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CORTLAND -- Veryl "Doc" Kifer, 77, passed away peacefully into eternal rest Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at Otterbein Senior Living, Cortland.
He was born Nov. 25, 1948, in Cumberland, Maryland, a son of the late Owen Kifer and Norma Imes Kifer.
Doc lived in Cortland for the last five years; he was formerly of Austintown. He was a 1966 graduate of Monaca High School in Monaca, Pa. After high school, he attended Penn State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in metallurgy.
Doc served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War from 1970 to 1972. Doc married the love of his life, Betty J. Meeker, on March 20, 1971; they enjoyed 43 years of marriage together until her death on Sept. 18, 2014.
He worked for Copperweld Steel in Warren as a metallurgist for over 25 years. After the closing of Copperweld, he continued to work in the steel industry until his retirement in 2018.
Doc enjoyed gardening and traveling, including annual trips to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, with family and friends, and watching Penn State and Pittsburgh Steelers football.
Doc and his wife were members of First Assembly of God Church, Warren. After her passing, he attended North Mar Church of Warren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Betty; and his brother, Michael Kifer.
Doc is survived by his son, Kevin (Jenna) Kifer of Cortland; three grandchildren; and a brother, Dean (Joyce) Kifer of Monaca, Pa.
Cremation has taken place.
A private family graveside service will take place at a later date.
He will be laid to rest beside his wife, Betty, in St. Joseph Cemetery, Newton Falls.
The family requests all memorial donations please be made to Ohio Living Hospice of Greater Youngstown, 6715 Tippecanoe Road, Building E, Suite 201, Canfield, OH 44406.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the James Funeral Home, 8 E. Broad St., Newton Falls, OH 44444, 330-872-5440. Family and friends may view his obituary online or send condolences at www.jamesfuneralhomeinc.com.
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