Charles Ray "Chuck" Keller, 80, of Benton, passed away at 11:43 A.M., Saturday, November 20, 2021 at the SIH Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.
Chuck was retired from the coal mine. He had worked at Freeman United #6 in Waltonville. Chuck had been a United States Navy veteran. He had also retired from the United States Army. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He was a member of the Royalton Baptist Church. Chuck was also a member of Modern Woodsmen of America. He enjoyed going dancing, motorcycle riding and golfing. He was a big bass fisherman. Chuck was a loving and caring man, who loved his grandbabies and family.
He was born September 7, 1941 at Tamaroa, IL, the son of Leonard John and Rebecca Goldie (Pitchford) Keller.
He married Betty Marie Hatchett on February 14, 2006 at Benton, IL and she survives.
He is survived by his wife of Benton, two daughters - Jacki Lynn Noward and husband Brad of Pinckneyville, and Denise Marie Keller and friend David of Benton, three sons - Guy R. Steely of Tamaroa, Charlie E. Steely and wife Chris of Du Quoin, and John A. Suckoll and wife Noma of Herrin, two step daughters - Gayla Langa of Salem and Mary Langa of Nashville, IL, one step son - Scott Langa and wife Jan of Florida, one sister - Jessie Pestka of Du Quoin, his dog - Lucky Boy, and special friends - Wilma and Bob, Lonnie and Jane, and Judy, thirty-one grandchildren, forty-six great grandchildren, four step grandchildren and one step great grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one son - James H. Steely, two brothers - Bob and John, and two sisters - Katherine and Betty.
Per Chuck's request, cremation rites were accorded.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Thursday, December 2, 2021 at the Searby Funeral Home in Tamaroa with Rev. Mario Ramos officiating.
Friends may call from 10 A.M. until the time of service on Thursday at the Searby Funeral Home in Tamaroa.
Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Du Quoin V.F.W. and American Legion and the Army National Guard.
Burial will be in the Antioch Cemetery at Tamaroa.
Friends may make memorials to the American Cancer Society or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and will be accepted at the funeral home.