Frank L. Kelker

Frank L. “Doc” Kelker, 89, of Henderson, Nevada and formerly of Dover and Cleveland died May 21, 2003 in Nevada. The man many called the greatest athlete ever at Dover High School will be remembered this Saturday evening beginning at 6:45 pm in the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home at Dover. A video tribute will begin at 6:45 followed by a celebration honoring Doc�(TM)s life at 7 pm that will be officiated by Pastor Robert Sherrell.

A four sport athlete at Dover, Kelker earned four varsity letters each in three different sports, excelling in football, basketball, and track. He also played baseball and earned a total of 14 varsity letters at the school.

Kelker starred on Dover�(TM)s 1933 state championship basketball team. He earned All Ohio status in both football and basketball. During high school, Doc was recruited by Ohio State, Michigan, University of Chicago, Purdue, and City College of New York in addition to every small college in Ohio. He went on to earn nine varsity letters in college and was named to six All-American football squads while starring at Western Reserve University (now Case Western) that continues to award scholarships to disadvantaged students.

He served as Executive Director of the Cedar Ave. YMCA in Cleveland and served on many board of trustee positions at Cuyahoga Community College and Dyke College and many other positions of public service.

His contribution led to a “Doc” Kelker Day in Cleveland proclaimed by then-mayor and former Ohio Governor George Voinovich and a commendation speech upon retirement from former U.S. Congressman , the late Louis Stokes.

Born December 9, 1913 in Woodsville, Florida, he was the son of the late Charles L. and Laura L. Harrington Kelker. He was a 1934 graduate of Dover High School and served in the Red Cross.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Audrey Laura Kelker along with two brothers, John and Fred “Spider” Kelker.

Doc is survived by one son, Dean Kelker of Philadelphia, Pa. and many nieces and nephews.

Those who may wish to express a fond memory of “Doc” may sign the online register book on our website at www.tolandherzig.com