The GCTA Supports Tennis

Joseph F. "Jeff" Keeler Jr., the Spirit, passed peacefully from this life to New Life on Saturday, March 26, 2005. He was surrounded by his extended family at home. Jeff was blessed with boundless energy. He was a good listener, and a great communicator. He valued individual uniqueness and generously shared his time and resources with others. His enthusiasm made everything he did more fun for everyone. His genuine caring created lifelong friendships. He is survived by his college sweetheart and wife of 41 years, Diane Fishel Keeler; son, Rick (Lauren) Keeler of Columbus; and their daughters, Meghan and Emily; son, Scott (Tamara) Keeler of Clermont, FL; brother, Bob (Chris) Keeler of Reading, PA; sister, Jane Keeler (Larry) Bennett of Cincinnati, OH; sister-in-law, Sherry (Jack) Fishel Barger of Columbus; brother-in-law and business partner of 20 years, Richard (Donna) Fishel of Dallas, TX; mother-in-law, Martha Youngman Fishel of Columbus; and a wonderful bunch of nieces and nephews whom he adored. Jeff was born December 23, 1940 in Cleveland, OH and grew up in Wyomissing, PA. He is pre-deceased by his loving parents J. Fred and Dorothy Keeler of Wyomissing, PA, and his father-in-law business partner and favorite mentor Ken Fishel. Jeff graduated from Denison University in Granville, OH in 1963 and served four years in the United States Air Force as a Transportation and Traffic Management Officer in Long Island, Greenland and Colorado Springs. Jeff joined Fishel Company in 1967 as part of a field crew to learn the utility construction business from the underground up. He was named President and CEO in 1980 and Chairman in 2002. From 1981-1983, with the help of many talented teammates, Jeff expanded the business from central Ohio to Texas, Arizona and California. Jeff devoted time and energy to numerous community interests including Buckeye Boys Ranch, Columbus Chamber of Commerce, First Community Church, James Cancer Hospital, Upper Arlington Rotary, Upper Arlington Schools, and Camp O-AT-KA in Lake Sebago, ME. He served on the Advisory Boards of several Columbus area businesses. He was active in the Young Presidents' Organization and served on their International Board. Jeff loved competitive sports through which he developed great friendships that enriched his life. At the age of 50 he took up golf and was passionate about the challenge. Jeff's zest for life will be greatly missed by his extended family, Fishel Company teammates and friends. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, April 1, 2005 at 4 p.m. at First Community Church (Main Sanctuary), 1320 Cambridge Blvd., Columbus, OH 43212. His family looks forward to sharing memories with friends following the service in Brownlee Hall. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to: First Community Foundation, 1320 Cambridge Blvd., Columbus, OH 43212, HomeReach Hospice, 3595 Olentangy River Rd. Columbus OH 43214 or your favorite charity. Arrangements by SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST, 1740 Zollinger Road, Columbus, OH 43221.