J.C. Keller, 67, a prominent business man of Spur, died in the Scott and White Sanitarium in Temple last Friday morning. Mr. Keller had been in ill health for sometime and accompanied by his wife and A.B. Smart, went to Temple a few weeks ago for a clinical examination. After the examination it was decided an operation would be necessary before he could get any relief. Mr. Keller underwent the operation for a tumor of the stomach and the operation seemed to be successful. However, within a short time pneumonia developed which seemed to be the immediate cause of death. The undertaker's certificate stated death was caused from gastric carcinoma. The body was prepared and brought back to Spur, arriving on the noon train Saturday. It lay in state at the residence at the corner of First Street and Carroll Avenue until Sunday afternoon at three o'clock where many friends reviewed the remains. Funeral services were held at the First Christian church, Rev. Walter P. Jennings, pastor of the First Christian Church at Lubbock, delivering a very beautiful discourse in regard to the life Mr. Keller lived. Interment followed in Spur Cemetery. Webber Williams acting as funeral director. The deceased leaves his widow, Mrs. Roxie Keller, and three sisters to mourn his going. The sisters are: Mrs. Emma McQuery of Fort Worth, Mrs. Jane Polk of Palo Pinto, and Mrs. Wilson who lives in the State of Missouri. Mr. Keller was born in Missouri November 16, 1865. He came to Texas when just a boy and settled with his people in Palo Pinto and later in Haskell. His early life was spent on the ranches in Haskell and Shackleford Counties where he made a real hand for various cattle firms. When a young man he married Mrs. Roxie Johnson and after a few years they moved to Dickens County, Mr. Keller buying what afterward became known as the Pursley Ranch. He followed the ranch business for a years and then sold out, coming to Spur about 1911. He became a member of the firm of Riter Hardware Company and was associated with the business when he passed away. About ten years ago he made a profession of religion and joined the Christian Church. He was a faithful member and was very devoted to church work. He exhibited a broad view of the church, and when there were no services at his own church, often he would be seen in services at other churches. He enjoyed singing and always took part when given an opportunity at other churches. Everyone respected him for the clean, upright, noble life which he lived. Everybody loved him for the honest principles he followed. Among out of town friends who attended the funeral services were: Mrs. Lee Gregg, Mrs. Hale, Mr. Milholland, Mr. And Mrs. Sid Slack and son, Joe, all of Higgins; Mrs. J.E. Morris, and daughter, Frances, and Raleigh Lemmons of Haskell; and Miss Audie McQuerey of Fort Worth.©Dickens County Times, March 2, 1933
Transcribed by Becky Hodges, September 2004
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