George Edward Keller

George Edward Keller passed away on the afternoon of December 26th, 2017 in his beloved Indianapolis after a fully-lived 93 years, joining his “Peachie Pie” of 55 years, Joyce Jacob Keller. He leaves behind his daughter Anne Keller Heger (James Heger) of Fort Wayne and Kay Keller Hunt (Ron Hunt) of Tulsa, Oklahoma, as well as 6 grandchildren (Monica, Stephanie, Brian, Julie (Justin), Justin, and Forrest) and 1 great-grandson (Massimo). George was born in Kokomo, Indiana March 13, 1924 to Levert Neff (WW1 hero) and Eva ‘Madge’ Humrickhouse Keller and was preceded in death by two sisters, Margy and Marian. After the death of his father, George went to live at the Indiana Soldiers and Sailors Home (1932-1942), where he made lifelong friendships. At the age of 18, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, was stationed at Camp Lejeune, N.C., and then shipped to Guam with the 3rd Division 12th Marine Regiment. He was discharged in March 1946 and enrolled in Butler University where he met his future wife Joyce Ann Jacob. He and Joyce married in 1951, and soon after George was called back into service for the Korean War. He was stationed at Camp Pendleton near San Diego, CA., where he worked first in intelligence and then as an instructor for troops shipping out to Korea. George was honorably discharged from the USMC with a permanent rank of Staff Sergeant.

George’s life embodied the Marine Corps motto Semper Fidelis, always loyal. He worked for Indiana National Bank for 22 years and served as the District 1 City Councilman in Lawrence for 32 years, remaining active in local politics until his death in 2017. He never missed the Marine Corps birthday, was a lifelong member of Lawrence Methodist Church and the Masonic Lodge, and was an avid golfer. Upon retiring from golf, George took up Wii bowling and became the first Westminster resident to bowl a perfect game.

George’s passion and vivacity extended to all facets of his life. He was a loving and dedicated husband, and a proud father and grandfather. He never passed up the opportunity to tell a story, strike up a competitive game of cards or just sit around the table “kibbitzing.” His honesty and unique tenderness will be missed by many. May we all live life like George. Semper Fi.

The family invites friends and loved ones to join in the celebration of George’s life at the Flanner Buchanan- Washington Park East at 10722 E. Washington St. Indianapolis, IN 46229 between 11am-2pm on January 5, 2018, followed immediately by a military funeral and a reception. In lieu of flowers and to honor George’s strong sense of civic duty, please consider donating to the League of Women Voters or to a charity of your choice.