Moreau Austin “M.A.” Keller, Jr., 96, took one last flight over the fields of Sussex County, Delaware, Wednesday, October 14, 2020. It was peaceful. It was a perfect fall day, and he was surrounded by an atmosphere of love.
M.A. was born and raised in Durbin. His parents, M.A. Keller, Sr. and Mary Ernestine Hall Keller instilled in him and his brothers, Edward G. and Lewis D., the values of hard work and responsibility backed up by the toughness of true West Virginia pioneers.
Following graduation, he moved to Ocean City, Maryland, and later to Milton, Delaware.
He was an electrical contractor and energy consultant by trade, as well as an expert in sound insulation, heating and cooling systems. His passions were flying, inventing and naturopathic medicine. He obtained several U.S. patents, most importantly one for industrial sound control, which included material used in space suits. He was always working on the next best idea.
M.A. was a World War II veteran, who trained as a Navy aviation electrician’s mate and pilot in 1944. Following WWII, he had his own electrical contractor business and pioneered the wiring of some of the first homes and businesses in Delaware. He ran training programs on heating, cooling and cellulose insulation throughout the U.S. and Canada. He often said the Navy taught him everything he needed to know to get started in business. He never missed a chance to support fellow veterans and our troops.
In addition to his parents, M.A. was preceded in death by his wife, Carrie Marie Simpler Keller; their infant son, M.A. Keller, III; and his youngest brother, Lewis.
He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Edward G. and Helen P. Keller, of Franklin; two nieces and a nephew; two great-nieces and two great-nephews; a daughter, from his first marriage to Pearl Betts of Milton, Delaware, Donna (George) Kent, of Ocean View, Delaware; grandson, Darren Bell, of Rancho Santa Margarita, California; three great-grandchildren, Alexis, Alyssa and Ryan Bell, of Santa Ana, California; and grandson, Jeremy Bell, of Newark, Delaware. Additionally, he is survived by his daughter, Kimberly D. Keller Croy, of Lewes, Delaware, from his marriage to Marie Keller; granddaughters, Janna D. Croy, of Salisbury, Maryland, Rebecca N. Croy, of Moscow, Idaho, and Leah M. Croy, of Millsboro, Delaware; and Marie’s daughter from her first marriage, Karen Price (Carl) Myers; her children, Jona-than, Timothy, Christine; and Karen’s eight grandchildren.
Many, many friends from all over will miss his stories, his “medical” advice and his willingness to help out with any worthy idea. A lot of people owe him debts of gratitude for the help he gave their business ventures. He was a man of restless energy and sharp mind. He was an “Original!”
A meeting to celebrate a most unique life will be called at a later date. Meanwhile, in his honor, have lunch at the Backyard Restaurant in Milton, Dela-ware, his favorite story-telling place. But don’t eat any white bread or drink any soda, always drink Dogfish Ale, and never miss a chance to fly in a small plane or see an air show.
Arrangements in the care of Short Funeral Services, Milton, Delaware. Online condolences may be left at www.shortfuneralservicesandcremation.com
