Tony Keller
January 23, 1953 - January 31, 2013
Stephen Anthony (Tony) Keller, “Toe Knee,” 60, passed away on January 31, 2013. He was born on January 23, 1953, to Byron and Lois Keller in the original red-brick Seton Hospital on West 26th in Austin, Texas .
Tony grew up in Austin, Texas. He attended St. Austin’s and Sacred Heart Catholic Schools grades 1-8, 9 & 10th at Lafayette High, Louisiana and graduated from John H. Reagan High School in Austin, Texas in 1971.
Tony was an avid adventurer. At the age of three, he disappeared from home and was found wandering around downtown Waco. When asked what he was doing he replied, “Pow-ing jackrabbits.” His many adventures took him from coast to coast, to the mountains in Colorado and the bayous of Louisiana. He raced dirt bikes, skydived, crewed and rode hot air balloons, snow skied, and mountain climbed. He traveled to and bicycled around New Zealand for seven months. He worked in restaurants, the oil fields, ski mountains, and learned to be an excellent electrician working with his brother and many others.
Tony loved music. He sang in the Reagan High Chorale, and he spent many years going to and helping out at the Kerrville Folk festival. He loved going to music festivals and “camping out” in the back of his truck. Another of his favorites was the Scarborough Renaissance Festival in Waxahachie, Tx. He loved hunting and spending time at the family ranch in Mason, Tx.
Tony was a Notary in Louisiana when he was selling oil field leases. Tony was a member of the Sons of Hermann in Texas; and he was an Unrestricted Journeyman Electrician in Colorado and Texas. He was Awarded Mr. Electric’s Service Professional of the Year while he was working at his brother’s Mr. Electric franchise.
Tony never met a stranger, he was quick to engage everyone, getting to know them and sharing stories. Tony was a loving father and grandfather, thoroughly devoted to his daughter and grandson and took great pride in their accomplishments.
Tony was preceded in death by his beloved parents Byron and Lois Keller, grandparents Emeth and Susie Keller of Mason, Tx and Frank Sr. and Evelyn Pease of Austin, Tx.
Tony is survived by his beloved daughter, Sandy Pearce and his grandson, Justin, of Round Rock, Texas; his brother and sisters Christine Chappell and husband Mike, Joe Keller and wife Shirley, Denise Solbach and husband Ron, Cecilia Bramhall and husband Bruce, Theresa Garner and husband Michael; eleven nieces and nephews, five great nieces and nephews and many friends.
Visitation with the family was held Saturday, February 3 from 3-5. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later time.
The family would like to express their deep appreciation for all who cared for him in his illness, especially his good friends Mike and Kim Sheffield, and Nicole and Tina of Hospice Austin.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to Hospice Austin, 4107 Spicewood Springs Road Suite 100, Austin, TX 78759.