Luther Keeler

SAN ANTONIO - Luther Nelson Keeler, 83, of Kerrville, TX passed away peacefully Sunday, August 30, 2015 at Methodist Hospital in San Antonio. Luke was born January 21, 1932 in Knoxville, TN to Luther W. Keeler and Nelene Settlemyer.

He spent most of his childhood and high school days in Lexington, TN, where he was active in scouting and band, earning the rank of Eagle Scout, and was an accomplished trumpeter. He met and married the love of his life, Peggy Scott, on April 7, 1953 from whom he was inseparable for the next 62 years. He was known to be somewhat of a dare devil in his youth, once impulsively swimming across the Tennessee River in the summer with his friend Glenn Jarrett. He was also known to grab up a (nonpoisonous!) snake and drape it around his neck as a gag.

He attended the University of Chattanooga before transferring to the University of Oklahoma, graduating with a Petroleum Engineering degree. He worked in the oil field as a registered professional engineer in MS, LA and TX. Luke spent his early career as a new engineer staying up all night at well sites and learned to be prepared for all contingencies. He worked for Union Producing Co. in Jackson, MS, Tenneco Oil Co., and Atapco in Houston before retiring and moving to Kerrville.

He and Peggy built their hill country retreat in 1997 and spent many happy days enjoying the scenic view from their front porch. He also loved traveling with Peggy and often included her family, and they all visited Australia, New Zealand, much of Europe, Mexico and many trips to his favorite place, Alaska. He was blessed with many lifelong friendships; of particular note were Glenn Jarrett of Lexington, TN and Joe Hickman of Houston, TX. Luke was very proud of each of his 5 grandchildren and always was ready to hear about their latest adventures.

Preceding in death were his parents, Luther and Nelene Keeler; sister, Sarah Nadell, and husband Robert; his wife's parents, Ernest and Rosa Mae Scott (who he loved dearly); brother-in-law, Richard Wharton; and great niece, Beth Wade.

Survivors include his beloved wife, Peggy; son, Dan Keeler, and wife Andrea, grandchildren, Diana and Andrew of Midland; daughter, Leslie Sullivan, and husband Kevin of Dallas, granddaughter, Audrey Rauscher and husband Howard of Austin, grandson, Ryan Sullivan and Erin Geoffrey of Athens, GA, and granddaughter, Shelby Sullivan of Rwamagana, Rwanda, Africa. Other survivors are his beloved sister-in-law, Marie Wharton and nephew, Scott Wharton of Lexington, TN; cousins, Mary Jane Olafsson and Jane Vogt of Knoxville TN; niece, Julie Gaulden and her family in Keller, TX and nephew Roger Nadell of OK.

The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation for the doctors, nurses, and chaplains of Methodist Hospital in San Antonio for their compassionate care.

Visitation will be Saturday, Sept. 5, 2015 from 11 AM to 1 PM at Kerrville Funeral Home, with Graveside Services at 2 PM held at Garden of Memories Cemetery in Kerrville with Rev. Frankie Enloe officiating.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Kerrville Funeral Home. (830) 895-5111

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