Gordon W. Keller

KELLER GORDON WILLIAM KELLER Resident of Alexandria and Tappahannock, Virginia died Sunday, October 25, 2009 at the age of 82. Born September 27, 1927 in Carlisle, PA to John and Grace Keller, Gordon was the second of five children. In 1946, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Japan serving in supply and playing the string bass in the jazz band. Upon his return to the States, Gordon graduated from the Rockwell School of Piano Tuning. He came to Washington, DC in 1949 working as a piano technician. Five years later he courageously decided to open his first piano store in Alexandria. Over the years, Gordon Keller Music Company grew to a chain of seven stores in Virginia and Maryland. Gordon loved pianos. For 55 years he brought the joy of music to people''s homes and lives, retiring in 2009. Gordon served as an officer in the Presbyterian Church; he was chair of the Salvation Army Advisory Board in Alexandria, a member of NAMM, (National Association of Music Merchants) and the Piano Technicians Guild. Surpassing his love for music was his love for the Lord and his family. Gordon also enjoyed traveling, gardening and great fishing adventures. He was a master woodworker who re-built and refinished pianos and furniture. Gordon was a generous man, giving pianos to many local churches, and violins to children in Israel, Kenya, Columbia, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan. He was always hard working, gracious, kind, and quick-witted, even to his last days. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mary Alice (Sweet) Keller; son, Daron R. Keller and daughter-in-law, Carol L. Keller; daughter, Rev. Holly Keller Davis and son-in-law, E. Van Davis; his father''s wife, Frances Hoffman of Lewisburg, PA; sister, Emily Keller Parker of Aurora, CO and five grandchildren, Kathryn Keller Wood, Rebecca Keller, Abigail Keller, E. Keller Davis, and Margery Davis. Memorial Service will be held on Friday, November 6, 1 p.m. at The National Presbyterian Church, 4101 Nebraska Avenue, NW, Washington, DC.