Alan Gilbert Keller, 72, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, September 26, 2025, while visiting family in his hometown of Carlisle, Pennsylvania. He was born on October 3, 1952, to parents Gilbert and Harriet Keller. Alan graduated from Carlisle High School and Penn State University, then went on to serve in the U.S. Air Force as an F-111 fighter pilot, retiring after 22 years of dedicated service. He had a second career as an Air Force civilian at Air Combat Command, and he also found time to drive a Hampton City school bus part time.

Preceded in death by his parents; left to cherish his memory is his wife of 47 years, Karen R. Keller; his daughters, Heidi K. Schiano (Martin) and Lisa K. Saunders (Jake); grandchildren, Gabrielle Schiano, Annabelle Schiano, and Jesse Saunders; sisters, Nancy K. Coxe (Bob) and Cindy K. Lyttle (Kevin); and numerous cousins and nieces.

In addition to serving our country in the military, Alan was a dedicated servant in his church, community, and family. St. Mark's Methodist Church in Hampton was his faith home for over 35 years and he held several leadership roles there during that time. He was also on the board of the Penn State Hampton Roads Alumni chapter and volunteered as a docent at the Virginia Air & Space Science Center. Alan was an engineer and pilot who loved all kinds of planes, trains, and automobiles. He enjoyed traveling and camping in the family RV, especially anywhere with cooler weather and mountains. Above all else, Alan was dedicated to his family, and he was a dearly beloved husband, father, and grandpa. To all who knew him, he was an unfailingly kind and giving man who would do his best to help anyone in need and fix anything broken. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered forever.

A graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, October 10, 2025, at Parklawn Memorial Park, Hampton, with Military Honors. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at St. Mark's Methodist Church, 99 E. Mercury Blvd, Hampton, with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to St Mark's Methodist Church click here to donate to St. Mark's , Virginia Air & Space Science Center click here to donate to the Air & Space Center , or HELP, Inc. (Hampton Roads Ecumenical Lodgings and Provisions) click here to donate to H.E.L.P.