Russell H. Keller died Jan. 7, 2018 at 98 years old.   He was born March 14, 1919 to Henry J. Keller and Nella Vincent Keller in Tilden, Mo.  His family moved to Springfield when Russell was 5 years old.  He attended Springfield schools, graduating from Springfield Senior High School (Central) in 1936. He joined the USAAF and was a pilot and instructor from 1944-1945.   He received a BS in Business from SMSU (MSU) in 1955 and a MBA from Drury University in 1967.

Russell led a colorful life, full of many jobs, experiences and adventures.  His first job, at 9 years old, was peddling Springfield newspapers on the downtown square where he also turned on the stoplights every morning. During high school, he worked at Cotter's Drug Store earning $6.00 a week.  During college, he worked at Union National bank as a bookkeeper, teller, and a driver for Bunch McDaniel, president of the bank.  It was during this time that he met Margaret Best, whom he married May 27,1944 in San Antonio, Texas when he was in the service.

Following his stint with the Air Force at the end of WWII, he returned to Springfield with no job.  With some financial help from a friend, he opened a candy factory on the Plaza and later added a deli.  From this venture, he landed the concessions at Springfield Senior High School and at SMS (MSU) for the Blue and Gold Tournament selling hot dogs and ice cream bars. Russell moved his deli, Keller's Restaurant to McDaniel street where he served several celebrities including Senator Harry S. Truman, June Carter, Red Foley, Chet Atkins and Slim Wilson.  From this location, KWTO radio broadcast "Breakfast at Kellers".  The "Twins Day" show brought in over 500 people causing concern with the Fire Marshall!  From here, he also conducted junior high dances, where the winner of a dance contest was awarded a silver dollar.

In 1959, he leased a home overlooking Lake Springfield.   He and his wife, Margaret opened Cove Hollow Dinner House that also featured an open-air theatre where melodramas were performed.

After 5 years at Cove Hollow, Russell moved back to Springfield and ran for Greene Co. Recorder of Deeds where he served for 28 years, issuing over 60,000 marriage licenses.

Besides all of his entrepreneurial efforts, he was very community oriented. As a member of the Chamber of Commerce, he worked with others to bring new businesses to Springfield, including Lily-Tulip, 3M, Dayco and Royal McBee.

For recreation, he enjoyed Lake Taneycomo, where he had one of the first inboard speedboats powered by a Model A Ford engine and used homemade water skis.  Later, he enjoyed weekends on a houseboat on Table Rock Lake.

Russell never lost interest in life.   He was interested in the growth of Springfield, in politics, in his family and friends. Recently, he donated property to Drury University which is now a park in his name.

Russell is survived by his son, Russ Keller II and Alicia; his daughter, Janet Rose and Russ; three grandchildren:  Abigayle Walls and Chris, San Clemente, CA; Cameron Rose, Springfield; Keenan Rose and Nicki, Brooklyn, NY, and one great-grandchild, Forrest Walls.  He is also survived by MaryBeth Williams, who was his caring and loving partner for the last several years.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Best Keller and his four brothers: LD, Kenneth, Myron, and Paul.

Online condolences may be made at www.gormanscharpf.com.

Visitation will be held at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home from 12:30-1:30 pm Friday, Jan. 12, 2018, followed by a graveside service at Missouri Veterans Cemetery at 2:00 pm.   A celebration of life reception will be held Friday, Jan. 12 following the graveside service from 4:00-6:00 pm at Gailey's Cafe, 220 E. Walnut in downtown Springfield.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to one of the following: Ozark Public Television ( optv.org ), Ozarks Food Harvest ( ozarksfoodharvest.org ), or Convoy of Hope ( convoyofhope.org ).