Preston L. Keller Obituary (1931 - 2018)

Dad passed away peacefully in West Haven, Utah on March 2, 2018 surrounded by loved ones. He was born October 30, 1931 to Lloyd Keller, (professional baseball pitcher, farmer, & long-time guide at the Millionaire Duck Club) & Leota Nelson (nurse at the Brigham City Cooley Hospital and cook for the duck hunters.) He grew up on the family farm which eventually became part of Mantua reservoir. Along with his siblings, Preston attended a two-room elementary school in Mantua with grades 1-6, later attending schools in Brigham City & graduating from Box Elder High School in 1948. Preston loved the outdoors and sports like his father. He was a master archer and took 2nd place in the LDS world basketball championship with four cousins from Mantua. He married LuAne Jensen and together they had four children: Randy, David, Wendy, & Kathy. They later divorced. He studied at Weber State College and became an estimator and carpenter for Wayne A. Jensen, eventually starting his own construction company. Preston married Helen Bennett Wight on Oct. 4, 1968, inheriting three boys (Ken, Kevin, David) at the same time. He officially adopted them in 1973 and was a loving and kind father to his sons. Dad and his younger brother, Jay, formed Keller Brothers Const. Co. and together built many homes & commercial buildings in Brigham City & the surrounding area. They paid attention to details and were skilled craftsmen. They didn't use contractsa"their word was their bond. There were no cell phones and advertising was by word of mouth. Dad's favorite songs were "Have I Done Any Good In The World Today" and "Do What Is Right". He loved to go camping & visiting the cabins on the Oregon coast & up Logan Canyon. He was an excellent duck hunter. Dad & Uncle Jay purchased a 30-acre fruit farm in Perry, later developing it into a neighborhood where they would later live. Dad served in various callings in the LDS Church, including in the Scouting program, High Council, and in 6 bishoprics and as Bishop of the Brigham City 21st Ward. After retiring, he served as the Box Elder County Building Inspector for several years & loved visiting construction sites all over northern Utah. His favorite restaurant was Maddox. He and Mom loved to host family and friends therea"oftentimes on multiple occasions each week. Mom and Dad loved to travel and visited Europe, Canada, Central America, & all over the US. Their favorite trips were their years spent serving together as missionaries in Oklahoma, Australia, & Canada. Dad found great satisfaction as a missionary and stayed in regular touch with baptisms and friends from each mission until his health precluded him. Dad was a loyal caretaker for Mom when she developed Alzheimers and required constant attention and care. He never complained in spite of the many strains and sacrifices. For over 18 months, Dad drove to Roy each day to eat lunch with Mom, take her for walks, and sit by her side. He did his best to care for her until she passed way in June of 2012. Dad was blessed to meet Ruth Carol Johnson while they resided at Maple Springs Assisted Living Center in Brigham City. The two were married in October of 2015. Ruth added a bright, positive and upbeat touch to Dad's life and was a great blessing to him and the entire family. Over the last two years, Dad's health declined with two hip replacements preventing him from walking. He never complained or asked "why me". For the last 18 months of his life, he was largely confined to his recliner in his room. He adapted and enjoyed all who came to visit him. Dad was able to help many people in many places, most of them completely unknown to him. He would often ask, "Who needs help today? How can we brighten their day and make life a little easier for them?" Preston is survived by his wife, Ruth Johnson Keller and children: David W. (Janet), Wendy (Greg) Kunkel, Kathy (Kent) Hoffman, Kenneth G. (Kristen), Kevin Brent (Ann) & David M., Alan Boyd John (KJ), and Racquel Toni BeGaye. He has 23 grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Helen, sisters (Geri & Ann), and son, Randy. Funeral services will be held on Friday, 9 March at 11:00 in Perry at the LDS Stake Center (2250 S. Hwy 89). A viewing will be held at Myers Mortuary (205 S. 100 E.) in Brigham City on Thursday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. and at the Stake Center on Friday from 9:15 to 10:30. Interment at the Mantua Cemetery. VisitationMyers Mortuary of Brigham City 205 South 100 East Brigham City, UT 84302 March 8, 2018 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM VisitationPerry Stake Center 658 West 2250 South Perry, Utah 84302 March 9, 2018 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM ServicePerry Stake Center 658 West 2250 South Perry, Utah 84302 March 9, 2018 11:00 AM