More detail on this person: Lt. Colonel Floyd
H. Keller, a decorated Marine pilot, enthusiastic
Shriner, loving husband, Dad and Grandpa passed
away July 24, 2016. He was 80 years old.
Floyd was born September 23, 1935 in
Punxsutawney, PA to the late Hestor B. and Guilah
Keller. He spent his early years with his
brothers, Harold and Bob, and sister, Helen, on
their dairy farm. He graduated from Punxsutawney
High School, class of 1952.
After high school he attended Penn State
University for two years, then joined the Navel
Cadet Program. Upon graduation in 1957 he was
commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the Marine
Corps and designated a Marine Aviator.
Floyd married his high school classmate Velma
(Babe) Harl in October 1959. They happily shared
53 years of marriage together before her death.
Lt. Colonel Keller was a Vietnam veteran and
during his Marine Corps career, he served as
helicopter pilot with HMM262, VM06 and VM02
serving a total of four tours. After Vietnam he
served at various squadrons throughout the U.S.,
eventually joining the White House Support
Squadron HMX-1 where he served as Presidential
Command Pilot for five years during the terms of
Presidents Nixon, Ford and Carter.
During his 20 year career with the Marine Corps,
Floyd received many decorations and awards
including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air
Medal with Bronze Star, and 24 Strike Flight
Mission Awards. He was awarded the Vietnamese
Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star for his
actions under fire.
In 1977 Floyd and his family settled in Grand
Junction, where he became involved in many
projects and activities. He was an active member
of the United Methodist Church, holding many
committee posts.
He was a Masonic member of Scottish Rite,
Shriners and Jesters of #136 Denver, CO where he
was an enthusiastic supporter of the Shriners
Hospital for Children and served as the Circus
Chair and with the Scooter Patrol. His time spent
with his Jester brothers held a special place in
his life.
Floyd had a wonderful, mischievous sense of humor
which he shared often with his friends and family.
He loved listening to Dave Brubeck Jazz and
enjoyed dancing to the music with his wife Babe.
Floyd was first and always an officer and a
gentleman.
He is survived by his daughters: Sharon (Rick)
Butler, of Fort Collins, CO, and Lynn (Bob)
Conklin, of Superior, CO; five grandchildren:
Sarah Butler, Jessie Butler, Matthew Butler, Davis
Conklin and Tanner Conklin; one great-grandson,
Eli Butler; his brother, Bob (Marie) Keller, of
Dubois, PA; and brother-in-law, Frank (Jane) Harl,
of Punxsutawney, PA.
A memorial service and celebration of his life
will be held Friday August 19 at 11am at First
United Methodist Church in Grand Junction.
Interment will follow at 1pm at the Veterans
Memorial Cemetery.
His wish was that in lieu of flowers, donations be
made to Shriners Hospital for Children, 1275 E.
Virginia ST Salt Lake City, UT 84103 or to Hope
West 3090B N. 12th ST Grand Junction, CO 81506.
Burial: Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western
Colorado, Grand Junction, Mesa County, Colorado,
USA
This information was last updated 07/30/2016
Please send additions or corrections to: HQ@vhpa.org VHPA Headquarters
Return to the Helicopter Pilot DAT name list
Return to VHPA web site
Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
Copyright © 1998 - 2024 Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association