Wayne A Keller

Wayne Allen Keller was born on April 1, 1921 in Moline, OH to Karl Wayne Keller (1900-1969) and Loie Ann Blandin (1899-1974). He had siblings Richard Elmer Keller (1922-1967), Leonard Otto Keller (1925-1981), and Erma Loie Keller Francis (1937-2020). On July 3, 1942 he married Wanda Catherine Winegardner (1922-2009) in Toledo, OH. Together the couple had daughters Marlene F Keller Gray (1943-2003), Lorena, and Nancy. Wayne was employed by KW Keller & Son’s as a Masonry Contractor and BGSU as a supervisor of the Electrical Maintenance Dept. On July 29, 1942, Wayne enlisted in the United States Army in Toledo, Ohio and he was classified as a Private in the Selectees (Enlisted Men) component of the Branch Immaterial - Warrant Officers, USA. During World War II, Wayne Allen Keller served his country with pride as a B-29 bomber mechanic in the United States Army. He performed critical duties that helped to maintain and repair the aircraft that played a crucial role in the war effort. Wayne was honorably discharged in 1945, having completed his service to the nation. Following his military service, Wayne continued to be involved with other veterans. He became a state founder of the China-Burma-India (CBI) Veterans Association, which was dedicated to supporting the interests and welfare of veterans who had served in that theater during the war. Wayne held various offices within the organization and was a past Senior Vice Commander of the National CBI. His ongoing commitment to supporting fellow veterans is a testament to his enduring sense of duty and service to his country. He was a member of many organizations such as the Faith United Methodist Church, Luckey, former member of Moline Methodist Church, Moline and from 1964-2007 he sang in a barbershop quartet, “The Stateline Chorus”. Wayne Keller passed away at the age of 96 on Monday, October 2, 2017 at Otterbein Portage Valley Senior Lifestyle Community in Pemberville, OH.