Forrest L. 'Sam' Keller

Forrest L. 'Sam' Keller, age 76, passed away 10:30 a.m. Sunday, October 12, 2008 at the Living Care Center of the Jefferson County Hospital in Fairfield, IA.

Friends may pay their respects to the family Tuesday, October 14, 2008 between 6:30 and 8:30 PM. at Behner Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, October 15, 2008 at 2:00 PM at the funeral home with Pastor Monte Knudson officiating. Interment will follow in Fell Cemetery in Libertyville, IA.

The family requests memorials be made to FCOC of Mt. Pleasant, Jefferson County Relay for Life, or Jefferson County Hospital Auxiliary. Cards and memorial may be sent c/o:
603 S. 6th Street
Fairfield, IA 52556

Forrest L. 'Sam' Keller was born in Van Buren County October 19, 1931 to Delbert and Elizabeth Earnest Keller. He married Barbara Speer in 1951 and they later divorced. He married Jean Davidson Allison December 6, 1986 in Libertyville, IA.

Sam served in the United States Army and the Army National Guard between 1955-1961. He was employed as a truck driver for over 30 years. Sam was a member of Faith Christian Outreach Church in Mt. Pleasant. He was past president of Fairfield Eagles Lodge #1927, and a volunteer of the Birmingham Fire Department.

Surviving Sam is his wife, Jean, of Fairfield, and their children and families: Susan (Russell) Muntz, Robert E. (Connie) Keller, Patricia (Roger) Harward, Dawn (Kevin) Bentzinger, Michael (Tammy) Keller, Mary Klein, Jerry (Kathy) Allison, Terry (Karen) Allison, and Steven (Barbara) Allison. Sam was blessed with six grandchildren, six step-grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and six step-great-grandchildren.

Survivors include siblings: Betty (Bill) Topping of Colorado Springs, CO, Shirley (John) Ryan of Marble Hill, MO, Pete McClard of Jackson, MO, Mildred Ferguson of Keosauqua, IA, and Steve (Jan) Hisel of Richland, IA. Gerald (Delores) Hisel of Clouquet, Mn.

He was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather, infant son David, and sister Wanda McClard.