Robert Earl Keller
Robert Earl Keller, son of Cecil and Edna (Stahl) Keller, was born April 7, 1922 near Diagonal, Iowa. He grew up at Diagonal and graduated from Diagonal high school in 1940.
Bob enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1942 and served in Africa. He was honorably discharged in 1945. On April 4, 1942, Bob married Dorothy Pacha in Grant City, Missouri. After the war he farmed west of Diagonal for several years. He then changed jobs and began a long and rewarding career in the trucking industry. He started as a dispatcher for Ruan Trucking, working his way up to district manager. The family lived in Omaha, Nebraska and he would be transferred to Wisconsin and Illinois before returning back to Omaha. Bob advanced himself by accepting the position of vice president of operations with Truck Transport. Bob and Dorothy retired to Lebanon, Missouri but he still worked part-time as a sales rep for River Cement. In 1992 they returned to southwest Iowa and settled in Creston, Iowa.
Bob was instrumental in heading up and participating in the Keller Cemetery restoration project. Bob loved to fish and hunt. His yards were his pride and joy and he was awarded yard of the month in Creston. He kept up his yard and it always looked beautiful. Bob was a member of Morris-Herrold Post #395, American Legion in Diagonal.
Bob passed away suddenly on April 24, 2012. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Leslie Keller; grandson, Bryan Craddock; son-in-law, Paul Craddock, Sr., and sister, Helen Horner.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 70 years, Dorothy Keller of Creston, Iowa; sons, Clyde Keller and wife Nancy of Cocoa Beach, Florida and Ron Keller and wife Terrie of Fayette, Utah; daughter, Diane Pierce and husband Eric of Flower Mound, Texas; grandchildren, Brandy Ratley, Paul Craddock, Jr., Tara Keller and Stephanie Bridges; great-grandchildren, David Ratley and Conor, Chase and Cloey Craddock; brother-in-law, Kenneth Horner of Branson, Missouri; sister-in-law, Margaret Swank of Lenox, Iowa, and other relatives and friends.
Watson-Armstrong Funeral Home in Diagonal was in charge of the arrangements.
Services were held at the United Church of Diagonal on Sunday, April 29, 2012 with Pastor Edward Shields officiating. Musicians were Judy Newton and Shelly Mason.
Casket bearers included Paul Craddock, Eric Pierce, Merle Swank, Gary Swank, Wayne Wilson and Greg Hogue.
Honorary pallbearer was Charles (Mac) Moffitt.
Military rites were by Morris-Herrold Post #395, American Legion, Diagonal.
Burial was in the Bethel Cemetery in Diagonal.
A memorial fund has been established to Morris-Herrold Post #395.
