Vernon Keller

Vernon E. Keller, 85, a resident of Davenport, died Friday, November 30, 2018 at Genesis Medical Center, East Rusholme Street in Davenport.

Funeral services celebrating his life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 4, 2018 at Christ United Methodist Church, in Davenport. Burial will be at Davenport Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday at the church. Memorials may be made to Christ United Methodist Church, the American Heart Association, or a charity of your choice. Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home in Davenport is assisting the family with arrangements.

Vernon was born November 1, 1933 in Knox City, Missouri, the son of Robert and Gladys (Walker) Keller. On August 8, 1953 at the Christian Church in Greensburg, Missouri, he married Hazel Lucille Elder. Vernon and Hazel just celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.

Vernon graduated from Granger High School, and from Truman State University with a Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts degrees. He also attended Kansas State University, working on post graduate studies. Vernon retired from Oscar Mayer (Kraft) Foods in 1992 with 22 years of service. He held management positions in training, safety, and protective services. Vernon was training manager of the Bendix plant in Davenport and a mathematics teacher in the Iowa public schools of Davenport, Monroe, and Exira. Vernon held memberships in the national and local training and safety organizations. He also served on the Iowa Governor’s Safety Council. Vernon was the first president of the Park View Homeowner’s Association.

Vernon served his country in the United States Army from 1954 – 1955, stationed in Japan as a radar technician.

Survivors include his wife, Hazel; sons, Larry (Teresa) Keller of Davenport, Gary (Kristi) Keller of Donnellson, Iowa, Paul (Tom) Keller of Graham, North Carolina, and Greg (Angie) Keller of Stockton; daughter/granddaughter, Kaitlyn (Joshua) Swaim of North Liberty, Iowa; grandchildren, Colleen (Rob) Brown of Durant, and Gavin (Beth) Keller of Magnolia, Delaware; great-grandchildren, Kaia, Kinley, Keaton, Kohen and Kallyn Swaim, Paige, Nicole, and Ryan Brown, Gavin, Jr., and McKenzie Keller; siblings, Kenneth (Margaret) Keller, Robert Keller, Dale (Loes) Keller, Jerry Keller, and Roberta Keller.

Vernon was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Donald; and a grandson, Adam.