In Loving Memory of Carlysle "Carl" Jerome Keller, Jr.

January 18, 1952 – May 28, 2026

La Coste, Texas

Carlysle "Carl" Jerome Keller, Jr., of La Coste, Texas, passed away on May 28, 2026, at the age of 74. He was born on January 18, 1952, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Carlysle "Corky" Jerome Keller, Sr. and Dorothy Marie Kolafa Keller.

A life of faith, family, and service, Carl grew up in the La Coste–Castroville community and attended Our Lady of Grace Catholic School before graduating from Medina Valley High School in 1970. With a scholarship to play baseball, he attended St. Mary's University earning a BA in English and History and graduated with Summa Cum Laude honors.

After college, Carl began a sixteen-year career at the family's John Deere dealership in La Coste. In 1990, he answered a deeper calling to education, beginning his teaching career as a history teacher at Medina Valley Junior High eventually transferring to the high school where he coached football and baseball. A natural leader and multi‑sport athlete, he carried lessons from the field into a lifetime of coaching and mentorship. In 1999, he became Medina Valley High School's head baseball coach, a role he held until his retirement in 2017. Under his 18 years of leadership, the Panther baseball team flourished—amassing a winning record of 405 wins and 154 losses, averaging 22 wins per year, the longest winning streak of 20 games, the most wins in any one season for any sport at MV with 36 wins (2008), 14 playoff runs, and two state tournament appearances. More than wins and records, Carl cared about the young people he led—shaping character, resilience, and true teamwork. Above all, he adored his family. Married to his beloved wife for 53 years, he was her steadfast companion. His grandchildren were his joy, and his pride in them was evident in every move he made.

A reader, teacher, and coach, Carl was known for his quick wit, humble spirit, and a scholar's curiosity—he kept a personal library of thousands of books and was forever jotting down new words and ideas. On the field and in the classroom, he taught with patience and purpose, modeling the values he expected from his students and players.

Beloved family man, Carl is survived by his wife, Brenda Keller of La Coste; his sons, Jesse Keller of Castroville, Joseph Keller of Pearson, Joshua Keller (Courtney) of Castroville, and Jedediah Keller (Shannon) of Rio Medina; grandchildren, Koop Keller, Charlie Grace Keller, Justus Keller, Judson Keller, Madelyn Rose Keller, August Keller, and Carolina Keller; brothers, Steve Keller (Cindy) of Castroville, Keith Keller, of Abilene, and Andy Keller (Janna) of La Coste; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Services

-Visitation: Braden Keller Center/David DeCock Gymnasium, Thursday, June 4, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with the Holy Rosary recited at 5:30 p.m.

-Mass of Christian Burial: Friday, June 5, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., St. Louis Catholic Church, Castroville, Texas.

-Burial: Our Lady of Grace Catholic Cemetery, La Coste, Texas.

-Reception following the Cemetery Services: Our Lady of Grace Parish Hall, La Coste, Texas.

Memorials may be made in Carl's memory to the Medina Valley Sports Boosters or to the charity of your choice.

Arrangements by Tondre‑Guinn Funeral Home