Scott Keller, 87

Scott Keller 'went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ' after 87 years of fighting a good fight.

Scott was born in Logan, Utah, to LeRoy and Sarah Keller on Oct. 8, 1918, while his father was in France during World War I. Scott grew up on the family farm that had been established by his original pioneer ancestors.

He was educated at Utah State University and was commissioned a lieutenant in the Army Air Corps in 1943. Scott was a C47 pilot, flying combat missions over France and Germany during World War II. By war's end, he was promoted to the rank of captain, and continued in the inactive reserves for over 30 years.

Scott was hired by Western Airlines in 1946. He moved on to Frontier Airlines as chief pilot in 1947. He served as chief pilot for over 20 years. Scott accepted the position of vice president of operations, he retired from Frontier Airlines in 1978, but not from flying. He immediately went to work for Stockhill Aviation as a bush pilot and FAA examiner. A couple of years later, Scott began to work as a corporate pilot for Crop Hail Management, followed by Citadel Communications, and Semitool. These local companies kept him flying professionally until he was 82 years old.

In his 60 year career, Scott logged over 40,000 hours as a pilot flying everything from open cockpit biplanes, to the modern glass cockpit jets.

Scott was a gentle man in every sense of the word. He was a wonderful husband and father as well as a devoted friend. Scott had great faith, and is in a much better place.

'Those of us left behind will like this world less and truly look forward to seeing him again.'

Scott was preceded in death by his parents, and two sisters, Kathryn and Beth.

He is survived by his wife, Marlene; his two sons, Scott and Rob; and five grandchildren, all of the Flathead Valley; and two sisters, LaRee and Ruth.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, Dec., 19, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at noon Tuesday, Dec. 20, with the Aletheia Christian Fellowship at the Seventh-day Adventist building, 1375 Hwy 93 North, Kalispell, MT, with his son Scott serving as the officiant. Burial will follow at CE. Conrad Memorial Cemetery with military honors being conducted by the United Veterans of the Flathead Valley.

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home caring for the family.