Fred Thomas Keltner

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Service Schedule
Graveside Service
Edgewood Memorial Park
4200 Division
North Little Rock, AR  72118
Wednesday, July 15, 2020
10:00 AM
Cemetery
Edgewood Memorial Park
4200 Division
North Little Rock, AR  72118
I served in the Navy.
Fred Thomas KeltnerI am a Veteran.

of Maumelle,

January 8, 1927 - July 9, 2020

Fred Thomas Keltner, 93, died on Thursday, July 9, 2020, in Hospice Home Care, surrounded by family. He was born on January 8, 1927, North Little Rock, Arkansas. He was preceded in death by his parents, Aude Keltner and Minnie Nix Keltner; his wife, Loretta Ussery Keltner; brothers, Marvin and Robert Keltner; sisters, Marie Creed and Christine Keltner; and son Charles Thomas Keltner.

Survivors include daughters, Phyllis A. Keltner and Linda Wilson; three grandchildren, Mary Allen, Laura Lowery, and April Herndon; five great-grandchildren, Jack Lowery, True Waymack, Rory Waymack, Eva Allen, Gretchen Allen; and special friend of many years, Gloria Ponder.

In 1944, Fred met his wife at the Toddle House on Broadway in Little Rock. He was a cook; she was a waitress. Fred joined the U.S. Navy in January 1945, marrying Loretta two months later. While serving our country, Fred learned carpentry and eventually became a home builder. In 1947, he and Loretta laid a foundation of their first home, and their son Tommy was born. Rooms were slowly added as they could afford it. Two years later, Phyllis was born. And two years afterward, Linda arrived. Every house his family lived in was built by Fred. He was a perfectionist in everything he did, so as a contractor, his customers definitely got their money's worth.

Music and reading were his hobbies. A self-taught guitarist, Fred's favorite instrument was the steel guitar. As a young husband and father, he played with a group of friends on the radio. As Fred aged, his love of the guitar continued as he entertained with friends at senior centers. His home was filled with sounds of Chet Atkins, Hank Snow, Merle Haggard, and Hank Williams. Because he worked so hard providing for his family, Fred took only one vacation while his children lived at home. An overnight stay in Nashville to watch the Grand Ole Opry onstage was a memorable experience for everyone.

After forty-five years of marriage, Loretta died. Her last wish before she succumbed to a terminal disease was to stay at home until the end. Fred was responsible as ever as he and his children cared for her.

As time passed, he met a woman at a square dance class, a woman he recognized from his high school years. That woman, Gloria Ponder, brought well-deserved happiness to Fred's life. She was a wonderful square dance partner for years; she was a wonderful friend and confidante to Fred. In his words, she was his Sweetheart as they dated for twenty-five years.
A child of the Great Depression; a veteran of World War II; an accomplished musician; a responsible, hardworking husband and father; a man of strong faith: this was Fred Thomas Keltner.

Graveside service will be held at Edgewood Memorial Park on Wednesday, July 15, 2020 at 10:00AM.

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12 Condolence(s)
Hannah McSpadden
Maumelle, AR
Liked
Wednesday, July 22, 2020

I work at the library here in Maumelle and Mr. Keltner was one of our most cherished patrons. He was always smiling when he came in and knew all of our names. We all knew him to be kind and generous and we looked forward to seeing him in the library throughout the week. My coworkers and I are saddened by the news of his passing and are keeping his family in our thoughts.

Debbie Stull
Sherwood, AR
Liked
Tuesday, July 14, 2020

Condolences to your family. Stan held your dad in high regard. After reading the wonderful obituary I really wish I had been to get to know him better. May your precious memories give you comfort and strength during this difficult time. May the knowledge of a life well lived and of the joyful reunion of your parents warm your hearts. I will hold your families in prayer.

Nina Moler
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Monday, July 13, 2020

My dad, M.T. "Ace" Moler, was a great friend of Fred and Loretta's! He and I appreciated Fred's special capacity for joy. I was so glad to read in the beautiful obituary that his joy didn't fade with the years. We were so fortunate to have known them! Ace could build just about anything--but called Fred in to do his amazing carpentry. They were truly the greatest generation.

Jennifer Browne
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Monday, July 13, 2020

Please accept my sincere condolences. I hope that happy memories bring you comfort.

Eric Fraser
Maumelle, AR
Liked
Monday, July 13, 2020

I am saddened by our loss of Fred. He was a great inspiration to my learning to play the guitar as he played his dobro like a steel guitar. We played some at the Park Hill Baptist Church Hootenanny gatherings and some at Audubon Point where he lived for a number of years. Fred was always a gentleman and always encouraging. I will miss him, as I know will all the others whose lives he touched. My condolences to your loss.

Marilyn Eldridge. (Glenn)
Maumelle, AR
Liked
Monday, July 13, 2020

Please accept my sympathy in the passing of your Dad. My husband who passed two years ago owned Glenn Eldridge Plbg. He did jobs for Mr. Keltner. He considered him a friend. I would see him in Maumelle at times with his Sweetheart. Glenn & I considered him a fine and caring honest man. I wish to have heard him play the steel guitar. Maybe he's playing now for Jesus. I know he will be missed. God bless your family.

Rosemary A
Maumelle, AR
Liked
Sunday, July 12, 2020

Met Mr. Keltner through Meals on Wheels and had the privilege of driving him to a few medical appts. Loved his sweet self and his stories. He was the perfect gentleman. I will definitely miss our visits. I still have my pennies he gave me. RIP Mr. Keltner and prayers & hugs to his family.

David Ray
North Little Rock, AR
Liked
Sunday, July 12, 2020

So sorry for your loss. I knew Mr. Fred through my dad’s cabinet shop business. We also lived behind his mother’s house up on Division Street and I mowed her yard for her as I was growing up.

Jean Orr
Maumelle, AR
Liked
Sunday, July 12, 2020

Our sincere sympathy to Mr. Fred's family and friends. He attended Bible studies on Sunday afternoons and was such a blessing to all of us from First Baptist Maumelle. God bless all of you.

Cherilyn Shane
Sherwood, AR
Liked
Sunday, July 12, 2020

What a dear sweet man! I first knew Fred through my parents, Hubert and Jerry Hudson, who shared Fred's love of steel guitar. His friendship meant so much to them. Then I realized Fred and Loretta lived a block from me on Locust St. Years later, when my dad was in a nursing home, Fred and friends came to the nursing home to play for the residents. It was such a treat for my dad and so many of them! I just cannot say enough about what a wonderful man he was! He had such a tender heart and always looked for the very best in people. It was such a privilege to know him. So so very sorry for your loss of this outstanding man!

Susan Coleman
North Little Rock, AR
Liked
Sunday, July 12, 2020

I was Fred’s dental hygienist for 30+years so we had a long standing twice a year date. In his gentle way, he shared his life. The whole office family adored him. Love to his family and others as he touched so many of us

Myra Shelton Wilson
North Little Rock, AR
Liked
Sunday, July 12, 2020

Your Dad and Mom lived across the street from my Aunt and Grandmother on Locust Street.
Your Dad and Opie built my late husband’s Larry Shelton and my house on East Lake Drive in North Little Rock.
Your Dad was the nicest gentleman and a great craftsman.
So very sorry for your loss. May God’s peace be with you.