Jerry Lee Keller

Jerry Lee Keller, 84, of Columbus, Ohio, passed away on July 31, 2024, peacefully with family and friends by his side. Jerry was born on September 6, 1939 to the late Harold Keller and Roberta (Gibson) Keller. Jerry was a graduate of Linden-McKinley High School, class of 1957; he then attended a trade school in Kansas City, Missouri. Jerry married his high school sweetheart, Marilyn Rickman, on August 6, 1960 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Columbus, Ohio officiated by the late Pastor Stuck. Jerry worked in the optical business until his retirement, first for Select Optical and later for Super X Optical where he was a licensed optician. Jerry always noticed people’s eyes, often commenting on when they sparkled that they had the Holy Spirit. Jerry enjoyed nearly thirty years of being a Scout Master of troop 312; he loved camping under the pine trees and helped many young men achieve Eagle Scout, including his son. Upon his retirement he was diagnosed with an extremely rare disease, POEMS Syndrome which led him to being in a wheelchair. Jerry was a constant testimony to the power of prayer when the doctors at the Mayo Clinic were able to diagnose and prescribe treatments allowing Jerry to walk again. In his later years, Jerry and Marilyn enjoyed many special vacations with their children and grandchildren, as well as feeding and watching the birds and squirrels. Jerry enjoyed his last year at the Claremont Retirement Village where he would cheerfully greet every resident and staff member as he walked or rode on his scooter; they were a great encouragement and blessing to him. Jerry and Marilyn faithfully attended St. Luke Lutheran Church of Gahanna, Ohio. Jerry is preceded in death by Harold and Roberta Keller (parents), Carl and Evelyn Rickman (wife’s parents), Nolan Jackson (great grandson), and Matt Roseberry (step-grandson). Jerry is survived by His wife, Marilyn, brother Larry, and children Mike (Mona) Keller and Cheryl (Pat) Ferraro, six grandchildren Chelsea (Jack) Ellison, Katie (Vinnie) Comacho, Hallie Jackson, Joshua Ferraro, Christen (Alex) Kimble, Zachary (Caitlyn) Ferraro and one step-grandchild Abbi (Joseph) Binnix, six great grandchildren, four step-great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Services will be held Friday, August 9, 2024. Visitation for friends and family from 9:00 am to 11:00 am, Funeral Service at 11:00 am, at St. Luke Lutheran Church, 4456 Morse Rd., Gahanna, Ohio 43230. A very special and heartfelt thank you to the Tranquility Hospice Team, Kate, Adam, Tasha, Mallory, Kelly, Steven, and Mary Beth for your loving and compassionate care. You all are truly a blessing! In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jerry's name to Tranquility Hospice https://tranquility-hospice.com/donate/ .

Jerry Lee Keller

September 6, 1939 - July 31, 2024