HERKIMER Martin S. Keller, age 85 entered into eternal rest of Wednesday afternoon, May 19, 2004, in Bassett Healthcare, Cooperstown. He was born on July 19, 1918 in Herkimer the son of the late Elmer Leroy and Myrl Beatrice (McVoy) Keller. A lifelong Herkimer resident, he graduated from Herkimer High School in 1936. He continued his education at Utica School of Commerce and graduated with the class of 1938. At the outbreak of World War II, Martin was working at Remington Arms. On April 24, 1942 he joined the Army Air Force where he attended and graduated from two radio schools. He served state side in the Air Inspectors Office and had obtained the rank of Sergeant before his honorable discharge in December of 1945. While stationed in California, on May 15, 1943 he married Helen Webster. When he returned home from the military he worked as a licensed barber in local barbershops for 20 years. During that time he continued his education, earning his bachelors degree from Utica College in 1953 and then pursued a Masters degree at Oneonta State Teachers College in 1955. His postgraduate work was done at Syracuse University and Plattsburg State College. For twenty years he taught special education at Ilion High School, retiring in 1973. After retiring from education, Martin became a volunteer at Herkimer ARC. He later agreed to work part-time and spent 10 years of enjoyment watching a small organization develop into a very meaningful program. He enjoyed armature photography and was a past member of the Ilion Camera Club. Martin had a strong believe in God and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Herkimer for over 70 years. He had been a past Deacon, served as a trustee, Church School Supt, and had been currently teaching adult Sunday School classes which he had started over 50 years ago. He was also active as a lay preacher. He was a member of Friends of Library, the Citizens Advisory Committee and the Neighborhood Watch. His hobbies included woodworking, locksmithing, music and gardening. Surviving are his wife of 61 years, Helen, a stepson, Harley W. Gamel, of Cortland, his granddaughter Ann Adams and her husband Mark of Skaneateles, one grandson, Sam Mancini of Denver, CO, a great-granddaughter Brianna Adams two cousins, Janet Burt and Robert Burt both of Cold Brook, four nephews, Norman Turner and his wife Marsha, Gordon Turner and his wife Sharon all of Herkimer, Donald Turner of Syracuse, Kevin Turner of Virginia and several great-nieces and nephews. Besides his parents Martin was preceded in death by his three sisters, Joyce Keller, Margaret Keller, Evelyn Turner and a niece Barbara Maiorano. Funeral service will be on Saturday 10:00 am in the First Baptist Church Herkimer. The Reverend Patricia Lawrence, pastor will officiate. Interment will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery, Poland. The family will be present in Fenner Funeral Home, Inc., 115 Court Street, Herkimer, to receive relatives and friends on Friday evening from 5 to 7 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to the First Baptist church or the Frank Basloe Library. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home