Paul Joseph Keller

Paul Joseph Keller, 78, of Newburgh IN., passed away Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at Gateway Hospital in Newburgh. Paul was born October 14, 1945, to the late, Albert & Erma (Garrett) Keller. 

Paul had worked at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church since 2011 as the business manager. He came there out of retirement when asked by Father Joe. Before then, Paul had “lived four work lives” – one as a young hire and then line supervisor at Whirlpool Corp. (starting there before graduating from Memorial High School); then at PepsiCo., where he rose to the executive level; then as a franchise owner of Wendy’s; then as a builder, building many houses in Newburgh and Evansville, including their current home. Paul and his wife of 58 years, Phyllis, had retired to Florida, then moved back again years ago to be closer to family, including their three children, Stacy Bolen, Mark (Terri) Keller and Michael (Bridget) Keller; and five grandchildren, Courtney (Charlie) Payne, Caitlyn Keller, Mackenzie Keller (Nathan Grantz), Aaron Keller, Abbi Keller, and six great-grandchildren, also his brother, James (Jim) (Marilyn) Keller.

Paul and Phyllis were active in Religious Ed as their three children were growing up and led a youth group at their home. He and Phyllis participated in Cursillo, Christ Renews His Parish, and were active in numerous ways at SJB. They often attended 11 AM Mass, where Paul was Sacristan and Eucharistic Minister. As business manager, Paul “trained” several pastors, including Fr. Joe, Fr. Tom and Fr. Dusty, as well as several associate pastors. He worked closely with the Finance Committee and Cemetery Board; fielded most of the calls for help that came in from St. Vincent de Paul and other agencies; and was the “go-to” for everything related to our facilities. He had a special connection to Mother Teresa Treasures and their outreach, as well as St. Vincent de Paul. 

Paul enjoyed golfing and did so most every Thursday afternoon with friends at Rolling Hills. He also loved to laugh, tell stories, and share memes sent to him by his children. Paul had a way of making and keeping friends for life. He was intelligent, joyful and thoughtful. He was truly one of a kind and will be greatly missed by so many people. We feel very fortunate to have been blessed with him at SJB for so many years. It is with much sorrow that SJB Parish says goodbye to our friend Paul Keller.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 625 Frame Rd., Newburgh IN. 47630 officiated by Rev. Father Claude T. Burns, with visitation beginning at 9 a.m. Burial will be at a later date at St. John’s Cemetery.

Friends may visit with the family from 2 to 8 on Monday, July 15, 2024, at the Titzer Family Funeral Homes, Simpson Chapel, 510 W. Jennings St., Newburgh IN. 47630, (812) 853-8314, where there will a Memorial Service/Prayer Service at 7 p.m. 

Memorial contributions may be made to The Backpack Program at St. John’s and or St. Vincent de Paul.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen

Sympathy wishes may be made online to the family at titzerfamilyfuneralhomes.com