Robert Eugene "Bob" Keller

Lifelong Martinsville resident, Robert Eugene Keller, gained eternal rest at 1:44 AM on Monday, December 30th, 2024, at the Franciscan Health Hospital in Indianapolis at the age of 94. His earthly life began on Thursday, July 31st, 1930, in Martinsville, Indiana, when he was born to the late Freal and Susie (Barker) Keller.
Bob, as he was more commonly known, graduated from Martinsville High School with the class of 1948 and went on to attend three years of college at Indiana University, earning an associate degree. On January 10th, 1949, he enlisted in the US Army. He served his country with valor during WWII and the Korean War and was honorably discharged from active duty as a Master Sergeant on June 25th, 1953. In 1955, Bob joined the Indiana National Guard, serving as a guardsman until 1960.
After returning from the war, Bob married the love of his life, Cordelia (Cordell) Keller on May 8th, 1953. The two shared sixty-four years of marriage prior to her passing on September 28th, 2017.
Bob was a talented and dedicated engineer, working at Ford Motor Company in Indianapolis for thirty-three years and retiring in 1992. A man of faith, Bob attended Stones Crossings Church in Greenwood for many years and was a longtime member of the Martinsville Masonic Lodge #74.
Aside from his family, which was undoubtedly his greatest blessing, he had a passion for the fine arts. He loved music and was a gifted pianist and organist. In addition to music, he also took great pleasure in painting.
His long and admirable life and legacy of love and perseverance will be fondly remembered by his family and friends including three sons, Stanley (Carole) Keller and Michael (Elaine) Keller both of Martinsville, and John (Heather) Keller of Peoria, Illinois; seven grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren; six great great grandchildren; two brothers, Bill Keller of Avon, IN, and Tom (Donna) Parker of Washington.
Along with his wife, Cordelia, and parents, Freal Keller and Susie Keller Parker, he was preceded in death by one brother and four sisters.
Bob's family has honored his final wishes for cremation, and he will be laid to rest alongside his wife in Nebo Memorial Park Cemetery in Martinsville. Family and friends are invited to visit on Friday, January 24th, 2025, from 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm at Neal & Summers Funeral and Cremation Center in Martinsville. There will be a Celebration of Life Memorial Service immediately following the visitation at 5:00 pm.
In his final wishes, Bob specified that contributions may be made in his memory to the Stone's Crossing Church, 7000 W. Stones Crossing Road, Greenwood, IN, 46143.