Steven L. Kyer stevekyergmail.com

Steve Kyer was born on November 6, 1944, to Kathleen Hersman and Carl Stoner. He was later adopted formally by his stepfather Ernest Howard Kyer. He grew up in suburban Akron, Ohio. Steve had seven...view moreSteve Kyer was born on November 6, 1944, to Kathleen Hersman and Carl Stoner. He was later adopted formally by his stepfather Ernest Howard Kyer. He grew up in suburban Akron, Ohio. Steve had seven siblings, all younger, and he was the household babysitter from age seven to age seventeen. Steve found Christ at age nine at a Christian Missionary Alliance Church and was half of a singing act with his best friend in that community for several years. At age nineteen, he converted to Roman Catholicism. He has served as a lector, or reader, in his parish for a number of years. In addition, he actually preached some years ago at a United Methodist Church by invitation. Steve was married for over forty-one years to Elizabeth Trostle Kyer, and they raised a son and daughter. Justin, at age 41, is a graduate of the University of Akron, and he works for Chesapeake Energy, Allyson, age 34, is a graduate of Wooster College, having graduated Magna cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa. She also holds an M.P.A. from the University of Akron. She is Director of Human Resources at Wake Forrest University Southern Baptist Hospital, and she is married to Michael Komaschka. For many years, Steve was politically active, serving as a local party chairman. He also served on two different city councils. Steve worked as an insurance agent for over twenty-seven years, more than twenty-one of those as owner of his own independent agency. Earlier he had worked in sales at different times, selling cookware, building materials, flooring and business machines. Later, he sold television advertising, and he still does part time consulting in marketing. In 1993, Steve authored and self-published through Victor in Akron, Ohio, a book entitled “View from the Bottom”. The book encompassed discussions of various aspects of modern American life, such as education, health care, the economy, the justice system, the political system and some important aspects of social and family life. Those who read the book praised the even approach to the various arguments, as Steve took pains to recognize the legitimate arguments on both sides of the major issues. One Florida reader gave his copy to the Speaker of the Florida House; then he sought and obtained another copy, which he gave to former Governor Jeb Bush. Steve has in the past written a number of articles and opinion pieces for local newspaper publication, including the Akron Beacon Journal, the Barberton Herald and the Suburbanite. In the early 90’s, Steve wrote a regular series of feature articles for the Barberton Herald. Steve received his undergraduate degree from the University of Akron in modern foreign languages. He majored in German Language and Literature, and after living for several years in a German speaking household, was recognized for ability approaching native fluency in that language. In addition, he had formal studies in French, Russian and Spanish, as well as informal study of several other languages. Steve has taught classes at elementary, middle and high school levels in languages. While serving in the U.S. Army as a Legal Specialist, Steve was charged with teaching classes to enlisted and officer personnel on the military justice system. At the same time, he also taught on provisions of a status of forces agreement, and he lectured on security regulations and clearance procedures. While in management in the insurance industry, Steve often taught classes on insurance products and sales techniques. As a political activist, Steve was often called upon to address meetings of dozens or even hundreds on political issues or campaign issues. He worked as an aide or advisor on many campaigns through the years. In high school, Steve had been a soloist in choir at two different high schools. Later, at age 58 he teamed up with a friend to form what became The Doo Wop Guys. They began offering doo wop and oldies shows at community venues and clubs. Well received, they have performed before audiences numbering from a few dozen to over two thousand. Today, Steve is quite comfortable appearing before groups of any size as a singer, a speaker or both.view less