Merton Olin Keeler's Obituary
Edmore - Merton Olin Keeler, age 94, of Edmore, Michigan passed away on Saturday, November 9, 2019 at his home with family by his side.
Merton was born in Edmore, the son of Dewey Allan and Gretchen (Long) Keeler. He was raised by Grandpa Long on the family farm. Merton attended the one room Cutler - Savage Country School.
Merton was drafted in 1943 during WWII, at the tender age of 18, by the Navy. He drove the supply truck from the ships to the front lines in Okinawa until the war ended in 1945. Merton told his family "I flew in on a plane and came back on a ship". It was the only time in his military career that he was ever on a ship in the Navy.
Merton married Daisy Lorraine Moore in 1946 in Edmore when she was 16 and he was 21. He was employed at the age of 24, by General Electric's Carboloy Plant in Edmore as soon as it was built. The plant eventually became Hitachi, and Merton retired at the age of 62, a total of 36 years.
Merton was known throughout the county for his small engine repair abilities. He worked on cars until he was in his 50's and fixed lawn mowers into his 80's. He enjoyed camping, speed boats, and boating on the river. He was a member of the Sheridan VFW Post.
Merton is survived in death by his children Carol (Alvin) Arntz of Edmore, Robert "Bob" (Larisa) Keeler of Six Lakes, Leroy (Linda) Keeler of Lakeview, Gary (Lori) Keeler of Lakeview, and Rick (Tracy) Keeler of Edmore; eleven grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren, and fourteen great-great-grandchildren; siblings Ernestine (Don) Wolf of Vestaburg, Larry (Ione) Keeler of Riverdale, Steve (Sandy) Keeler of Vestaburg; one sister-in-law Doris Burns of Edmore; countless nieces, nephews, and friends.
Merton was preceded in death by his wife Daisy Keeler in August 2004; his parents Dewey and Gretchen Keeler; and siblings Betty Thompson, and Alfred and Raymond Keeler.
A celebration of Merton's life will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2019 at 3:00 pm at Cornerstone in Vestaburg, MI with Pastor Don Wolf officiating. All are invited to a luncheon immediately following the service. Those wishing to contribute in Merton's memory are asked to consider the Sheridan VFW or Heartland Hospice. Condolences to the family may be made utilizing the guestbook at www.brighamfuneralchapel.com.
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