Charles Herbert Keller

Lenoir, NC- Mr. Charles Herbert Keller, Sr., 92, of Lenoir passed away October 19, 2011 at Caldwell Memorial Hospital. Mr. Keller was born in Caldwell Co. on April 28, 1919 to the late Granville A. Keller and Ollie Sides Keller. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his beloved wife and life partner of 69 years, Frances Sherrill Keller, his brother, Earl Keller, and his sister, Lucille Bridges. He is survived by his son Herb Keller, Jr. and wife Gerry, of Lenoir, two grandsons, Chuck Keller of Charlotte and Scott Keller and wife Dawn of Matthews, and two great-grandchildren, Francesca and Joseph Keller. Also, by several treasured nieces, nephews, church family, cousins, and friends. He was a member of Kings Creek Baptist Church. Evans Funeral Service of Lenoir is serving the family. The family will receive friends from 12:00 -1:00 on Sat. Oct. 22 at the funeral home prior to a graveside service at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church Cemetery on the Blue Creek Road with Rev. Randy Goode of Kings Creek Baptist Church officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care, 902 Kirkwood Street, Lenoir, NC 28645 or to Kings Creek Baptist Church, 4698 Kings Creek Church Road, Lenoir, NC 28645. Herb served in the US Navy in World War II aboard the Minesweeper, USS Swift. He saw action in both Europe and the Pacific. He began a career in trucking at the age of 15 where he found himself negotiating the streets of NY City when his primary driver was unable to complete the trip. After the war he joined with Ed Newton in the formation of Newton Transportation Company as both truck owner and traffic manager where he served until his retirement in 1982. Herb was always a man of action with many interests. During his middle years he took up raising ponies and won many blue ribbons for his pony training. He and Frances started a life-long dedication to fitness and entered many competitive sports, swimming (his favorite), biking, and running, and won countless trophies. He ran in and finished the Boston Marathon at age 68. In his spare time he raised a garden and gifted friends and neighbors with his huge, delicious tomatoes and other produce. He also found time to serve his community as a Gideon, President of the Optimist Club, Agricultural Extension Agent, and a Boy Scout Leader at one time. He said many times that his greatest blessings came during the years he was primary care-giver for his wife, Frances, after her stroke. His spirit and optimism never faltered. He was a generous and inspiring man and will be missed by all that knew him. Online condolences may be sent to the Keller Family at www.evansfuneralservice.com PDF Printable Version