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Karl Keller Obituary

Karl V. Keller, 75, passed away October 21, 2007 at Memorial Hospital in Colorado Springs, CO. Karl was born March 15, 1932 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Oren Keller and Dorothy Claunch Smallwood, both formerly of Norman, Oklahoma. Karl was raised in Norman and graduated from Norman High School in 1950. He was an All-State quarterback for the Norman Tigers and member of the National Honor Society. Upon graduation from high school, he attended the University of Oklahoma where he received a bachelors degree in aeronautical engineering. While attending OU, he played football under legendary coach Bud Wilkinson before entering the Air Force Pilot Training Program. He graduated first in his class in 1954. After college, Karl began a long, illustrious career as a pilot. He served 10 years in the Air National Guard before accepting a position as Chief Engineering Test Pilot and Director of Flight Operations for Aero Commander, a division of Rockwell Standard. On June 4-7, 1966, Karl captained an Around-the-World flight in a twin-engine Jet Commander. Accompanied by Arthur Godfrey, Fred Austin and Dick Merrill, this historic flight set 21 world records for flying a business jet around the world and covered 23,373 miles in 3 days, 14 hours and 9 minutes. In 1968, Karl became the chief pilot of Four Seasons Nursing Centers of America. In 1974 he founded Delta-Kay Inc., specializing in oil and gas investments. He operated the company until his retirement in 1981. Karl is best known by his family and friends for his enthusiastic storytelling and his witty sense of humor. His passions in life were his family, flying, golf, bridge and the University of Oklahoma Sooners football team. He was a member of The Bridge Center, Garden of the Gods Club and Kissing Camels Golf Club in Colorado Springs, CO, DeAnza County Club in Borrego Springs, CA, La Quinta Golf Club in La Quinta, CA, and The Trails Golf Club in Norman, OK. During his retirement, Karl enjoyed teaching and playing duplicate and tournament bridge. He recently was awarded the status of Gold Life Master. Karl is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Cindy; daughter, Karla Keller of Seattle, WA; his aunt Ernestine Magner and her husband Harold, of Tyler, TX and numerous cousins across the country. A memorial celebration of Karl's life will be held at a later date in Norman, OK. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in the name of Karl V. Keller to The Bridge Center, 901 N. 17th St., Colorado Springs, CO 80904 or to the charity of choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette on Oct. 26, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
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2 Entries

Faye Parrish

November 5, 2007

I will miss Karl. He was so kind to me as a "less enlightened" bridge player. I just wish we had had more time for him to enlighten me. My thoughts are with his family.

rex wade

October 26, 2007

I share the sorrow of everyone in the passing of Karl. He was such a pleasure to be around. My thoughts go out to Cindy and those close to Karl. He was a good person who will be fondly remembered.
Rex A. Wade

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