Joseph (Joey) Nickolas Keller
Joey Keller, of New Palestine, left this earth for his heavenly home Sunday, Nov. 18, 2012, from Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis at the age of 9. Joey was born July 4, 2003, in Fort Wayne, Ind. to Nickolas and Elizabeth (Phillips) Keller.
Joey's life here was characterized by a determined, thoughtful, and loving spirit. Joey grew closer to Jesus throughout his battle. He prayed for his fellow cancer patients at Riley while enjoying playing with and talking about Legos, Star Wars, and video games with his friends. Joey excelled in his homeschool studies and participated in two local co-ops, Early Years & Beyond and the Greenfield Homeschool Co-op. He also loved to swim, played soccer in the New Palestine United Soccer League, and participated in Upward Basketball. Joey was honored to have been named Honorary Deputy Chief of IMPD in June 2011 by Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard.
Survivors include his parents, Nick and Elizabeth Keller of New Palestine; his paternal grandparents, Harold and Johanna Keller of Cape Coral, Fla.; his maternal grandparents, Greg and Roberta Phillips of West Liberty, Ky; his paternal great-grandmother, Maxine Keller of Auburn, Ind.; his maternal great-grandmother, Mary Phillips of North Ft. Myers, Fla.; and many beloved members of his extended family and cherished friends.
He was preceded in death by his paternal great-grandparents, Harold Keller Sr., and William and Freda Storey; and his maternal great-grandparents, John Phillips and Willard and Ida Lewis.
A celebration of Joey's life was held at St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Indianapolis on Friday, Nov. 23, 2012, with Pastor Stuart Kruse officiating. Burial took place in Floral Park Cemetery in Indianapolis.
To make a tax deductible memorial contribution to Heroes Foundation to fund pediatric cancer research at Indiana University School of Medicine and to distribute Legos to Indiana pediatric cancer patients, please visit: www.heroesfoundation.org, attention Team Joey Project
To read more about Joey's battle with cancer and leave online condolences please visit, www.caringbridge.org/visit/joeykeller.
