Thomas Gregory “Greg” Keller, 55, of Marshall, Illinois, passed away on Friday, October 3, 2025, at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana, from complications following a massive heart attack. Greg was born on March 29, 1970, in Fayetteville, North Carolina, the son of the late Thomas Harold Keller and Julia (Casper) Clark. He was raised in Dongola, Illinois, where he excelled in athletics and built lifelong friendships. After graduating from Dongola High School, Greg continued his love of sports by playing on the 1991 Italian Village Softball Team, which will be inducted into the Illinois USA/ASA Softball Hall of Fame on November 1, 2025. Greg was excited to attend the induction and proud of this recognition alongside his teammates. From a young age, Greg built the strong work ethic that defined his life. At just 11 years old, he began mowing yards, hauling hay, and chopping wood. Hard work came naturally to him, and those early years instilled in him the drive, discipline, and determination that carried out through every stage of his life. Greg earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with a minor in Finance from Southeast Missouri State University, where he was a proud member of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity. Many of his core values were instilled through his years in his fraternity, especially integrity, friendship, love, and truth. He upheld those values throughout his life and cherished enduring friendships with his fraternity brothers. He was especially thrilled when his son, Wyatt, became a legacy member of the same fraternity. The principles Greg learned in Pi Kappa Alpha shone through in all he did, and he lived his life guided by those values.Shortly after graduation, he began his career as a Grain Merchandiser with South Central FS in Greenville, Illinois. It was during this season of life that he met the love of his life, Jennifer (Boyd) Keller. After just two dates, Greg and Jen knew they had found their forever partner. They married on September 7, 1996, and would have celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary next year. The couple began their married life in Carterville, Illinois, where they welcomed their son, Thomas Wyatt Keller, in 1999. In 2001, they moved to Marshall when Greg became a partner in Casey Fertilizer, and during their early years in Marshall their daughter, Avery Lin Keller, was born in 2006. Becoming a father was one of Greg’s greatest achievements, and from the moment Wyatt and Avery came into his life, they were at the forefront of every decision he made. Providing for them, guiding them, and being present for his family gave him his deepest sense of purpose. He enjoyed genuine, enduring relationships not only with his family, but also with his farming customers, often saying that his greatest joy came from the people he served. In 2013, Greg and his partners sold the business to Helena Chemical Company, where he worked for a year before pursuing a new chapter. In 2014, he joined Shore-Murphy/Marshall Mutual Insurance Company as a partner, where he found fulfillment in helping clients in meaningful ways and continued building lasting friendships. Greg was deeply devoted to his community. For over 10 years, he served as a “Lunch Buddy” with Marshall Schools and the Marshall Area Youth Network (MAYN), mentoring and encouraging local students. He also partnered with Tiffany Macke and the Dream Team to deliver the “I Dream, I Create” message to inspire youth to dream big. He loved being part of his community, whether volunteering at the high school to teach students about insurance, mentoring youth, or joining in with family and colleagues for creative Halloween costume themes. Greg was also a very active member of the Christmas Lights Committee and took great pride in helping to set up and tear down the lights each year for the Festival of Lights at the Clark County Fairgrounds. Greg’s faith was also an important part of his life. He was a member of Maryland Community Church in Terre Haute, Indiana, where he enjoyed fellowship, worship, and growing in his walk with Christ. Greg was known by all as the most generous man you could ever meet. He would drop anything to lend a hand, even to complete strangers, if he saw someone in need. He worked tirelessly to provide for his family but never wanted much for himself. Selfless and thoughtful, he always placed the needs of others above his own. He was also a man of simple joys and an unmistakable style—his cut-off white t-shirts, worn work boots, and ever-present ballcap were his everyday look, while his denim overalls were his go-to gear for outdoor work. He loved hunting and fishing, though parenthood left less time for those hobbies in later years. Woodworking was one of his greatest passions, and his creativity shone through in the treasured handmade gifts he crafted for friends and family. His garden and yard were also extremely important to him. He found joy in mowing and weed-eating, and he loved sharing the vegetables he grew by giving them away to family and friends. He was also the best “pool-boy” his family could ever ask for, always keeping their pool clean and beautiful so everyone could enjoy relaxing together. Greg also treasured time with his friends. Every Friday night, he sent out a group text to his buddies to see who was “in” for Saturday morning breakfast at 8:00 a.m. sharp at Rudy’s (Marshall Family Restaurant). He looked forward to this weekly tradition, filled with laughter, camaraderie, and the kind of friendships he held dear. Beyond his family, Greg’s circle of friends — lovingly known as his “Tribe” — held an especially important place in his life. For nearly 20 years, this incredible group of “framily” walked with Greg and Jen through life’s ups and downs, celebrations and struggles. The love, loyalty, and laughter they shared carried him through countless moments, and he cherished their bond deeply. Greg’s laugh was unforgettable—full, genuine, and contagious. He especially loved laughing at his own jokes, most often his beloved “dad jokes.” It wasn’t uncommon for Jen to hear him all the way across the house, chuckling at a silly TikTok video, a goofy moment in a movie, or simply at something that tickled his sense of humor. Greg cherished laughter and shared it freely, leaving joy in his wake wherever he went. Above all, Greg lived a life rooted in kindness, generosity, humor, faith, and love. His legacy is reflected in the countless lives he touched with his big heart, quick smile, and the sound of his laughter that will echo in the memories of those who loved him. Greg’s greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Jennifer Keller of Marshall; their son, Thomas Wyatt Keller (Nicole) of Terre Haute; their daughter, Avery Lin Keller of Terre Haute; and his precious grandchildren, Adelyn and Elliott. He is also survived by his mother and stepfather, Julia and Barry Clark of Dongola; his stepmother, Vicki (Dillow) Keller of Cape Girardeau; and his mother-in-aw, Marsha Boyd of Carbondale. Surviving siblings include Jennifer (Shane) Osman, and their sons Bryce (Chloe) Osman and Gavin Osman; Brian (Patricia) Clark, and their children Hailee and Brayden Clark, along with Patricia’s children Fallon (Nick) Stearns, Josie (Carson) Short, and Wyatt Horn; Amy (Patrick “Joey”) Ferguson, and their daughters Maegan (Timmy) Keller and Lyndsey (Mitchell) Paulding; and Gretchen (Jamie) Wendling, and their daughter Morgan (Andrew) Scott. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Chris (Kim) Boyd, and their daughters Delaney and Adelyn Boyd; his sister-in-law, Kimberly Boyd Tarver, and her children Malaya, Miana, Makahri, Miavahni, and Matiah Tarver; and his brother-in-law, Tony Smith, husband of his late sister Elizabeth LaNell (Clark) Smith, along with their children Kajayah Clark, Brilea Smith, Alycia Ellett, Kelsie Hand, and Noah Smith. He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, great-nieces and great-nephews, extended family, and dear friends who loved him deeply. Greg was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Harold Keller; his sister, Elizabeth LaNell (Clark) Smith; his maternal grandparents, Claude and Lela Casper; his paternal grandparents, Thomas Harold and Blanche C. Keller; his father-in-law, Danny Boyd; and his lifelong friend, Stacey Speros, who was like a brother to him. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, November 16, 2025, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Sassafras Ridge in Marshall. Family and friends are invited to gather to honor Greg’s life, share stories, and celebrate the joy he brought to so many. His legacy will be remembered in the laughter he inspired, the friendships he cherished, the faith he lived by, the generosity he showed, and the love he poured into his family. He will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on in the lives of his children, grandchildren, family, and friends who were blessed to know and love him. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Marshall Area Youth Network, P.O. Box 278, Marshall, IL 62441. Online condolences are being accepted at pearcefunealservices.com.