David Keller

David Orvel Keller, 76, of Centralia, formerly of Dexter, Missouri, passed away peacefully Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, at home.

He was born Sept. 26, 1948, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, the son of Orvel Samuel Keller and Margaret “Olevia” (Gregory) Keller. In 1966, David married Wanda Lee (Maxwell) Keller Eason. David and Wanda’s union of 25 years brought two children into the world. He later married Audrey Hyten Bates in 1993, and they were married 30 years.

David is survived by his two children, Christie (Keller) Krieg and husband Carl of Centralia and Sam Keller and fiancée Danielle Downey of Marble Hill, Missouri; and his four grandchildren, Aaron Krieg and fiancé Rachel Langfelder of Springfield, Illinois, Dustin Krieg of Goodyear, Arizona, Lindzie Krieg and fiancé Jayden Regnier of Centralia, and Samuel Keller of Springfield, Missouri; and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, half-sister, Delorise Keller in 1936 and a stepson, Wesley Bates.

David lived in Dexter, Missouri most of his life. He was the past owner of Keller Heating and Cooling, a bus driver and custodial of maintenance for the Bernie School District in Bernie, Missouri, and later retired from Tyson Foods after 20 years.

David had a passion for serving in the Masonic Lodge. He was a 52-year member and a 32nd Degree with the Grand Lodge #573 of Missouri located in Bernie, Missouri. He was an avid reader, enjoyed traveling and camping, and spending time with his family.

Visitation will be held at Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter from 4 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1, 2024. A Masonic Rites Ceremony will take place at 5:30 p.m. with a Celebration of Life Service following at 6 p.m. Burial will follow in at 10 a.m. Saturday, November 2, 2024, in the Dexter Cemetery

Memorial donations may be made in David’s Honor to 18 FORE Life c/o Scott Kruse 705 Laurie Circle, Dexter, Missouri 63841 or SSM Health Hospice, c/o Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home 235 North Sycamore Street, Centralia, Illinois 62801.