Harold E. 'Hal' Keeler, age 81, of Neffs PA, formerly of Middlebury VT, died Tuesday, February 15, 2005 in the Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township PA. He was the Husband of Marion T. (Turner) Keeler. The couple celebrated their 57th Wedding Anniversary last July.

Born in Shoreham VT, he was the son of the late Rollin J. and Maud E. (Aines) Keeler. He was the Owner/Operator of the former Neffs Equipment Center from 1983 - 1991. Prior to that worked as a Farm Equipment Store Manager for Agway, Inc., in Chapmans from 1977 - 1982.

Prior to that, Harold worked 22 years for International Harvester as a Zone Manager in the Southern VT Region; District Parts Supervisor in the Westfield MA Region; as an Assistant Store Manager in Presque Isle ME; and as a Manager of the International Harvester Store in Schnecksville PA. Prior to that he worked as an Accountant for the former Cartmells Sales & Service, Middlebury VT. Since his formal retirement he also worked part-time at Kings IGA, Schnecksville PA from 1993 - 1996 and as a Bus Driver for the Parkland School District from 1983 - 1991. He was a Member of First Presbyterian Church of Allentown, Allentown PA.

Harold was a Graduate, Class of 1941 of Middlebury High School, Middlebury VT; Graduate, Class of 1943 of Becker Junior College, Worcester MA, with a Higher Accountancy Degree. He also was Past President of the Independent Club of Becker Junior College. He was a Veteran of the United States Army having served his country faithfully during World War II in the Calvary, Air Corp, 126th General Hospital at Leyte, PI from June 28, 1943 - February 21, 1946. Achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant, he also received the following citations: American Theatre Campaign Ribbon, Asiatic Pacific Theatre Campaign Ribbon, Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one Bronze Service Star.

Harold was a Member of the Upper Lehigh Lions Club, Schnecksville PA, where he served as Past President in 1981. He currently serves as Treasurer for the District 14-K Lions Charitable Enterprises and as Chairman and Originator of the Lions District 14-K High School All-Star Soccer Classic since 1981. He received the District 14-K Governor's Award in 1995 and the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award in 1997. He was also a Member of the Allen O. Delke American Legion Post #16, Slatington PA; Member of the Cairo Shrine Temple, Rutland VT, where he also was a member of its marching unit; and Past President of the Middlebury Savings and Loan in 1947.

He is survived by his Wife; Son, Charles H. and his wife Susan J. Keeler of Essex Junction VT; Daughter, Kathy I., Wife of Michael Kumernitsky, Jr. of Schnecksville PA; and 3 Grandchildren, Benjamin C. Keeler, Aaron M. Keeler and Ashley J. Kumernitsky. He is predeceased in death by a Brother, Donald M. Keeler, Sr.

A Memorial Service will be held 3:00 p.m. Friday, February 18, 2005 in the Chapel of the First Presbyterian Church of Allentown, 3231 Tilghman Street, Allentown PA. A visitation period will be held 2:00 p.m.- 3:00 p.m. Friday in the Church. The Reverend Dr. Michael A. Drake officiating. Interment will be private in the Middlebury Cemetery, Middlebury VT. Arrangements are by the Heintzelman Funeral Home, Inc., Schnecksville PA.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to the Lion's Eye Care Center at Sacred Heart Hospital c/o the Funeral Home, PO Box 196, Schnecksville PA 18078-0196.