Jerry Lee Keller

Jerry Lee Keller (known as Lee to some), 69, passed from this life on Wednesday, October 17, 2018, following an extended illness in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Jerry was born January 27, 1949, in Lawrence, Kansas. He was the son of Richard Calvin and Mildred Marie (Secrest) Keller. Jerry grew up in Olathe, Kansas where graduated from high school with the Class of 1967. Following high school Jerry worked as a carpenter for who would later become his father in law in Olathe. Jerry was later united in marriage to Carla Susan Compton on March 19, 1974 in Wichita, Kansas. The couple continued to reside in Wichita for some time before moving to Cleveland, Oklahoma in 1976. During the time they resided in Cleveland Jerry began working as a volunteer fireman as well as continuing to work full time as a carpenter building homes in the area. Jerry was very active in the community and later obtained his certification as an Emergency Medical Technician. Jerry was employed by the City of Cleveland in the early 1980’s working in the water department. In January of 1988 Jerry became the Fire Chief and led the department until October of 1993.

During his time as fire chief Jerry worked countless hours providing protection as well as emergency medical services to the area. He worked to improve the city’s fire and ambulance services and acknowledged that it would not have been possible without the city manager and city councils help. Jerry also worked as a storm spotter and the Cleveland emergency manager. He helped with numerous disasters but always considered the Aerlex fireworks factory explosion his most memorable. Jerry could always count on the community and local businesses to help lend a hand either physically or financially when it was needed.

Following his retirement from Cleveland Fire Department he and Susan moved to Branson, Missouri. During his time there, Jerry began working at Silver Dollar City. He loved the ability to do what he enjoyed most which was wood working. He carved many items as well as baseball bats as souvenirs. After a short time in Missouri, they returned to Oklahoma. Jerry accepted employment in the security business as a supervisor in the central communications department for Bay Security answering alarm calls and emergencies for clients. He then began working for TNT Security where he worked until he was forced to retirement due to medical reasons.

Jerry enjoyed wood-working. He made numerous cutting boards, bowls and crafts for many of his friends and family. Jerry was also an avid Oklahoma Sooner fan. There were very few Sooner games he missed. He enjoyed being outside and loved taking short weekend trips. One of his most memorable trips was through the Smokey Mountains, stopping to visit the Civil War sites throughout the South. Lee was very active in the First Assembly of God Church during his time in Cleveland. What Jerry loved most out of life was his children and especially his grandchildren. He always liked being able to make noises of the cartoon characters, watching the children’s reactions when he did that. Jerry has made a lasting impact on numerous people and children especially during the times he helped Susan operate her daycare.

Survivors are his loving wife Susan of the home, two daughters Brandi Woodson and her husband Scott of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, and Tammy Michael of Baldwin City, Kansas; siblings Chuck Keller of Indiana, Steve Keller of Olathe, Kansas, Dianne Mumma of Olathe, Kansas; five grandchildren Hannah Floyd, J.D. Morton, Isaac Morton, Megan Michael, Kyle Michael; five great grandchildren Bentlee, Tristan, Scarlett, Hollee, Chase and a host of other relatives and friends that will celebrate his life. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral Services will be Saturday, October 27, 2018 at 2:30pm, First Assembly of God Church, Cleveland, Oklahoma. In lieu of flowers donation may be made to Hospice of Green Country, 1120 South Boston, Tulsa, OK 74119, www.hospiceofgreencountry.org. Services for Jerry will be under the direction of Chapman-Black Funeral Home. You may share a memory at www.chapman-black.com.

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