 8, 2024. He was born March 20, 1933, in Acme a son of the late John and Birdie (Lankey) Keslar. Harry retired from US Steel where he was employed as a crane operator. He attended Mt. Joy Covenant Brethren Church and was a veteran of the US Army. Harry enjoyed the outdoors and belonged to several sportsmen’s organizations. He was a 50-year member of Marion Masonic Lodge #562, and belonged to the Shriner’s, Tall Cedars of Lebanon and the Scottish Rite Valley of Pittsburgh and Uniontown. An avid reader of history, he enjoyed family genealogy and was a numismatist (coin collector). He is survived by his children, Edith Spinneweber (Roger), Cheryl Hiltabidel, Elizabeth Espey and Harry T. Keslar, Jr. (Holly), five grandchildren, Eric Spinneweber (Linda), Lisa Trayter (Joe), Leslie Kourpas, Sarah Rice (Garrett) and Joseph Espey III (fiancé, Morgan Hollowood); nine great- grandchildren, Paul, John, Christopher, Ellie, Emma, Eva, Colt, Ryder and Dane; a brother, Richard Keslar (Margie) and sisters-in-law, Helen Keslar and Benita Keslar, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Leona (Leasure) Keslar; a sister, Lucy Princler, and brothers, Charles David, John, James and Robert Keslar.
- 1.3.5.8.1.4.1.5 James R. Keslar (12 Apr 1937-23 Apr 2014 Westmoreland County, Pa) Jim was born April 12, 1937, in Acme the son of the late John and Birdie Lankey Keslar. As a young man he served in the US Navy on the USS Lake Champlain, he was a member of the Mt. Zion Community Church and was employed as a carpenter by the Carpenter Local Union 759. He loved to fish and was a member of the Normalville Rod and Gun Club and the Bridgeport Sportsman’s Club, he also enjoyed gardening and farming. Surviving is his wife of 53 years, Benita Shaffer Keslar; children, Rev. James R. Keslar, Jr. and wife Pamala, Gerald Keslar and wife Vivian, Kenneth Keslar and wife Donna and daughter Deborah Keslar; grandchildren, Laura Keslar, Melissa Keslar, Jennifer Sankey and husband Ryan, Janelle Keslar, Angela Lusk and Zachary Keslar. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by a brother, David Keslar and a sister, Lucy Princler.
- 1.3.5.8.1.4.1.6 Robert Earl Keslar (27 May 1939-13 Jan 2021 Westmoreland County, Pa) Robert began his career at Lenox Glass Factory in Acme, Pa.
- 1.3.5.8.1.4.1.7 Richard F. Keslar (May 1949-Living Connellsville, Pa.)
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- 1910: District 0117, Donegal, Westmoreland County, Pa (9/15 26 Apr) Charles Keslar 31 (farmer), Effie L 23, John L. 4, Susie E 3, Ray H. 10, Paul A. 9, Daisy 7, Charles 5, Lillie M. 3, Ray H 11/12
- 1920: District 0089, Donegal, Westmoreland County, Pa (5/13 6 Jan) Charles Keslar 40 (farmer), Lillie 34, John L. 13, Susan 12, Ray H. 10, Paul A. 9, Daisy 7, Charles 5, Lillie M. 3, Roy 1 & 11/12
- 1930: District 0022, Donegal, Westmoreland County, Pa (6/25 4 Apr) John Keslar 24 (laborer), Birdie 24, David 1
- 1940: District 26-10 Bullskin Township, Fayette County, Pa (9/43 Apr 10) John Keslar 34 (logging-timber land), Birdie 34, David 11, John 9, Thomas 7, James 3, Robert 10/12
- 1950: Bullskin Township, Fayette County, PA. (5/23 Apr 3) John Keslar 44, Birdie 43, John 18 (cutting timber, forest), Harry 17 (cutting timber, forest), James 12, Robert 10, Richard 11 months (May 1949)
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1.3.5.8.1.4.2 Susan ‘Susie’ Eldora Keslar Irwin (no children 30 Apr 1907-22 Dec 1988 Donegal, Pa). She married John Franklin ‘Bud’ Irwin 32 (19 Oct 1905-29 Dec 1968). He served in the US Army during World War II (Feb 1943 to Oct 1945) and worked as a retail driver afterwards. Susie and Bud lived in Ligonier, Pa.
1.3.5.8.1.4.3 Ray Hunter Keslar (8 May 1909-9 Jun 1994 Donegal, Pa) married Ruth Alberta Keefe Keslar (b: 7 Nov 1915-d: 23 Jan 2006 Donegal, Pa). They had five children. Ray worked in the lumber industry.
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- 1.3.5.8.1.4.3.1 Alverta Ruth ‘Dolly’ Keslar Kunkle (2 Apr 1934-26 Dec 1997) married Wenzel Emory Kunkle (21 Dec 1933-4 May 2024). They lived in Stahlstown, Pa.
- 1.3.5.8.1.4.3.2 Dolores Irene Keslar White (24 Sep 1938-28 Jul 2012 Jones Mills, Pa) married Sonny Eugene White (9 Oct 1935-29-Sep 2012).
- 1.3.5.8.1.4.3.3 Gladys G. Keslar White (Nov 1940-living) married Elmer White (-26 Jun 2010). Elmer died of injuries sustained in an accident. He was a self-employed welder and mechanic. He was a member of the Antique Car Club of America. Gladys and Elmer had two children: Elmer E. White and Stacey White Emerick.
- 1.3.5.8.1.4.3.4 Betty J. Keslar Freed (11 Feb 1943-10 Sep 2023 Pittsburgh, Pa.) Betty was a graduate of the former Ramsay High School in Mt. Pleasant. She worked as a Beautician for 45 years and was the owner and operator of Betty Freed’s Beauty Salon. Betty participated in the Appalachian Wagon Train, along with her husband Ronnie for many years. She also enjoyed painting pictures and loved animals. Betty was a very giving person and like to help others whenever she could. She was a very active member of the Buchanan Church of God in White, where she served as a Sunday School Teacher and Youth Group Leader in addition to serving in several other capacities. She and Ronnie were parents of Ronnie R. Freed and Amy Freed Snyder of Donegal.
- 1.3.5.8.1.4.3.5 Darlene Ann Keslar Kreinbrook (Feb 1945-living) married Roger C Kreinbrook (8 Mar 1942-28 Dec 2021). Roger was a graduate of Connellsville High School class of 1961 and was President of the school’s Future Farmers of America. He first worked as an Overhead Crane Operator for Rochez Specialty Steel in Braddock for 18 years. He then worked for Shaffer’s Block in Somerset as a Boom Truck Driver. Also, Roger, along with his wife Darlene, owned and operated Kreinbrook’s Market in Donegal for 42 years. Roger loved working at the market and seeing and talking to all of the people that would come in every day. He especially like making the hand painted signs that the market would put out. People often commented how unique they were. Roger enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid hunter. Roger and Darlene were parents of Brenda Cramer and Christina Maluchnik.
1.3.5.8.1.4.4 Paul Andrew Keslar (19 Dec 1910-26 Apr 1978 Normalville, Fayette County, Pa) married Erma A Meyers Keslar (15 Nov 1910-22 Mar 1986 Normalville, Fayette County, Pa). Paul worked in the timber industry. He and Erma had one son that survived beyond infancy:
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- 1.3.5.8.1.5.4.1 Senneth Charles ‘Saith’ Keslar (31 Aug 1935-2 Apr 2025 White, Fayette County, Pa). Senneth began his career in logging and sawmilling at 15, working alongside his father, Paul, and grandfather, Francis Meyers. After his father’s death, Senneth joined with his son Charles to continue his life’s work. Together they operated Keslar Lumber Company until Senneth retired at age 82. The success of Keslar Lumber Company is due in part to the dedicated employees who we thank for their many years of hard work. Senneth enjoyed NASCAR racing and was a partner in the Motordrome Speedway in Smithton. He was an avid fan for his son Chuck and several friends who raced. He loved going to the auction in Rogers ,Ohio with his buddies, Ed, Dave, and Bob. He loved a good buy and would often come home with a truck load of treasures, including shrubs and flowers. He enjoyed flowers and had a passion for daffodils. His beautiful daffodils surround his house each spring in a showy display. After retirement, Senneth was often seen riding around in his red Cadillac, (his favorite car), with a wave and a smile for all who passed along the way. Lunch was his favorite meal, and Senneth could be found enjoying a cheeseburger and ice cream with whoever he met up with on that day. Senneth is survived by his wife of 70 years, Lillian (Spitzkopf) Keslar. Together they were blessed with 5 children: Ginny Martin, Vicki Snyder, Charles Keslar, Jane Staranko, and Valerie Keslar. Senneth was well known for his smile, always genuine, sometimes mischievous, but easily given to all who knew him.


1.3.5.8.1.4.5 Daisy B. Keslar Menzie (16 Dec 1912-11 Oct 2012 Donegal, Pa) married Lloyd “Jiggs” Menzie (16 Dec 1918-3 Aug 2005). Lloyd was a WW II veteran and was a supervisor at Kennametal in Latrobe, Pa. They had two sons and a daughter:
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- 1.3.4.5.1.4.5.1 Floyd Kessler Menzie (6 Nov 1938)
- 1.3.4.5.1.4.5.2 Ronald L. Menzie (24 May 1941)
- 1.3.4.5.1.4.5.3 Janet Marlene Menzie (24 Oct 1946-19 Jul 1975)
1.3.5.8.1.4.6 Charles Orville Keslar Jr (9 Jun 1914-12 Jun 1982 Donegal, Pa) married Grace Urbana White Keslar Jr (22 Apr 1917-13 Dec 2009 Fayette, Pa). They lived in Donegal. Charles was involved in trucking, including coal shipping. They had four children:
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- 1.3.5.8.1.4.6.1 Mark Keslar (17 Aug 1938 – died at birth)
- 1.3.5.8.1.4.6.2 Judith Ann Keslar Firestone (19 Jul 1939-Living Donegal, Pa). Judith attended Grace Martin Business School in Pittsburgh, Pa. She worked as a postal clerk. She married Thomas Merle Firestone (3 Mar 1937-28 Sep 2021) who served in the U.S. Army and then worked as a lumberman. They had four children:
- Joy Ann Firestone (12 Feb 1961) attended University of Pittsburgh, Greensburg and works as a title abstractor. She married Michael Brady (16 Mar 1959), owner of Brady’s Restaurant and they have two children: Erin Ann Brady (10 May 1984) and Elizabeth Ann Brady (4 Sep 1987).
- Joan Arlene Firestone (19 Mar 1963) attended Westmoreland Community College and works as a secretary.
- Thomas Merle Firestone Jr. (26 Jan 1966) attended University of Pittsburgh, Greensburg and works as a lumberman.
- Todd Monroe Firestone (27 Dec 1967) lives in Donegal and works as a mechanic.
- 1.3.5.8.1.4.6.3 Ronald Scott Keslar Jr (15 Mar 1941-25 Jul 1988 Donegal, Pa). Served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany. He attended Business Careers Institute in Pittsburgh and owns a restaurant with his wife, Sonja Marie Emert (7 Sep 1944). They have two children:
- Lori Ann Keslar (4 Jan 1966) who lives in Acme, Pa. and sells Avon products. She is married to Brian Keith Hall (19 Mar 1961) and they have one child: Mindy Nicole Hall (7 Jul 1984)
- Nicholas Scott Keslar (23 Aug 1982).
- 1.3.5.8.1.4.6.4 Charles Zane Keslar (5 May 1949) attended the University of Pennsylvania. Zane worked as a “Landman” in Pennsylvania. Here is an article about his experiences — Landmen exiting jobs in Western Pa. as gas, oil prices drop
1.3.5.8.1.4.7 Lillie M. Keslar Coffman (no children 5 Dec 1916-8 Oct 2001) married Vernon Smith Coffman (20 Feb 1916-8 Mar 1994). Vernon worked as a coal hauler. They had two children:
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- James V. ‘Jim’ Coffman (31 Oct 1935-7 Apr 2019) Jim married Beverly Ann Corristan Coffman (27 Aug 1937-28 Oct 2017). They were married for 62 years, He was a graduate of Connellsville High School class of 1953, and he received an Associate degree in Surveying from Penn State University, McKeesport Campus. Prior to his retirement he was owner of V. Coffman and Sons Paving and Excavating in White. He was a member of the Buchanan Church of God in White. Jim and Beverly enjoyed Square Dancing. They were longtime members of the Laurel Swingers Square Dance Club. They had three children: Robert Coffman, Joy Knepp and Fred Coffman, five grandchildren (Robert Knepp, Dylan Knepp, Sarah Coffman, and James and Blake Coffman, and five great grandchildren.

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- Beryl Charles ‘Pappy’ Coffman (3 Jul 1938-21 Jan 2026) Beryl was a graduate of Connellsville High School class of 1956. With his brother, he was the owner of V. Coffman and Sons Paving and Excavating in White. He attended the Indian Head Church of God and the Buchanan Church of God in White. Beryl was the oldest member of the Indian Creek Valley Sportsmen’s Club. He enjoyed fishing in Florida, hunting bear in Canada, and riding snowmobiles, and belonged to a local snowmobile club. He was also a member of the Antique Car Club. Beryl was married to Beverley Joyce Auman Coffman. They had three children: Elaine White of Melcroft, Mandy Reed of Mt. Pleasant, and Timothy Beryl Coffman of White. They had three grandchildren: Elizabeth Wilson, Adam White, and Skylar Womack; and six great-grandchildren: Jackson Holtz, Gideon Holtz, Bryson White, Hunter White, Paisley White, and Josie Wilson.

1.3.5.8.1.4.8 Roy Pershing ‘Pine’ Keslar (20 Nov 1917-20 Jul 2010 Donegal, Pa) married Rebecca A. ‘Becky’ Keslar (29 Mar 1924-18 May 2007 Westmoreland County, Pa). Roy passed at age 92 and was a lifelong resident of Donegal. He was born in Champion, son of the late Charles and Effie Stahl Keslar. Pine worked as a truck driver in his early years and was a member of Valley Brethren Church in Jones Mills. Pine and Becky had three children:
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- 1.3.5.8.1.4.8.1 Roy Edward Keslar (16 Aug 1945-13 Jul 1974 Pa)
- 1.3.5.8.1.4.8.2 Jayne Keslar Zarycki Hare (Abt. 1946-living)
- 1.3.5.8.1.4.8.3 Lynn Keslar Leeper Cain (Abt. 1948-living)
1.3.5.8.1.4.9 Loren Eugene ‘Babe’ Keslar (23 Nov 1921-2 Jul 2005 Donegal, Pa) married Estella Blanche ‘Stella’ Flack Keslar (2 Aug 1922-23 Jan 2017 Pa). Loren passed at the age of 83. He was born in Donegal Township, a son of the late Charles and Effie Stahl Keslar and lived in Acme. “Babe” was a retired dairy and vegetable farmer and a lumberman. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, and a member and deacon of the Valley Brethren Church, Jones Mills. Babe and Stella had six children:
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- 1.3.5.8.1.5.9.1 Loren Eugene Keslar, Jr. (16 Apr 1945) married to Peggy Raelynn Pritts Keslar (3 Jul 1946-12 Apr 2022) and lives in Acme
- 1.3.5.8.1.5.9.2 Laverne Dianne ‘Nerney’ Keslar (23 Feb 1947-23 Aug 2010 Pa) was affectionately known as “Nerney” to her family, she was a graduate of Mt. Pleasant Area High School, worked as a bookkeeper for the family lumber business, and was the former recording secretary for Valley Brethren Church for many years. She was a member of Valley Brethren Church and its Sisterhood of Mary and Martha and the WMS. LaVerne greatly enjoyed knitting and crocheting as hobbies.
- 1.3.5.8.1.5.9.3 Carol Marie Keslar Crosby (14 Oct 1949) and her husband, Dennis, of Acme
- 1.3.5.8.1.5.9.4 Vera Jean Keslar Schroyer (9 Nov 1951) and her husband, Ronald, of Acme
- 1.3.5.8.1.5.9.5 Susie Estella Keslar Black (15 Mar 1954) and her husband, Pastor James, of Wabash, Ind.
- 1.3.5.8.1.5.9.6 Deborah Joy Keslar May (12 Nov 1955) and her husband, Patrick, of Champion
1.3.5.8.1.4.10 Vernon Eugene ‘Gene’ Keslar (3 Jul 1925-24 Jan 2011 Donegal, Westmoreland County, Pa) married Gladys Klink Keslar (22 Oct 1931-? Donegal, Westmoreland County, Pa). Gene served in the Army during World War II, where he received a Purple Heart while serving in Germany. Prior to his retirement, he was employed at Latrobe Steel, where he worked in the maintenance and repair division. Vernon loved doing farm work and driving his Farmall, John Deere and favorite Ford tractor. After a long day at the steel mill, he was always anxious to change into his “farm clothes and hat” and go to the barn. He never owned his own farm, but he raised his own cows and pigs and was always ready to help close friends and relatives with their farming.
Gene and Gladys had five children:
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- 1.3.5.8.1.4.10.1 Marjorie Ann Keslar Tamblyn (28 Mar 1951-Living Westmoreland County, Pa)
- 1.3.5.8.1.4.10.2 Virginia M. Keslar Levergood (Abt 1951-Living Westmoreland County, Pa)
- 1.3.5.8.1.4.10.3 Vernon Eugene Keslar Jr. (4 Jan 1955-29 May 2012 Westmoreland County, Pa) Vernon was a veteran of the Army National Guard and a Red Cross volunteer. He was preceded in death by his wife, Katrina Large Keslar. Vernon and Katrina were parents of the following children: Michael Keslar and his wife Nicole, Vernon E. Keslar III, Carrie Keslar, Alyssa Marie Keslar and Natalie Dix Keslar.
- 1.3.5.8.1.4.10.4 Randy Jay Keslar (11 Dec 1957- died at birth)
- 1.3.5.8.1.4.10.5 Rodney L. ‘Tracy” Keslar (Abt. 1959-Living Latrobe, Westmoreland County, Pa — police officer)

