HOPE
Richard Thayer Keller was born in Columbus, IN on September 28, 1961. Richard was the first born of Glen Stanley Keller and Carol Jane Thayer Keller.
Richard was a graduate of Hauser High School class of 1979. While in high school Richard played baseball; was a cheerleader; and since his dad was the principal, he became the official office ‘gopher’. Richard graduated from Ball State University with a B.S. in Business Management.
Richard had a passion for farming and animals from a young age. He spent many years working on grain and dairy farms in the area. He also held jobs at Arvin’s; Ball Plastics; FSA Office in Lawrence County; Walmart Distribution Center in Olney, IL and Seymour IN; Auditor at Sam’s Club until his health prevented him from continuing full time employment. Most recently he has been employed as the Treasurer of the Hope Moravian Church.
Along with his passion for farming he also loved working with the youth in his church. He taught Sunday School, led the youth group, took youth to church rallies, retreats, camps as well as on ski and canoe trips. He was always up for having fun and he never met a stranger.
Richard met the love of his life, Jo Ann Fishel, at church camp in July of 1984. He had the patience of Job and remained her best friend until 1998, when she decided to take the next step towards being his wife. Richard and Jo were married on February 14, 1999. The first seven years of married life were spent in Illinois before returning to Hope, the place he called “God’s Country”. Upon returning to Hope he and his wife, Jo, fulfilled his dream when they built their home at the spot where his grandfather Thayer’s house once stood. He was able to farm the land and nothing made him happier, unless it would be his “fur’ babies. His favorite fur baby being Tucker. Tucker rode with Richard in the truck, gator, combine and tractor. They were quite the pair. Richard was a truly kind, generous, humble, Godly man. He was always doing something for someone else, but never wanted to take any credit for what he had done.
Richard is survived by his loving wife of almost 25 years- Jo; Mother- Jane Keller; Sister – Susan Gilbert (Jeff); Sister- Amy Keller; as well as 3 sisters-in-law; 2 brothers-in-law; 9 nieces and nephews; 17 great nieces and nephews. Richard was preceded in death by his father-Glen Keller; niece- Erika Aumock; and 2 great nephews, Jarrett Martin and David Walkenbach.
Funeral Service for Richard will be held on Tuesday September 19 at 1:00 PM at the Hope Moravian Church, 101 Main Street, Hope. There will be visitation one hour prior to service. Monday, September 18 is a visitation from 4:00-7:00 PM at Chapel of the Good Shepherd ,7230 E County Rd 700N, Hope. There will also be a Celebration of Life in West Salem, IL at the Moravian Church on Friday, September 22 at 12:00 noon with a visitation one hour prior to service.
Memorials can be made to Hope Moravian Church or Fair Haven Foundation Inc. Fair Haven provides free housing in Indianapolis for families or patients who are receiving long term care or outpatient care at the hospitals in Indianapolis.
