Robert D. Kistler, age 89, of North Canton passed away Saturday January 10, 2015 in his residence. He was born November 4, 1925 in Canton to Charles and Fern (Keyes) Kistler. Mr. Kistler was a 1944 graduate of McKinley High School where he played football, basketball, ran track and was a diver on the swim team. He was also a member of the 1942 state high school football championship team. He then served in the United Stated Marine Corp in WW II serving in the Pacific Theater receiving a purple heart. Following the war he attended Miami University where he ran track, met his future wife, was the Miami Table Tennis Champion and received his Bachelor's degree. He later received a Master's of Education Degree from Kent State University where he was a member of both the diving and gymnastics teams, while also having accumulated hours toward a PhD. As an educator Robert taught at Cherry Grade School, Lehman, North Canton and McKinley High Schools. He coached swimming, diving, track and football at the high school level, with 6 consecutive state swimming and diving championships. He then served as an Assistant Athletic Director at Kent State University and then Athletic Director of Kent State University, Stark Campus, where he continued coaching various sports for an additional 21 years, retiring with Professor Emeritus honors in 1985. In 1960 Robert and Ted Brannin founded Branhaven Swim and Tennis Club in Jackson Township, which he ran for nearly 50 years. He was inducted into the Stark County Amateur Sports Hall of Fame for Coaching swimming. He was a founding member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame luncheon club, twice serving as president, and had served on the boards of the Canton Red Cross and American Cancer Society, and US Olympic Committee. Mr. Kistler was an active member of John Knox Presbyterian Church where he sang in the Choir and served as a Deacon. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Marthalyn "Marty"; daughter and son-in-law, Amy and Bryan Seekely of Highland Heights, Ohio; sons and daughter-in-law, Rob and Mary Kistler of Hudson, Jon Kistler of North Canton; grandchildren, Kevin and Brett Seekely, Darren, Maria and Logan Kistler, McCarthy and Isabella Kistler. He was preceded in death by a sister, Joan Mamaux and brother, Jack Kistler. Calling hours will be Friday January 16, 5-8:00 pm. at the Arnold Funeral Home in Canton. Funeral Services will be Saturday 11:00 a.m. in John Knox Presbyterian Church with Rev. Tom Houston officiating. The family will also receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church Saturday 10-11:00 am. Memorial donations may be made to John Knox Presbyterian Church. On line condolences may be left at www.arnoldfuneralhome.com. Arnold-Canton 330-456-7291