Winifred L. “Bud” Keller was born in Collins, Missouri, to Oma C. and Jewel Keller On September 17, 1927 and went home to meet his Lord on April 26, 2014 at the age of 86.
He resided in the Collins area his entire life, and he and Neomia lived on the family farm for over 60 years. He married Neomia C. (Bybee) Keller on October 28, 1950 and they were married for 63 years. Bud and Neomia had three children, Brenda Keller VanGilder, Gary Dean Keller and Wanda Keller Garver. Bud was saved at a young age. He and Neomia attended Brush Creek Missionary Baptist Church for the last several years and he was especially fond of his church family.
Throughout his life, he worked hard and sought to excel at all he did. He loved his family first and foremost. His other passions were coon hunting, softball and baseball, horseshoes, crappie fishing and his farm. His accomplishments were many, including playing softball for many years on the Collins team which went to state numerous times; his Hall of Fame coon dog, Mike, who along with Bud, were honored by the English Breeders Association; his horseshoe pitching where he competed in the State tournaments and in many local competitions; and Keller Fur, which he and Neomia operated for 45 years, along with his daughters and sons-in-law. His friends were many, and he cherished them all.
Bud was a lifelong farmer, drove a milk truck and a school bus for several years. He and Neomia started Keller Fur in 1969 and operated it with family members until the present. He was highly respected and was known for his high quality product. He loved this business and it showed.
Bud was preceded in death by his parents, Oma and Jewel Keller, his sister, Lena Keller; two brothers, Junior Keller and Bobby Keller; and his infant son Gary Dean Keller.
He is survived by his wife, Neomia C. Keller, of the home; 2 daughters, Brenda VanGilder and husband Mike of Pleasant Hill, MO and Wanda Garver and husband Tommy of Collins, MO; a sister, Dorothy Dale and husband Gene of El Dorado Springs, MO; a brother Gerald Keller of Collins, MO and sister-in-law, Wanda Keller of North Kansas City, MO; six grandsons, Trey Rutherford, Sean Rutherford and April, Shane Garver and Amanda DeTar, Tony Garver and Kristen, Nick Garver and Rebecca and Jason Garver and Julie; 1 granddaughter, Earlene Pipes and Kevin; 18 great-grandchildren and numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces and nephews along with many friends.
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