Father Keller honored for 65 years as a priest

Published June 7, 2023

Father Tom Keller, the oldest diocesan priest in Arkansas, was honored for 65 years as a priest during a Mass at St. John Center in Little Rock May 15. Bishop Anthony B. Taylor celebrated the Mass in Morris Hall Chapel for diocesan employees, former parishioners and family members. Lunch was served after Mass. Father Keller, 90, was ordained May 15, 1958. He lives in retired priest housing, St. John Manor, on the St. John Center campus.

Father Warren Harvey, who served with Father Keller at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Little Rock for 11 years and cares for retired priests living at St. John Manor, delivered the homily.

“No matter what was happening in his life or happening in the life of the Church, Father Keller has always exhibited an underlying joy,” he said. ”This joy has always made him confident and courageous.”