Franklin Dale Keller, age 80, of Rockwall, Texas, formerly of Fort Smith, passed from this life June 1, 2021 in Rockwall. He was born August 17, 1940, in Kibler, Arkansas, to C.K (Kib) and Lattie Neal Keller. Dale was a 1958 graduate of Fort Smith High School. Dale worked as the Purchasing Director for Ayers Furniture for 20 years before his entrepreneurial spirit led him into business for himself. Due to his expertise in hardwoods, a high school friend in the fishing lure business asked Dale about the best buoyant wood for a new lure, which led Dale and his family on a path of fishing lure manufacturing that ultimately landed in Costa Rica.
He was an avid Razorback fan, and enjoyed playing dominoes and cards. He loved to travel with Jadean.
Dale was always very active in what his family was involved in, as a coach and Cub Scout pack leader. He also served as IC Booster Club President and IC Parish Council President. Dale was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years Jadean; his children: Stephen Keller of Mesquite, TX and David Keller and his wife Miriam Bustos of Costa Rica; Virginia Keller of Mesquite, TX and Karen Caruthers and her husband Dan of Fort Smith; twelve grandchildren Nicole Keller and her fiancé Danny Mangel, Katja Magerhans and her fiancé Jan Humpmayer, Thomas Keller, Annalie Caruthers and her fiancé Ryan Forbes, Amelia Caruthers and her fiancé Perry Slayton, Joseph Caruthers, Jacob Caruthers, Eleanor Caruthers, Talia Keller, Eli Caruthers, Bridget Caruthers, and Benjamin Caruthers; his brothers and sisters, Patricia Jones and her husband Jimmie, Jimmy Keller, Judy Kay Henderson and her husband Curtis, Sue House and her husband John and Ron Keller and his wife Terri; a brother in law Michael Fields, as well as several nieces and nephews. Dale was preceded in death by his parents and an infant daughter, Katherine Elaine Keller.
