By LEAH WANKUM
Managing Editor

(WARRENSBURG, Mo., digitalBURG) — The university lost one of its employees last weekend.

Harry Keller Jr., 58, worked as a custodian for UCM since February of 2013. He died Saturday at St. Luke’s Hospital due to an illness.

Originally from Newark, New Jersey, Harry worked as a staff sergeant in the U.S. Air Force for 22 years. He completed a degree in criminal justice at USAF Community College in 1999.

Shannon Weaver, Harry’s supervisor, said he worked as an evening custodian in the Student Recreation and Wellness Center and later in the Gaines Building.

“He was a friendly and outgoing hard worker, very well liked by his peers,” Weaver said.

Aisha Keller, his daughter who also works as a custodian for UCM, said Harry had a wonderful life as a great guy and the best husband and grandfather to his family.

“He’s always been a loving, caring person,” Aisha said. “He’s always been happy. He’s always shared his happiness with other people. He was so easy to talk to. You could confide to him in any way possible and he would just listen. He never let anybody down. He always worked really hard to support his family, and we always worked hard to support him too.”

Harry is survived by his wife Lisa of eight years.

“He was my love, my world and my ‘road dogz,’” Lisa said. “He was the bestest of the best.”

Harry is also survived by his two step-children, Josh Moon and Krystal Hicks; two grandchildren, Briley and Cameron Hicks; and Ezekiel Moon, Josh’s son who is due in December.

Family will receive friends from 3 to 4 p.m. Saturday at Williams Funeral Chapel. A memorial service will begin at 4 p.m.