A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at St. Michael Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Craig Cemetery.
Lawrence “Larry” Robert Keller was born one of seven children to James and Renee (Deladier) Keller on May 3, 1947 in Buffalo, New York. He attended Grover Cleveland High School where he was a catcher on the baseball team. He graduated with his high school class in June of 1965.
On August 20, 1965, Larry joined the United States Marines. He served his basic training at Parris Island, South Carolina. He was later stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina for two years. During his service, he went on several cruises with the United States Navy until he was deployed to Vietnam in August of 1967. On September 1, 1967, Larry was promoted to Sergeant and served as an ammo tech at Chu Lai, Vietnam. When he returned to the United States, Larry was stationed at Quantico, Virginia, where he was an ammo instructor. After his honorable discharge, Larry served in the Marine reserves where he was eventually promoted to Staff Sergeant.
Over the course of his military career, he received numerous medals including: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnamese Service Medal, Vietnamese Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal and Combat Action Medal.
On June 14, 1969, Larry married the love of his life, Maria Gallegos, whom he met at a NCO Club in Quantico, Virginia. The couple later welcomed two children. The family resided in various areas before settling in Craig.
Larry is survived by his loving wife of nearly 55 years, Maria Keller; one daughter, Sharon Zurita; one son, Keith Keller; three grandchildren: Tisa Zurita, Vanessa McGee and Anthony Zurita; three great-grandchildren: Clay Ogden, Ira Godoy and Bryson McGee; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, James & Renee Keller; three sisters: Irene Hoose, Eleanor Krause and Elaine Riexinger; and three brothers: Alvin Keller, James Keller and Timothy Keller.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made in Larry’s memory to the St. Michael Community Kitchen in care of Grant Mortuary.
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