Art Henry Keller

Art Henry Keller, age 92, passed peacefully from this world into heaven, with his wife, Patty, and his son, Bryan, at his bedside in Houston, Texas on March 11, 2021. Art was born on November 9, 1928 in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. He was the youngest son of Fred and Rose Keller who owned a vibrant farm in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Art was brought up with strong Christian values and devotion to his family and country. Art and his five older brothers actively worked at the farm, served their country and enjoyed sports, hunting, horseback riding, card games, storytelling and education. Art served in the Naval Reserves. He earned his Bachelors in Math from Southeast Missouri State University, Specialist Degree at the University of Missouri and later attained his Masters in Education Administration from Washington University in St. Louis. Art married his young love, Patricia (Patty) Ann Keller from Cape Girardeau, on July 1, 1951. Patty was the perfect complement to Art’s dream of pursuing a career in the education of high school children. Patty took care of their home and four children—Jane, Bryan, June and Jean—and supported Art’s passion for education. They lived in the states of Missouri, Illinois, Arkansas and Texas. Art was active in his local church and the Rotary Club. He had numerous positions in education including teacher, coach, referee, assistant superintendent and high school principal. He ended his career in education as the Principal of Pekin Community High School in Pekin, Illinois. The two of them were active in the community, church and socially with friends. They travelled frequently to visit their kids and grandkids, but also managed to explore the United States and many locales abroad including Germany, England, France, Austria, Puerto Rico, Panama, Italy and Mexico. Art’s hobbies included golfing, gardening, horse shoes, cards, fishing, hunting, home projects and grilling. But most of all, he loved spending time with his family. On visits to his parents’ family farm in Cape Girardeau, the Keller adults would enjoy playing card games together and engaging in lively family discussions around the large, round, lion claw table while the grandchildren explored the great outdoors at the farm. Art’s character was one of integrity, honor, loyalty, kindness, courage, charity, responsibility, faithfulness, playfulness, adventure and determination. Art loved his family faithfully and abundantly, and they consistently and wholeheartedly loved and respected him. Art is survived by his wife, Patty, in Houston, Texas; daughter Jane Keller (husband, Davis Miller) in Southport, CT; son, Bryan Keller (wife, Charlsie) in Houston, Texas; daughter June Renaud (husband, Bob) in Nashville, Tennessee; and daughter Jean Lively (husband, Fred) in Battlement Mesa, Colorado. He is survived by his eight grandchildren (Damon, Morgan, Nathen, Erika, Emily, Alison, Jason and Charlie; seven great-grandchildren, Sylas, Conner, Cole, Maggie, Logan, Samantha and Madelyn, and a brother, Roy (Eldora) Keller. Art was predeceased by his infant son, Alan; parents, Fred and Rose Keller; brothers, Irvin, Dewey, Quinton, Layton and Howard; and sister, Dorothy. There will be a private graveside memorial service on Saturday, June 5, 2021 at Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery

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Art Henry Keller

November 9, 1928 - March 11, 2021