Deacon Robert E. McKiver, Sr. of West Haven, CT was born on September 2, 1916 in Duplin County, North Carolina. His parents were the late Henry and Della Outlaw McKiver.

Robert and Rebecca Branch McKiver were married on February 12, 1936 and remained married for 78 years until her passing in 2014. Out of that union came seven children, 3 girls Christine Walker, Everlena Ferguson (the late), and Emma Koonce; 4 boys Robert McKiver Jr., Elder Timothy McKiver, Deacon Marshall McKiver (the late), and Randy McKiver.

In 1948 he moved from North Carolina to New Haven, Connecticut for a better life. He found employment at Winchester Repeating Arms where he continued working until his retirement.

He followed his wife to Mount Hope Temple United Holiness Church with the Late Bishop Jeremiah Covington where he accepted Christ. Shortly after he was ordained as a Deacon where he began his committed and dedicated service to the Lord.

In 1968, he along with others were inspired by the Holy Spirit to begin a new Ministry, New Light Holy Church. He was elevated to a number of positions and wore many hats in the organization.

He continued to serve as Deacon and was voted in as Chairman of the Trustee Board until he relinquished the Chairmanship to the Late Elder Robert Dixon. He was Emeritus of the Trustee Board at New Light Holy Church, Inc.

Robert has 158 grands, great-grands, and great-great grands. He was predeceased by two sisters and 7 brothers; one sister-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Walk-through viewing and visitation will be held Friday, September 4, 2020 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. at New Light Holy Church, 198 Howard Ave., New Haven. Graveside service and burial will follow in Beaverdale Memorial Park, 90 Pine Rock Ave., New Haven.