Columbus
L. Paul Keller, 81, of Columbus, joined his wife Roberta, known to family and friends as ‘Bert’, in heaven on Tuesday, July 5, 2016.
Paul was born on July 25, 1934, in Hope, Indiana, to Keith and Edith (Powell) Keller. The third of four children, his siblings include Omer Keller, who preceded him in death, Glen Keller with his wife Jane, as well as Mary Louise Crain with her husband Carlos.
He graduated from Purdue University with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering in 1957 and then worked for Cummins until his retirement. Afterward, he contracted for Cummins in Jamestown, New York, Rocky Mount, Nort Carolina, and Walesboro, Indiana.
He met his sweetheart, Roberta Elmore, and the couple was married on November 2, 1958, at Broadway Methodist Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. Married for 55 years, Paul and Bert raised their three children, Steve, Linda and Paula, in Columbus, Indiana, following which they also raised their nephew, Keith Keller, after the passing of his parents. In addition, the family also has an honorary daughter, Barbara Warner, who joined the Keller family when she was 14 years old.
Bert preceded him in death on January 18, 2014.
In 1996, they moved into the house on Marr Road and Paul ensured the home was custom built to Bert’s specifications. A farmer at heart, he and his grandchildren enjoyed driving the farm equipment and his lawnmowers no matter the temperature or weather when they came to visit.
Described by many as a “kindhearted man,” Paul raised his family leading by example and instilling in them the values and knowledge needed to succeed. As the soft spoken head of the Keller family, he could always be found working hard behind the scenes for those he loved. Paul dedicated over 50 years to the fraternal organizations of the Masonic Lodge. He was also an active member of Hope Moravian Church and was treasurer for the church cemetery for many years.
Paul loved spending time with family and friends, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who quickly learned there was always an ice cream shop on the way to wherever they were going. He also enjoyed go-carting with family and friends, tending his garden, Bible Study Fellowship and taking care of his cats.
He was the father of five children and partners: Steve and Piper Keller of Dallas, Texas, Linda and Terry DuVall of Dallas, Texas, Paula and Bill Compton of Columbus, Indiana, Keith and Whitney Keller of Franklin, Indiana, and Barbara Warner of Columbus, Indiana.
He was grandfather to eight: Michele and Natalie DuVall, Sheridan and Reece Keller, Aaron Compton and Emily Fleetwood, Logan and Colton Keller, and great-grandfather to two: Zoe Fleetwood and Isiah Rudicel.
Immediate family: Father and Mother, Keith and Edith Keller (both deceased); three siblings and partners: Omer Keller (Deceased), Glen and Jane Keller and Mary Louise and Carlos Crain; in-laws, Charles and Karen Elmore, Joseph Elmore and Julia Blenkhorn.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Hope Moravian Church, 202 Main Street Hope, Indiana with Pastor Andy Kilps officiating. A graveside service and burial will follow at Hope Moravian Cemetery. Calling will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, July 8, 2016, at the church. Masonic rites will be performed at 7:45 p.m. Friday. Additional calling hours will be from 10 a.m. until service time Saturday, July 9, at the church.
Memorial contributions may be donated to CASA or Hope Moravian Cemetery Perpetual Fund.
A luncheon reception for the family and close friends will be held at the Hope Moravian Church immediately following the graveside service.
The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers and support.
Arrangements were made by Norman Funeral Home at Hope.
Online condolences may be expressed to the Keller family at www.normanfuneralhome.net.
