Clifford Keller

EXCELSIOR SPRINGS, Mo. — Clifford Layne Keller, 69, of Excelsior Springs passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023.

He was born March 29, 1953, to Roy and Eldora Simpher Keller in Biloxi, Mississippi.

He graduated from Ames High School in Ames, Iowa, and attended Iowa State University. He was self-employed.

When Cliff was able, he loved to play pickleball and golf, coach soccer and travel.

He married Sandee Garifo on June 28, 1975, and had three children — Christina, Clinton and Charleen. They later divorced.

He was so proud of his children and his grandchildren; he loved them all dearly. When talking about his children, he often said, "I have one of each, a girl, a boy and an athlete." He was proud of everything his children had achieved and was looking forward to watching the next generation grow up. He was looking forward to seeing what they were going to accomplish.

Cliff helped his sister in caring for their parents whenever help was needed, which is a very rare quality these days. He will be missed by all.

He was preceded in death by grandparents, Fred and Rose Grossheider Keller and Henry and Erma Siemers Simpher, all of Cape Girardeau.

He is survived by his parents, Roy and Eldora Simpher Keller; sister, Jana (Steve) Schwarz of Excelsior Springs; daughters, Christina (Brian) Budzinski and Charleen (Nick) Fantasma; son, Clinton (Crystal) Keller; six grandchildren, Victoria and Alexander Budzinski, Callen Keller and Luciana, Dominic and Luciano Fantasma, all of Kansas City, Missouri; and several nephews and nieces.

Service will be at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 11, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Kearney, Missouri.

Following the service, there will be a gathering at the Budzinski's starting at 2 p.m. The address will be available at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association.

Bross & Spidle Funeral Home in Excelsior Springs is in charge of arrangements.