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1928 - 2016

Jack Keller

1928 - 2016

Obituary

Guest Book

BORN

1928

DIED

2016

Jack Keller Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on May 4, 2016.

Ridgell Jackson Keller passed away on May 3, 2016. He was born on April 9, 1928, to Lottie Simmons Keller and Ridgell Keller. His family were early residents of Dallas and settled in the 1870s in what is now the White Rock Lake area. As a young man he served in the Merchant Marines and travelled the world, going to Asia, Africa, and Europe. In 1950, he opened the original Keller's Drive In on Samuells Boulevard, followed by the three other Keller restaurants. He was known for his big personality, extraordinary business acumen, neighborhood Fourth of July parties, and iconic Keller's drive-ins. He is survived by his loving wife of sixty-five years, Wilma Keller; his children Jacquelyn Keller, Sharon Keller, Jack Keller Jr., and Jon Keller and his wife Amy; grandson Temple Keller and his wife Kat Li, grandchildren William and Juliette Atkinson and their father Stephen Atkinson, and grandchildren Grace, Kate, Lilly, Jon, and Lottie Keller; many cousins and dear friends.

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Recent Activity

May 9, 2016

Someone posted to the memorial.

May 9, 2016

Lesley Isaacs posted to the memorial.

May 9, 2016

Tambourines posted to the memorial.

18 Entries

May 9, 2016

My family and I grew up cherishing Saturday afternoons at Kellers' Drive-In. Thank you, Jack, for this extraordinary "gift" to the Dallas dining scene. Sharon and Temple, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Tom Perryman

Lesley Isaacs

May 9, 2016

I have been working at kellers for almost a year on northwest highway it has been weird not seeming you and Mrs kellers I hope to see you again I look up to your family very buisness and family oriented

Tambourines

May 9, 2016

I was a child when I first met Mr. Keller. My parents took us to Keller's on Samuels Blvd. Years later My husband I would run into him at Doug's Drive-In, owned by his friend Tiny. We saw Jack more after we began cruising in our old Chevy to the Keller's NW Hwy. location which became the hangout for classic cars, hotrods, and motorcycles. We enjoyed talking with Jack and Wilma whenever they cruised through the back lot to check out the rides, and he always took time to stop and say hello. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Keller family and all who love Jack.

May 9, 2016

I have been associated with Jack for many years now. We shared many meetings together regarding food service products. I learned a lot from Jack and shared few funny war stories and his famous hamburger together.
RIP Jack!! You will be missed!
Prayer for the family.
Joe Pugh Retired from KeyImpact Sales

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May 9, 2016

My thoughts and prayers are with each one of you today . I sure loved Jack. Love,Tyke McKinney Coleman

Randy Wilson

May 8, 2016

Keller's Drive In was a HUGE part of my younger years. I met Mr Keller in 1975 when I was a senior in high school at the Samuel location. God bless you Mr Keller and his family

Sandra Dempsey

May 8, 2016

On May 3rd, 2016 a great man earned his wings. Wings well deserved by a man with a kind soul, a friendly smile, and a generous heart. a man who was a great brother, husband, father, uncle, grandpa, and to all a great friend. the family may have lost a man borrowed here on earth, but gained an angel forever. May we always remember his great chuckling laughs, and warm smile. always remembered, never forgotten, and loved by all. I will always remember your kindness, your wisdom, your constructive criticism, your patience. Rest in peace, you finally deserve it. Mrs. K, Jack J., Jacque, Sharon, and Jon, may the Good lord give you strength and courage in your time of sorrow. May God bless you all.

Roger Salazar

May 8, 2016

Farewell Mr. Keller, you brought forth a lot of friends and family together. I even attended weddings there. I hope the Pearl Gates of Heaven accept you because you were a good man and treated people with respect.
I hope your family keeps the business open as usual to continue your legacy...
God Bless... Roger Dodger

May 8, 2016

Goodbye Jack and deepest sorrow as Dallas has lost one of its greatest characters. I shall always remember your Vegas stories and other colorful stories.God bless you Wilma and may he give you strenght and courage in this moment.Michael White, formerly of Merchants State Bank at Ross and Henderson.

Comfort Wendel

May 8, 2016

Jon,
We were so sorry to hear about your dad. Our thoughts are with you and your family

Tommy Shirey

May 7, 2016

I met mr.Keller when I was 13 years old, I was working for Tiny, at Doug's drive in , he would visit Tiny, on a regular basis., he was always very kind , and especially nice to me. As I grew up, I was fortunate to know him better, along with some of his beloved family. He was my go to man, when I needed business advice, he was always right. A Dallas legend,,, .My thoughts and Prayers reach out to his family, his employees, and friends.,,, Tommy Shirey,, Rockwall tex.

jennie hoskins

May 6, 2016

I've had a lot of jobs in my life and a lot of bosses. I worked at Keller's in 1977 and have always thought of Jack and Wilma as among the best people I ever worked for. Sad to see he is gone, but glad he had such a long life.

Sian Schilhab

May 6, 2016

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family in this difficult time. May you find comfort in a lifetime of memories.

May 5, 2016

I met mr. keller at 16 my dad knew him from the 1950s . went all the time to get a burger beer rip jack larry

Patricia Taylor

May 5, 2016

So sorry to hear this my prayers r with the family

Marcie Gilman

May 5, 2016

The Keller's were a huge part of my life. I Thank you, from the bottom of my soul. May your heavy hearts find a little peace....
Marcie

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