Dr. Jon Michael Keller, 67, WHS grad, had a 40-year family medical practice, loved music and Westerns

Dr. Jon Michael Keller passed from this world to be with the Lord on Dec. 22, 2016, at age 67.

Born in Ephrata and raised in Lititz, he was a 1967 graduate of Warwick High, a 1971 graduate of Juniata College, and a 1975 graduate the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He was one of the first Board Certified Emergency Physicians in the nation, serving Lancaster County as the first Emergency Medical Resource director. In later years he became Board Certified in Family Practice, enjoying the chance to care for patients on a long-term basis, not possible in the emergency setting.

He served thousands of patients over the span of 40 years with great dedication, compassion and skill, made possible by the help of great mentors, fellow physicians and nurses, and a very fine team of coworkers. In life, Dr. Keller served people with two vocations. He was first a disciple of Jesus and second a physician. Dr. Keller believed that the healer’s duty is to treat the whole person. For him, healing included the body and soul which is why he prayed for his patients continually. His favorite verse was Isaiah 40:31.

Stemming from his dutiful love and his motto, “first God, then family, then others, and finally self,” Dr. Keller was a faithful husband, father and friend. His deep passion for life was a mark of his character. While it’s true that he could be a bear of a man, he was also a man of tender heart, kindness and generosity. His buddies will tell you that he was fiercely loyal and had an excellent sense of humor. His passions were medicine, music, motorcycles, western movies, cars, woodworking, telling jokes, the great outdoors, and playing checkers with his favorite grandson: Jeffrey Michael Keller Jr.

The family has taken great comfort in the peace he experienced prior to his passing, possible because of his faith in Christ and his belief in His promises.

He was predeceased by his mother: Ruth Annette Bruce Keller; and his sister: Sueann Keller.

He is survived by his father: John W. Keller; wife: Lynne Susan Keller; siblings: Robert (Sarah) Keller and Sandra (Leon) Pennell; children: Bonnie (Scott) Broberg; Dr. Laura (Martin) Keller-Timoney; and Pastor Jeffrey (Adrianna) Keller; and four grandchildren: Jeffrey, Riley, Elizabeth, and Kathryn; as well as many wonderful cousins, nieces and nephews.

Dr. Keller’s life will be celebrated at Lititz Church of the Brethren, 300 W. Orange St., Lititz, on Jan. 14, at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a donation to Samaritan’s Purse, at samaritanspurse.org; or Hospice of Lancaster County, at hospiceandcommunitycare.org.