Richard Henry Keller, aged 77, passed away on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at the UT Medical Center in Knoxville, TN. He was born on August 15, 1946, in Alliance, Nebraska to Lloyd and Edith (Neff) Keller. Richard was raised on their ranch in the Sandhills of Nebraska. He graduated from Garden County High School in 1964.
Richard's life was marked by service and dedication. He joined the U.S. Army on May 12, 1970, and was qualified for Special Forces. Serving in Vietnam as a member of the 173rd Airborne Brigade, he demonstrated courage and commitment. Transferring to the U.S. Army Reserve on December 22, 1971, he continued to honorably serve until his discharge on May 11, 1976.
Following his military service, Richard went on to study engineering at the University of Nebraska-Kearney, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1975 and embarked on a successful career as a draftsman and estimating engineer. He contributed his talents to Chief Industries in Grand Island, NE, and Lockheed Martin/Martin Marietta in Oak Ridge, TN.
Richard is survived by his three daughters, Trudy (Chris) Whitson of Louisville, TN, Tiffany (Jeff) Adkins of Middleburg, FL, Teresa (Matt) Holmes of McDonough, GA, and his eight grandchildren Clayton, Ryan, Evan, Elise, Dylan, Nicholas, Gregory, and Jamison. He is also survived by his brother, Arnold (Jeanette) Keller, several cousins, and his nephew Patrick Keller. He was preceded in death by his father, Lloyd Keller, his mother, Edith Keller, and his nephew, Jeffrey Keller.
A man of resilience and strength, Richard will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Graveside services will be held at the Nebraska Veterans Cemetery in Alliance, Nebraska, on Friday, February 23, 2024, at 1:00 PM. Visitation will be at the Bates-Gould Funeral Home Friday, February 23 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend and pay their respects to this honorable veteran and beloved father, grandfather, brother and friend. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com.