Paul Keller

1949 - 2022

Paul Keller



With tremendous sadness Paul Keller's loved ones announce his passing. Paul was incredibly hardworking, independent, intelligent, kind, and optimistic. He was dearly loved and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Paul was born September 6, 1949, in Pueblo Colorado to Helen and Lawrence Keller. He grew up on the Keller family farm. For Paul, every day marked the beginning of a new adventure because he found tremendous joy working alongside his dad and uncles. He was happiest while driving the tractors and was consistently found working the fields from early morning until long after dark. He was widely admired for his work ethic and the joy he brought to his craft. He took great pride in his farming skills and animal husbandry. He was an active member of 4-H and Future Farmers of America always taking home top awards. In the late 1960's Paul began driving a semi and got his CDL license as soon as age permitted. Exhibiting his independent and courageous spirit he created his first business, PK Trucking. He was thrilled to purchase a limited-edition Eagle International in1980. He proudly drove this truck for the rest of his life, logging more than five million miles of adventure along the way. His journeys took him from the Mexican border to Canada and from California to Florida. Family members were always welcome to ride along on his trips. His nieces and nephews were particularly thrilled by opportunities to climb aboard and blast the truck's horn. His routine drive was to deliver stops in Colorado to Keller's Farm Stores, the family business in Albuquerque. He was an extraordinarily skilled driver who expertly maneuvered his truck and managed loads that others would not attempt. To those who knew him he was the worlds' best driver. He purchased his farm in New Mexico, Paul Keller Farm, in 1982 and began raising corn, small grains and alfalfa as well cattle. He enthusiastically put all his energy into his farm while continuing to drive professionally. He took great pleasure and pride in his work and never planned to stop. Paul loved his family tremendously. He was very close to his siblings and their families. He enjoyed family dinners and was always excited to attend a birthday, baptism, graduation, or any other celebration that called for good company and a delicious meal. He delighted in putting on firework shows for his friends and family. Paul consistently had an optimistic outlook and demonstrated his resilience at every opportunity. He believed that you can always get through the tough times as long as your loved ones are with you. Although there were numerous tough days farming and driving, Paul's positivity and can-do attitude were unyielding. He never gave up and believed tomorrow was always going to be better. Left to mourn his loss is Amber Smith, his significant other of more than 19 years, his daughter and granddaughter Betty and Tayler Whitting, his Uncle Raymond (Linda) Keller, siblings Nancy (Billy) Jackson, Margaret (David) Perko, and Michael (Deborah) Keller, nieces, and nephews Wade (Courtney), Dale (Eva) Jackson, Amy, Jonathan and Elizabeth Keller, Rebecca (John Paul) Duman and Victoria Perko, seven great nieces and nephews and numerous cousins. He will forever live on in the hearts of his loving family.

A visitation will take place from 5-6:00pm, with a rosary to follow at 6:00pm on Tuesday, February 1, 2022, at FRENCH-Lomas. Celebration of Mass for the repose of his soul will, be held at Our Lady of Annunciation, 2532 Vermont NE Albuquerque, NM 10:00am, Wednesday, February 2, 2022. Interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery immediately following. To view the rosary online and sign our online guestbook for Paul, please visit

www.FrenchFunerals.com.