Clarence J. "Skeet" Keller (86) of rural West Liberty

Clarence J. “Skeet” Keller, 86, of rural West Liberty, Illinois, went to be with the Lord at 5:22 AM – Friday, January 1, 2016 at Richland Memorial Hospital in Olney, Illinois, surrounded by his family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM – Tuesday, January 5 at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Ste. Marie, Illinois. Burial will be in the St. Mary’s Cemetery in Ste. Marie, Illinois with full military rites by the Ste. Marie American Legion Post #932. Visitation will be held 5:00-7:00 PM Monday at the church and ½ hour before the mass. Arrangements are under the care of the Meyer Funeral Home in Newton, Illinois. Memorials may be made to the Ste. Marie American Legion Post #932 or St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church.

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Clarence was born in Jasper County on December 15, 1929 to Cal and Lula (Hoffman) Keller. He married Freda Yost on November 16, 1957 at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Ste. Marie, Illinois; she survives. Clarence was a loving husband and father. Clarence and Freda were blessed with five children: Tim (wife Karla) Keller of West Liberty, Illinois; Marty (wife Barb) Keller of Newton, Illinois; Laura Ann, deceased; Marcy (husband Bob) Bechaud of Stanhope, New Jersey; and Ron (wife Cindy) Keller of Lincoln, Illinois. He had seven grandchildren: Matt Keller, Ben (wife Leanne) Keller, Nic Keller, Josiah Keller, Ethan Keller, Julian Kight, and Annagrace Keller. He had three great grandchildren: Landen Keller, Veronica Keller and Trevor Keller. He loved spending time with his family, and took great pleasure in dancing and in dining with the company of friends. He will be sadly missed by all who knew his friendly demeanor, warm personality, and ready smile. Clarence occupied himself as a proud farmer and carpenter. He faithfully attended the St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Ste. Marie, Illinois where he was a lifetime member. He served his country in the Korean War from 1952-54, and was a lifetime member of the 23rd Infantry Regiment KWB. Clarence also was a member and past commander of the Ste. Marie American Legion Post #932, a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and a Knights of Columbus member. He was a regular blood donor for over 50 years, and a cancer survivor. His strong nature and positive outlook allowed him to fight his recent health battles to the end.

He was preceded in death by parents, daughter Laura Ann Keller; five brothers Hank, Ed, George, Elmer, Gene Keller; two sisters Bernetta Nix and Marsclene Nix.