Vernon Keeler

Vernon Clair Keeler, 73, of Keymar, MD, died peacefully at home on Monday, May 2, 2022, surrounded by his family.  Born November 18, 1948 in Allentown, PA, he was the son of the late Paul C. Keeler and the late Miriam E. (Hager) Keeler.  He was the husband of the late “Dottie” Keeler.  She passed in March, 2020.

Vernon was a graduate of Southern Lehigh High School, class of ’67, and was a 1969 graduate of Navy Technical School.  Upon graduation, he spent 6 years as a “CB” in the Navy Reserves, serving in Guam.  As a skilled carpenter, he worked for several different contracting companies over the years.  He was a member of Mt. Zion-Haugh’s Lutheran Church, where he served on the church council and cemetery board.  His two passions were music and antique cars. He was active with drum and bugle corps for over 50 years, marching first with the Emmaus Sentinels, and then with the Hanover Lancers.  He was a member of the Blue & Grey Model T Ford Club, the Francis Scott Key Antique Auto Club, the Mason-Dixon Antique Automobile Club, and the Early V-8 National Ford Club.  He enjoyed spending time with family and helping others.

Surviving are his daughter Kimberly A. Rees and husband Brian of Hanover, PA; brother Bruce D. Keeler and wife Michele of Coopersburg, PA; sisters, Berniece E. Schultz of Elizabethtown, PA, and Hope E. Keeler of Ellwood City, PA; granddaughters, Melissa R. Rees of Kansas City, MO, and Kali M. Rees of Hanover, PA; and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 7, 2022 at Mt. Zion-Haugh’s Lutheran Church, 11504 Haugh’s Church Rd., Keymar, MD, with the Rev. Cathy Feil and the Rev. Richard Adams officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  The family will receive friends 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Friday, May 6th at Myers-Durboraw Funeral Home, 136 E. Baltimore St., Taneytown, MD.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to BridgingLife Hospice, 292 Stoner Ave., Westminster, MD 21157, or to Mt. Zion-Haugh’s Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 146, Keymar, MD 21757.