Eugene W. Keller Sr.

Eugene W. Keller Sr. "Bill", 95, of Akron, passed peacefully on September 3, 2018. Bill was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA. He proudly served in the US Army for three years during WWII in the European Theatre as a small arms and tank mechanic. Bill achieved the rank of specialist, and received an honorable discharge in 1945.

After his discharge, Bill moved to Akron, OH where he was hired in at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company as a rubber worker. Over 39 years of service, he achieved success in the experimental lab designing tires for the moon landing and for NASCAR racing.

Bill was a 33rd Degree Mason, and was extremely proud of his service in the Masons as a Shriner and a Scottish Rite. He was "Billy the Clown" for the Shriner Circus, All American Soapbox Derby, and many other Mason-related events. He was awarded "Clown of the Year" in 2000.

He was a patron of the NRA and a sharpshooter in the military and as a member of the Goodyear Hunting and Fishing Club.

Bill was an avid roller skater, square dancer, and Hawaiian guitar player. He loved to entertain and be in the spotlight.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Mae Keller; brother, Bob Keller; and his wife, Bonnie Keller.

Bill is survived by his children, Rosemary Shullo, Eugene Keller Jr., and "adopted" daughter, Diane; brother, Jack Keller; grandchildren, Eugene Keller III, Melanie Fouse, Emilie Lowden, and Laura Ralston; there were many nieces and nephews, two of which visited often. His nephews, Bob and Doug Keller, who were always interested in his military service and hearing him share his memories of WWII; 12 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to one of Bill's many loves: NRA, Shriner's, or a local VFW post.

Friends and family are welcome to visit on Friday September 7, 2018 from 10am until the time of service at 12pm at Newcomer 131 N. Canton Rd., Akron, OH 44305. Service will be officiated by Rabbi Michael Oyler. Interment will take place at Hillside Memorial Park.