William D. 'Bill' Keller

William D. 'Bill' Keller

June 20, 1950 - May 24, 2015

BENKELMAN, Neb. -- William D. "Bill" Keller, age 64, of Benkelman Nebraska, died May 24, 2015, in Collingsworth County, Texas in a car crash.

Bill was born in Stratton, Nebraska, June 20, 1950, to parents, Carl E. and Mary Jane (Cole) Keller. He spent his early years in Trenton, Nebraska, attending Trenton Elementary School until he moved with his family in 1959 to St. Anthony, Idaho, where he enjoyed swimming, ice skating, and games with friends. In the middle of his eighth grade year, he moved with his family to Buhl, Idaho, where he graduated from high school in 1968. He excelled in theatre arts and was involved in sports, and leadership activities. In 1969, he was called to serve his country in the U.S. Army, rising to military grade E-5 and was honorably discharged in 1972. He returned to live in Buhl and worked in the aquaculture industry, later returning to reside in his hometown of Trenton.

Bill worked many years for Burlington Northern Railroad in several roles, spending long days on the road and the rail. It was during this time Bill met, and then married, Lana Louise Hanes, a marriage lasting from August 11, 1985, until her untimely passing in June 2014.

Bill was a "life-long" learner who completed an Associate's Degree in business at Western Nebraska Community College. Upon completion of his training, Bill spent years working in the auto retail business in sales, finance, and marketing. He began developing technology expertise at this time, fine-tuning it to a level that made him the computer "go-to" guy for colleagues, family, and friends. Bill's sense of humor, kindness and honesty enriched the lives of those he touched, and he was dearly loved by family and friends.

Saying Bill was an avid reader would be an understatement. Reading became a passion for Bill at an early age, a passion he instilled in others from individuals to whole communities. Most recently, as Dundy County Library Director, Bill integrated his love of reading, technology, and futuristic vision in developing early literacy and outreach programs, dedicating many volunteer hours at the Cornerstone Center in Haigler.

In lieu of flowers, please help Bill support his vision that young and old alike will always be able to "curl up with a good book" by donating to the Dundy County Library, or a favorite library of choice.

Bill is survived by his children, Lisa Lock and Jason Hanes; his siblings, Leon Keller, Carlene Keller, and Marilyn Keller Salter, and their loved ones.

Inurnment will be at 11 a.m. on June 24, 2015, at the Trenton Cemetery.

"This week is National Library Week. I get so gosh darn mad they don't make it a federal holiday."

Bill Keller, April 13, 2015