Keith A. Keller

1938 - 2025

Keith Allen Keller entered the world as a Christmas gift! He was born to Allen John Keller and Esther (Sibby) Kolmeier Keller in Mercedes, Texas, on December 25, 1938. Keith rode off into the sunset for the final time on October 17, 2025.

Keith's life was a full one. After moving several times during his very early years, the Keller family settled in Fredericksburg in the 1940s. Family lore tells that he and an elementary school buddy used to ride around town on bikes with a .22 on the handlebars, shooting turtles off the bridge over Town Creek and blowing up piles of dirt with firecrackers-both skills which followed him throughout his life and career. He graduated from Fredericksburg High School in 1957. He and Marjorie Ann Alberthal were married on June 8, 1963, in Holy Ghost Lutheran Church, beginning a life partnership lasting just shy of 57 years. The early era of their marriage was spent getting Keith through college and following road jobs. He graduated with a civil engineering degree from the University of Texas in 1964 and was registered by the State of Texas as a Professional Engineer in 1972. He worked for his father, Allen Keller, for many years, starting as a stake setter, moving up to foreman, and eventually taking the reins of the Allen Keller Company in 1977.

Keith also gave his time to the community. He was the starter of the horse races for two decades, which he absolutely loved. He was a member of the Gillespie County Fair and Festivals Association for many years, serving as its president in the 1981-1982 season. The days spent working with those friends on the track during the horse races were some of his favorites. He served as the Chamber of Commerce Board Chair in both 1976 and 1977. In the 1970s, Keith, his father, and brother-in-law James Kemp all learned to fly airplanes. As a kid, he had ridden along with his father to participate in Hans Hannemann's runway lighting method, which apparently consisted of local folks lining up their trucks along the runway with their headlights on! Allen, James, and Keith eventually partnered to create Triple K Aero, which built and managed the first private aircraft storage hangar at the airport. He was involved further as Allen Keller Company was responsible for much of the construction at the airport. Keith was instrumental in the creation of the Airport Advisory Board, which he chaired for many years and in which he remained an active member for many more. In May of 2023 during the 75th anniversary of the opening of the Gillespie County Airport, he was recognized as a Modern Day Founding Father. In addition to these organizations, he was also active in the banking community. His association with Security State Bank & Trust began in 1978. He was appointed to the Board of Directors in 1981 and was still serving in that capacity at the time of his death, 44 years later.

Keith's occupation as a road builder led to his involvement in the Associated General Contractors, and he served as Chair of numerous committees within that organization over his years in this field. He served as President of the AGC of Texas-Highway, Heavy, Utilities and Industrial Branch in 1986. He was a founding member of the AGC of Texas Scholarship program, which has awarded more than $15 million in scholarships to Texas students for construction related undergraduate and vocational education over the past 30 years. He was honored as a Life Member upon his retirement in 2015. On May 1 of that same year, Keith was honored with a House Resolution (HR 2376) by the Texas Legislature for his leadership in the state transportation industry over the course of his career. Specifically cited in the Resolution were Allen Keller Company's drill-and-shoot and limestone crushing techniques, and the responsibility for executing some of the most dramatic road cuts on I-10 between Austin and El Paso.

On the more personal side, Keith left his greatest mark on his family. He had a life-long passion for the outdoors, teaching his kids (and later his grandkids) at an early age how to shoot and hunt. He loved getting people excited about shooting and leapt at the chance to outfit people with just the right gun. The exploits that occurred on the numerous hunting trips made with his father, James, and many other close friends served as the basis for what he liked to call "2-drink" stories, which were a great source of entertainment. He often lamented that he was born in the wrong century, and consequently immersed himself in John Wayne movies, Texas Ranger history, and campfire cooking, and he felt most at home in a pair of boots and a hat. A voracious reader, he was rarely seen without a Western paperback close at hand. Keith and Margie built a wonderful family for their kids to grow up in, and countless great memories were made over the years. They traveled to some amazing places and taught their kids lessons in responsibility, integrity, generosity, and hard work. Once the grandkids came along, a different side of Keith's personality emerged, and another generation had the benefit of his wisdom, humor, and experience from which to learn. While he may have had many hats to juggle over the years, from road builder to banker, and businessman to family man, he wore them all well. He carried himself with dignity and honor, and his boots will be impossible to fill.

Keith was preceded in death by his wife, Margie Keller, in 2020. He is survived by his children and their spouses: Stacy and Ken Loth, Stephanie and Eric Igler, and Kory Keller. He leaves behind 8 grandchildren: Brandon and Madi Loth, Derrick and Kayla Loth, Eliesa and Brenton Williams, Gregor Igler, Grace Igler, Will Keller, Ellison Keller, and Alex Keller. He also has 6 great-grandsons. He is survived by his siblings Karen Kemp, Kay and Mark Durst, and Katy Keller. He was fortunate to have shared countless friendships over the course of his 86 years, and he will be missed by many, including his dear friend and companion Linda Lindner.

Private graveside services and interment will be held in Greenwood Cemetery.

The public event commemorating Keith's life will be held on Friday, November 7th from 2:00-6:00 pm at the Vista Oaks Event Center in Fredericksburg.

For those who so desire, memorial contributions may be made in his memory to St. James Lutheran Church in Harper, Cornerstone Caregivers, or to the charity of choice.

Expressions of sympathy maybe sent to www.schaetter.com

Funeral arrangements under the direction of Schaetter Funeral Home