Steven Kellar
Steven Ernest Kellar, 62, passed away peacefully July 6, 2026, at his Seneca Lake home in Senecaville, Ohio, with his wife and daughter by his side.
Steve was born at the West Point Military Academy hospital in Highland Falls, N.Y. He graduated from Fairmont West High School in Kettering, Ohio, and earned a Bachelor of Science in Communication at Ohio University. It was freshman year at O.U. when he met his future wife, Toni (Finch) Kellar. They shared 44 years of life together.
Steve was diagnosed with juvenile macular degeneration at age 21. This retinal disease rendered him legally blind, yet he continued to pursue the things he loved to do, including hiking, fishing, golfing, and kayaking. He loved to listen to birds, be outdoors, enjoy music, sit around a campfire, have a good laugh, and have meaningful conversations with friends. He also loved small get-away adventures, spending time in Canada, and living at Seneca Lake.
Steve had a wide range of work experiences aligned with his passion for helping and connecting with others, starting with his own neighborhood lawn mowing and newspaper delivery business while in middle school. In radio, he was a disc jockey and production director for his high school radio station WKET; disc jockey and general manager at Ohio University’s WLHD; satellite feed operator at WOUB in Athens, Ohio; and program and operations director at CRIS (Connecticut Radio Information System). He was a student security guard for Ohio University; home improvement customer service associate in Indiana and Connecticut; darkroom and press plating operator at Housatonic Valley Publishing Company (New Milford, Conn.); and computer technology administrator for the Connecticut Society of CPAs.
Steve served in many volunteer roles – the most notable at The Wilds in Cumberland, Ohio. For 10 years, he served the restoration ecology department collecting seeds to replant as native prairie habitat on the previously mined lands; cleaned animal stalls (yes, he shoveled rhino poo!); greeted visitors; and spoke at organizational events. His service earned him the honor of a Wilds Volunteer of the Year.
In later years, Steve completed ICF-accredited training and became a personal life coach. He volunteered as a co-facilitator for self-improvement programs serving emerging leaders and those in addiction recovery.
Steve had a curious and thoughtful mind, a deep reverence for nature, and a life filled with service.
He is survived by his wife, Toni Jill (Finch) Kellar, and their daughter, Kayla Marie Kellar. His parents are Gisela and Edwin Kellar. His siblings are Christine Lehmkuhl and Neal Kellar.
In his honor, Steve wishes that his friends and family find their moments to enjoy in nature. “Get outside and do something you love,” he expressed. If inspired, donations in his memory may be made to Hospice of Guernsey, The Wilds, or Olney Friends School.
Cremation has been observed with no additional services to be held at this time. Chandler Funeral Home 609 West Street Caldwell, OH 43724 has been entrusted to care for the family. Please join us in remembering Steve by visiting his memorial at www.ChandlerFuneralHome.net
