Paul Edwin Keller
December 6, 1922 ~ January 22, 2016
Paul Edwin Keller, 93, Camby, passed away peacefully at the Cumberland Trace nursing home in Plainfield on January 22, 2016. Mr. Keller was born December 6, 1922, in Veedersburg, Ind. to Orville E. and Bessie C. Thomas Keller.
At age 12 (1934), his mother moved he and his sister to Flat, Alaska, a small gold mining town in the Iditarod region in west-central Alaska, pop. 150. He lived in Flat with his mother and stepfather before he moved on his own to Anchorage to attend high school. Post-graduation he worked for the Alaska Railroad for one year and joined the US Navy in 1941. After basic training he was assigned to the U.S.S. Shamrock Bay, CVE-84, a small escort-class carrier with multiple Atlantic tours to Casablanca and Morocco as well as duties in the Pacific to the Philippines and Japan. After his discharge in 1947 he returned to Indiana.
Within a year, he was hired by Eli Lilly & Co where he was employed for 38 years. He worked in the shipping and import/export services departments. He was a member of the Masons (Brookside Lodge # 720). He enjoyed reading, traveling, trains, Alaska, aviation history, cats, and playing euchre and bridge and spending time with his family and friends. He was a self-taught, accomplished musician playing the organ, mandolin, and accordion. He also enjoyed ministering and counseling many in and outside of his church throughout his life.
Survivors include his wife, Ardith, married on May 22, 1959; son Chris (Jennifer); daughter Rose Sanders (Bill); and sister Mary Maxine Johnston of Spring Valley, Cal.
Friends and family will gather on Sunday, January 24, 2016, 2 to 5 p.m., in the chapel at Carlisle – Branson Funeral Service & Crematory. The funeral service will begin at 11 a.m., Monday, January 25, 2016, in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made to Churches in Mission, www.churchesinmission.org. Visit www.CarlisleBranson.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.
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Much sympathy to Ardith and family. May God bless all of you. I enjoyed several visits with Paul and Ardith who were always so gracious and welcoming. Paul kindly performed the wedding ceremony for my sister and brother in law 31 years ago, and for me and my husband 25 years ago; his words were beautiful. Thanks to you both for sharing your home and time. Libby Herman
So I am invited here to share a memory of Mr. Keller. My entire childhood is full of memories of dear Mr. Keller. The Keller house was like my second home, and Mr. Keller treated me like his own daughter. My heart breaks with yours, Rose & Chris & Mom.
Thanks Michelle! You are one of the family and we really appreciate your kind thoughts! Chris
Thank you Libby!
My heart goes out to all of you. Paul was an inspiration to so many people. I am so grateful that I got the chance to meet him.
Charlotte Peasley sent a virtual gift in memory of Paul Edwin Keller
Back in the early 70s, as a recent immigrant to the States, I struggled to find my place in the world. I was not a churchgoer and had turned away from the religion of my youth. I agonized over what purpose I had for living and the path I should follow. I’m sure this is not an unusual story for many people. Especially those who find themselves thousands of miles from their place of birth. Through random circumstances or divine guidance, take your pick (I choose the latter), my searching found myself at the home of Paul and Ardith Keller in Camby, Indiana, who operated a bookstore and held philosophy classes and meditation in their bookstore. Through this relationship, I went through a transformation and I can honestly say that without the spirit, energy and knowledge they added to my life, I could not have written The Giza Power Plant or Lost Technologies of Ancient Egypt. Nor would I have had the many wonderful experiences associated with the research and writing of these books – including making some awesome friends. Oliver Wendell Holmes said, ‘A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never return to its old dimensions.’ Paul Keller passed into spirit on January 22, 2016 taking with him not just my love and goodwill, but the love and goodwill of thousands he had guided over the years. He led a glorious life and now has a glorious homecoming. Thank you, Paul, for stretching my mind. Thank you Ardith for doing the same and welcoming me into your family. Much love to you and Chris Keller and Rosie. Chris Dunn
Best Father of the Years Award