Columbus, OH — Robert P. Ketner, 90, of Bowling Green, Ohio, died at his home Dec. 31, 2023, after a courageous fight with dementia.

Mr. Ketner was born in Wood County to Kenneth and Moneta (McCullough). After graduation from Bowling Green High School, he joined and served in the United States Navy. He married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Bronson. Upon completion of his navy duties, he entered the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy. His career as an Ohio State Driver’s License Examiner spanned 30 years.

He was a member of the Ohio Harness Horsemen’s Association and the USTA.

He was also inducted into the Northwest Ohio Harness Horseman Hall of Fame as a trainer and driver.

Mr. Ketner had many horses throughout his life, but he and his father purchased his first Standardbred, Ellroy Clay, at the Delaware Ohio Horse Sale for $140 in the late 1950s. They broke Ellroy Clay and knew he was going to be a special horse. Ellroy Clay set track records at the local fairs and racetracks. Bert Amos Sr. bought the horse for $6,500. The rest is history as Ellroy Clay became an invitational pacer at Roosevelt Raceway.

Mr. Ketner continued to train and drive horses as a hobby that he loved and as a second income to support his wife and five children.

He drove in his last race in 1983, and was a winner at the Hicksville, Ohio, fair with Butler Conquest, a pacing colt owned by Richard Dishop.

Mr. Ketner continued to enjoy and follow the career of Hall of Fame trainer Chuck Sylvester. Two of his daughters (Terri and Judy) worked for Chuck and cared for world champion horses.

Mr. Ketner is survived by his children, Teresa, Kenneth, Lori (Doug) Smith, and Judy (Nick Naleton); four grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sister, Jeanette; brothers, Charles and Harry; daughter, Debra; and wife, Barbara.

He was a devoted husband, father, and grandpa. He will be dearly missed.