Gerald Dean (Jerry) Keller was called home by our Lord on March 20, 2018. Jerry was born in Newton, Kansas, on February 11, 1938, to Leona Wiley and Daniel Keller, who preceded him in death.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 54 years, Patty; siblings, Ralph Keller, Byron (Gail) Keller, Aleen (Phil) Rapp, Danna Oxley, Jene (Roger) Rapp; son, Randy (Jeanie) Keller; daughter, Kristi (Andrew) Bertrand; grandchildren, Brooke (Jordan) Drake, Benjamin (Breanna) Keller, Che’ and Cache Bertrand, Wesley Whited; great-grandchildren, Aden Keller, Easton and Fletcher Drake; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews.
Jerry bravely served our country in the United States Navy aboard the submarine USS Razorback from 1956 to 1960. Not long after, Jerry married Patty Swatzell on June 2, 1963 in Hutchinson, Kansas. He eventually established a very successful automotive transmission business in Liberal, Kansas, which he operated for 38 years. After retiring, Jerry and Patty relocated to Fort Collins and then Canon City, Colorado, to be closer to their children and grandchildren.
It was impossible to meet Jerry without instantly loving him. Jerry will be fondly remembered for his fun-loving spirit, his never-ending sense of humor, and his incredibly generous spirit.
Memorial service, 2pm Saturday, April 7, 2018, Canon Community Baptist Church, 1111 Monroe Ave., in Canon City, with reception to follow. Graveside service, 2pm Friday, April 6, Lakeside Cemetery, Veterans’ Section.
In lieu of flowers, the family graciously requests donations to Canon Community Baptist Church or the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum, which is the final port for the USS Razorback. Donations can be sent to: AIMM, 120 Riverfront Park Dr., North Little Rock, AR 72114. A Maritime Museum donation basket will also be at the memorial service.
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