Clell T. Keller

Clell Keller, 93, formerly of Robinson, IL, died at 6:25 a.m. on Sunday, March 4, 2018 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, TN. He was born on September 20, 1924 in Graysville, IN, the son of Omer Keller & Myrtle (Matheny) Keller, both of whom preceded him in death. He is also preceded in death by his brothers, Dewey Keller, Moran Keller, and William Keller. He married the love of his life, Arlene Dart on September 7, 1946, and they were married for wonderful 71 years before he preceded her in death. He is also survived by his son, Larry W.& Lehua Keller (Lebanon, TN); by his daughter & son-in-law, Denise L. & Jerry Utterback (Robinson, IL); by his grandchildren, Dustin Keller (Lebanon, TN), Joshua & Kim Keller (Lebanon, TN), Kimbra Stephens (Lebanon, TN), and Travis & Jennifer Utterback (Robinson, IL); by his great-grandchildren, Courtney Keller, Abigail Keller, Reagan Stephens, Deacan Stephens, Brittany Pittman, John Thomas Keller, Lane Utterback, and Madison Utterback; by his great-great-grandchild, Allison Utterback; by his sister, Hazel Gaddis (Joliet, IL); as well as several nieces and nephews. Clell grew up during the Great Depression and worked hard before and after school as a young man. This instilled in him a tireless work ethic that served him well for the rest of his life. Following his graduation from Robinson High School, Clell proudly answered his country’s call, serving in Patton’s 3rd Army during World War II. All in all, he fought in 5 campaigns in the European Theater – Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe. Back home, he went to work for the Robinson Daily News as linotype operator. After 31 years at the newspaper, he again answered a call, this time from his community. For 12 years, Clell served Crawford County and its citizens as Clerk of the Circuit Court before retiring in 1988. He also served on the Board of Directors for the First Robinson Savings Bank for 17 years before leaving his position in 2001. He loved this area and was, by all accounts, a staple of this community. He was a member of a number of local organizations, from the Robinson V.F.W. Post #4549 (with whom he was a lifetime member and served as District Commander from 1959-1960), the Robinson American Legion Post #69, the Robinson Masonic Lodge #250, the Danville Scottish Rite, the Ainad Shrine, the Crawford County Shrine Club (where he served on the Honor Guard and was a Past President), and was chairman of the Crawford County Republican Party and a charter member of the Oak Glen Golf Course. Anyone who knew Clell knew that the man loved golf. This passion started at a young age, when he started to caddy at the age of thirteen. Over the years, his love of the sport grew and blossomed. He was a three-time club champion at Sunshine Country Club Estates in Harlingen, TX, and it is estimated that over the course of his life, he hit sixteen holes-in-one. This passion stayed with him until the very end, with Clell playing his last round the week before his passing. Though golf was important to him, it was shadowed by the adoration he showed to his wife, and the love he had for his family and friends. He never met a stranger and was one of those one-of-a-kind souls who could never be forgotten. His family, his community, and his country have lost a true friend, champion, and patriot in Clell Keller. It is worth mentioning that he was a parishioner of the 1st Baptist Church of Coombes, TX. There is peace in knowing that he accepted Christ as his savior long ago, and that today, he is experiencing paradise. A time of visitation will be held from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday, March 9th at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. A Masonic service will follow and will be held at 8:00 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home, with the Robinson Masonic Lodge #250 conducting the service. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 10th at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Robinson New Cemetery, where military services will be conducted by the combined units of the Robinson V.F.W. Post #4549, American Legion Post #69, and Marine Corps League Det #546, and the Flat Rock American Legion Post #132. Celebrant Curt Goodwine will officiate the services. Memorial contributions may be made to the Crawford County Shrine Club or to the VFW Transportation Fund, with envelopes available at the funeral home.