Leonard Keller

Leonard Keller, 89, of Bonne Terre, passed away June 20, 2023, at his home surrounded by his loved ones.  He was born July 30, 1933, in Durham, MO to the late Leonard Arthur Randolph and Mary Alma (Daniels) Keller.  Leonard was drafted into the United States Army where he served his country for 2 years, during the Korean War.  He married his love, Wauneita Felts July 15, 1953, at Harvel Baptist Church in Harvel, MO, and later moved to DeSoto where he was employed by Missouri Pacific Railroad.  Once he was laid off by the Missouri Pacific Railroad, they moved to Cape Girardeau where he attended college for electrical engineering on the G. I. Bill.  Leonard was then called to work by St. Louis Refrigerator Railroad Car Company, a subsidiary of Anheuser-Busch.  In 1976, Leonard moved his family to Lake Timberline where he served as Fire Chief and was on the Lake Timberline Board of Trustees.  He also became a member of the Esther Baptist Church, where he served as a greeter.  His most memorable accomplishment was a loving husband, father and grandfather.  Leonard’s greatest love was God.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Margaret Carroll.

Leonard is survived by his wife of 69 years, Wauneita (Felts) Keller; children, Leonard Duane Wesley Keller and wife Jeanette Elaine Propst, Debra Louise Smart and husband Joseph Raymond, Teresa Smart and husband Terry Raymond; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; sister, Janette Ayers and huband Ronald; and one brother, Ronald Louis Keller and wife JoAnn; nieces, nephews, other family members and friends also survive.

Visitation will be held at C.Z. Boyer and Son Funeral Home in Desloge, Thursday, June 22, 2023, from 4:00 PM until the time of service at 7:00 PM.  Interment will be held at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, with full military honors, Friday, June 23, 2023.  Friends are welcome to join the family in the parking lot of C.Z. Boyer and Son Funeral Home in Desloge at 9:00 AM, to go in procession.