Graveside services will be held Thursday, March 4, 2004, 11:00 a.m., at Greenlawn Memorial Park. Visitation is from 4 to 7 p.m. today.

Born in Tucson, AZ, Mr. Keller grew up in McAlester, OK, and moved to California in 1945. He served in the U.S. Army, and in 1946 he married Veona Hollandsworth. He has resided in Bakersfield the past 45 years.

A man of strong values and simple tastes, he was devoted to his immediate and extended families and was especially attentive to his and Veona's parents, all of whom passed before him. He faced life's challenges with a well-honed sense of humor that was endearing and inspiring.

Dad was particularly fond of those he called "half of the Dirty Dozen," his buddies of more than 30 years with whom he traded knowledge, tall takes, and bad jokes at the Swap Meet as often as he and his scooter ("Big Red") could get there. We are so grateful for their friendship.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Veona; daughter, Patti Keller, and her partner, Ed Butler, sons and daughters-in-law, Wayne and Linda Keller and Larry and Joann Keller, grandson and granddaughter-in-law, Gary and Laurie Keller; sisters, Nora Stuck and Helen Horton, both of McAlester, OK; sisters-in-law, Edna Cantrell and Minnie Shiffer; and numerous nephews, nieces, and their progeny.

The family would like to thank Drs. Florencio Pangilinan, Alen Cartmell (and CBCC staff) and Robert Kopelman, as well as the nursing staff of Memorial Hospital and Optimal Hospice for their compassionate and professional care.

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