Michael Alan "Blaze" Keller

Michael Alan “Blaze” Keller, 47, of Van Buren died Thursday, April 25, 2013 in Van Buren. He was born December 5, 1965 in Fort Smith. He was the Captain of the District 6 Fire Department, a 20-year plus volunteer firefighter, a member of BACA, a licensed barber, a licensed gunsmith, and a certified open diver. He was certified through the Arkansas Fire Academy as a First Responder, Search & Rescue, Hazardous Materials, and Wildfire Suppression, and retired from Hickory Springs in Fort Smith after 16 years.

He is survived by two daughters, Michaela Higgins and husband Jacy of Alma, and Kimberlyn Keller of Alma; two sons, Zachary Keller of Van Buren, and Mackennon Keller of Fort Smith; his father, Alton Keller and companion Crickett of Van Buren; his mother, Erlene Shaddy and companion Big Mike of Van Buren; a brother, Stuart Keller and wife Keri of Fort Smith; four grandchildren; and three nephews.

Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 30, 2013 at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Chapel with interment to follow at Gill Cemetery in Van Buren, under the direction of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home of Van Buren.

Pallbearers will be Scotty Stockton, Grayson Keller, Herbie Anderson, Lloyd Hager, Squirl, and Paul Mason. Honorary pallbearers will be the BACA bike members, and the District #6 firefighters.

The family will visit with friends from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Sunday, April 28, 2013 at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home, 4100 Alma Highway, Van Buren, AR.

A very special thank you to BACA, and the Mercy Hospice and Mercy Hospital doctors, nurses, and staff.

Memorial contributions may be made to BACA, 1216 Butterfield Trail, Van Buren, AR 72956, Rural Fire District 6, 1022 Pleasant Valley Road, Van Buren, AR 72956, or Mercy Hospice, 7301 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 72903.