Nelson Boyd Keller of Idyllwild died at home at the age of 63 on Aug. 24, 2010, after a 2-year battle with esophageal cancer.

Mr. Keller was born Nov. 14, 1946 in Compton, Calif. to Lou Mae Webster and Boydston Arthur Keller. He grew up in Fullerton, Calif. and attended Fullerton College where he majored in drafting. He served in the U.S. Army Engineer Corps from 1965 to 1968. He worked throughout his lifetime as a cabinet detailer and shop manager. He was a member of St. Hugh’s Episcopal Church in Idyllwild.

In 1994, Mr. Keller married his wife, Karen, in Orange County. They, along with their children, moved shortly thereafter to Idyllwild.

Mr. Keller is survived by his wife, Karen, and their sons, John-Mason Shackelford (Sarah); Benjamin Shackelford (Kareen); and Jeremiah Shackelford; their daughters, Kathy Moore; Kasi Acevedo (Adrian); and Marylou Keller; brother Art Keller; sisters Christine Kreuger (Steve) and Carolyn Frydendall; and eight grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Aug. 27, 2010 at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery in Orange, Calif., officiated by Pastor Jim Klein of the Rose Drive Friends Church of Yorba Linda.

Donations may be made in his name to the Desert Cancer Foundation, 74091 Larrea Street, Palm Desert, CA 92260.

Nelson’s beautiful tenor singing voice, warm smile and ready laugh will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

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