Obituary of Howard W. Keller

Howard W. "Dewey" Keller, age 91, of Bridgeton died Wednesday, October 19, 2011 at South Jersey Extended Care in Bridgeton following a brief illness. Born on July 8, 1920 in Bridgeton, he was the son of the late Dewey Keller and Lola Robinson Keller and was the husband of Amy Dilks Keller. He had been a Bridgeton resident most of his life. Prior to his retirement he had been employed at the Myron L. Powell Elementary School in Cedarville and at the Bridgeton High School for several years. He had been employed with the former Owens-Illinois Glass Company in Bridgeton for over 35 years. A veteran of the United States Army he had served his country in the Asiatic and Pacific Theaters and was honored by having been selected to march beside the casket of the late President Franklin D. Roosevelt as it was escorted through the streets of Washington, D.C. during funeral services. He was a former Bridgeton Little League Coach for 10 years and attended Bridgeton Midget Football League games weekly with the help of the John Williams family. He had formerly attended the Laurel Hill United Methodist Church in Bridgeton and had served as custodian at the Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church for 25 years. He was an avid stock car and Philadelphia Phillies fan and also enjoyed horse racing and the casinos. Mr. and Mrs. Keller would have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary this coming October 26th. In addition to his wife Amy, he is survived by three daughters, Susan Dolson of Orlando, FL, Barbara Gilman of Fairfield Township and Terry Keller of Bridgeton, 6 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by three sisters, Katherine Pompper, Betty Keller and Gladys Casper and a brother, Jerry Keller. Private graveside funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family at the Cumberland County Veterans Cemetery in Hopewell Township where the burial will follow the services. Arrangements are under the direction of the PADGETT FUNERAL HOME, Upper Deerfield Township. Written condolences may be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.padgettfuneralhomes.com