William Sawyer Keller Jr.

William "Bill" Sawyer Keller Jr., 90, of Bolivar, Mo., formerly of Holts Summit and Tebbetts, Mo., passed away peacefully in his sleep Saturday, March 3, 2018, at Citizens Memorial Health Care Facility in Bolivar. Born August 14, 1927, in Brooklyn, N.Y., he lived with his family in Hempstead, New York before leaving to serve in the U.S. Army (Air Force Division) after graduating from high school. During his term of service, William was awarded World War II Victory and Army of Occupation medals while stationed in Japan. Upon completion of his military service, William attended the University of Miami-Florida where he played college football and received a bachelor's degree. Following his graduation from college, William worked in broadcast media before landing a job at American Airlines, Inc. in their New York City and Tulsa, Oklahoma hubs. A few years later, William and his family relocated to Jefferson City, Mo. where he began a 20-plus year tenure with the State of Missouri's Department of Revenue. After his retirement from the Department, William worked as a political consultant and speech writer and performed in several plays and musicals with The Little Theatre of Jefferson City. In the years that followed, he relocated to South Carolina, Colorado, and Missouri to live near and be with family. He is survived by his former wife, Donna Trammell of Holts Summit; his two sons, Chris Keller of Bolivar and Steve and wife Kristin Keller of Orlando, Fla.; his son-in-law, Richard Cash of Castle Pines, Colo.; and seven grandchildren, Andrew Keller of Chicago, Ill., Cole Keller of Orlando, Fla., and Zachary, Kathryn, Jessica, Kariss and Jackson Cash of Castle Pines, Colo. Preceding William in death are his parents, William Sr. and Florence Keller; his sister, Eileen; and his daughter, Susan Keller-Cash. Per his request, William will be cremated with a private family gathering to be held at a later date.