Carl Benjamin Keller was born on December 11, 1949, in Creston, Iowa, the son of Ralph and Gertrude (Roberts) Keller. He was welcomed into a home with two older sisters, Virginia and Roberta.
Carl grew up in Clearfield, Iowa, learning various trades and crafts alongside his parents in their blacksmith, welding, and machine shop. An avid outdoorsman, Carl earned the rank of Eagle Scout and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities. In high school, he excelled in football and throwing the discus and shot put as a Clearfield Oriole. During his senior year, his blind date to the Lenox Senior prom, Cheryl Hamilton, would become his future bride.
After graduating from Clearfield High School in 1968, he attended Northwest Missouri State University, where in 1972 he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education.
On May 9, 1970, Carl married Cheryl Hamilton. Two sons, Mark Adam and Michael Benjamin, were born into this union.
Carl taught industrial arts and drafting at Windsor High School for 25 years. He taught many students the craft of woodworking, carpentry, metalworking, welding, and mechanics. He served as the state president of the Missouri Industrial Teachers Association before he retired in 1997. Not only an educator, Carl also enjoyed coaching the sports of football as well as track and field.
Carl and Cheryl raised their family in Windsor and enjoyed fishing, riding motorcycles, water skiing, and boating. Deeply involved in his community, he was a lifelong member of The Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Windsor Lodge 187. He represented the Grand Lodge across the state and nation (including Washington DC) by serving as the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Missouri from 2010 to 2011.
After retiring from teaching, he worked as the Facility Manager of the Greyhound Apartments for six years and enjoyed hauling produce, flowers, and equipment for the local Amish community.
Not one to be idle long, Carl would connect with community members, driving around Windsor and frequented cafes to visit with people.
On Tuesday, June 24, 2025, in Windsor, Missouri, Carl passed away peacefully with his wife by his side.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Cheryl Keller of Windsor, MO; son Mark and daughter in-law Christine of Springfield, MO; son Michael and daughter in-law Diana of Jefferson City, MO; six grandchildren; Katie, Alyssa, Miles, Mattias, Arianna, and Jonathan; sister Virginia Keller Moore; two nieces (Leona Mitchell, Laura Moore ) three nephews (Danny Moore, Scott Stogdill, Marty Moore) and brother-in-law Steve Hamilton. He was preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Gertrude Keller, sister Roberta Keller, and brother-in-law Chet Moore.
Carl was known by many in the community and loved by his family.
Funeral services will be 3:00 p.m., Saturday, July 19, 2025, at the Hadley Funeral Home, Windsor, with Rev. Danny Hampton officiating. The family will receive friends before the service from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
