RF Kiser Jr

It is with a heavy but grateful heart that we announce that our beloved RF Kiser Jr has completed his final voyage, and passed on to glory on Friday, March 21, 2025, at Whitesburg ARH at 89 years old. He passed as he lived; surrounded by loving friends and family who found comfort in the legacy and memories he leaves behind. Born May 24th, 1935, in “Old Kona” to the late Robert Frederick Kiser and Minnie Bell (Newsome) Kiser, RF he was the 2nd of five children. Proceeding him in death are his sisters Katherine Jackson and Donice Fleming, and his brother Charles Kiser; he is survived by his brother Dickie (Diane) Kiser of Whitesburg, KY. RF enlisted in the US Navy at age 17, where he spent 30 years serving our nation, retiring as Chief Petty Officer. His Navy service and the many forms of education he received were a source of great pride throughout his life. After 30 years of naval travel, he returned home to his beloved Kentucky with his “Barbie Doll” at his side; wife of 60 years Edna Faye Kiser. Venturing into many facets of the local coal business, he completed his career as co-owner of Kipar Industries. While his adventures in the Navy and the local coal community were his passion, it was his love for his family and community that was his true joy. A longstanding Mason and Shriner, he took great joy in serving those organizations. He was known for his giving and kind heart, his warm smile, and his friendly nature. Truly he never met a stranger. His family grew to include 5 children: John Robert Kiser (deceased), Katherine Kobren of Long Beach, CA, Grant (Tracy) Kiser of Melbourne Austrailia, Tim (Tim) Kiser of Chicago, IL, and Crystal (Jasan) of Jenkins, KY. His love and joy for family was such that he also adopted several others as whom he considered as his children as well. His extended children include three daughters, Sharon (Sonny) Niece of Kona KY, Shannon (Brian) Hogg of Whitesburg, KY, and Kristie (Jeff) Wright, and one son, his “little buddy” Kevin (Leslie) Parsons of Whitesburg, KY. RF enjoyed his retirement age traveling the United States with Faye, and doting on his thirteen grandchildren: Noah, Molly, Claire, Chenoa, Dawsan, Layla, Alexander (deceased), Caleb, Billy, “Little RF” Ryan, Ashley, Charity, Kaden, Blake, Collin, and Jarathan. With those grandchildren also came 9 great grandchildren, and a host of loved friends and extended family, who as well as all of those whom he loved as their Pop Pop, are as vast as the sands of the seas. Funeral services will begin Monday, March 24th with visitation from 6-7, following by a Masonic Rites funeral at 7 at the Hall & Jones Funeral home in Jenkins. A celebration service in honor of RF will be held Tuesday, March 25th at 7:00 at Mountain Life Church atop the Pound Jenkins Mountain. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 26th at 1:00 at Mountain Life Church with Bishop Billy Hogg and Pastor Brian Hogg officiating. Entombment will follow at the Green Acres Mausoleum in Whitesburg, KY. We hope you are able to join us as we say goodbye to a beloved community member and family man. It brings many of us peace to know that the legacy that he leaves will help guide our ways in the future. Fair wind and following seas, Chief; you will be missed.

RF Kiser Jr

May 24, 1935 - March 21, 2025