Mark S. Keller

Mark Stephen Keller kissed his beloved wife Natalie goodbye on May 30, 2024 in their Leesburg home. They battled his cancer as they had battled everything for 41 years – together.

Mark was born on December 19, 1951 to Norman Charles Keller and Betty Jo Hardies  in Long Beach, California. After work took his father and stepmother Nancy to Naples, Italy, Mark graduated from Forrest Sherman High School in 1970.  When finished with school, he and his stepsister, Patty Keller, backpacked through Europe before returning to the States. These experiences formed a lifelong love affair with travel.  One that he was able to share with his wife and siblings just last year in a whirlwind tour of Italy.

Still with the travel bug, Mark joined the United States Marine Corps in 1970 and excelled being distinguished by both his selection as a Recruiter and subsequent meritorious selection to Gunnery Sergeant. He had two children during that time – Bryan and Carol – with his first wife. Once his service in the Corps was complete, they relocated to her home state of Mississippi after living in North Carolina, Illinois, and California. Much changed after moving to the South. Mark took a job with the Mississippi Valley Gas Company, and after a divorce, he met the love of his life, Natalie. Together, they had a son, Nathan.  Mark worked at the gas company for many years before the travel bug came calling again. He, his wife, and youngest son moved to Houston. After spending 14 years working in various roles in the gas industry, they reunited with their oldest children, other family, and the quieter pace of life in Mississippi.

In addition to travel, it seems Mark had been bitten with the service bug too.  During his time at the gas company where he worked for several years, he was lucky enough to have been invited to join the Jaycees which became family to him.  With them, he would serve in every role up to and including state president.  Through the Jaycees he became a board member of the Kidney Foundation and the United Blood Service. He also donated more blood than could easily be counted.   While in Houston, Mark and Natalie were actively involved with the youth at Springwoods Baptist Church. Upon returning to Mississippi, Mark donated much time and sweat as a volunteer Firefighter and EMT in the Leesburg community.

Mark’s survivors include,  wife, Natalie Keller of Leesburg; children, Nathan Keller (Jessica) of Anacortes, Washington, Carol Rose (David) of Flowood, and Bryan Keller (Amy) of Jackson; five grandchildren, John-Mark Rose, Emma Rose, Jefferson Keller, Jackson Keller, and Hunter Keller; sister, Sally Pearne, of Homosassa, Florida; brother, Mike Keller (Yvonne) of San Diego, California; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Betty Jo Hardies; stepfather, Ed Hardies; father, Norman Keller; stepmother, Nancy Keller; brother Tom Keller; brother-in-law, Pete Pearne; stepsister, Patty Keller; and a niece, Shannon Keller; along with several very, very close friends that were family.

Memorials may be made to Leesburg Fire Department, St. Jude, Tunnel 2 Towers, or any cancer society.

Natalie and their children, Bryan, Carol, and Nathan would like to invite you to a visitation at Ott & Lee in Brandon June 8 from 1 to 3 PM.  As was Mark’s way, he would only care about you being there, not what you wear. Casual attire, please.