Edward L. “Ed” Keeler, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend passed away after a brief illness on September 7, 2024, with his loving family by his side.

Ed was born in upstate New York on April 25, 1950, but moved to Punta Gorda with his family when he was 7 years old.  Ed joined the Navy right out of high school and served his country proudly. He became a firefighter for the Punta Gorda Fire Department after returning home from the Navy. He went on to become Assistant Fire Chief and then Fire Chief for PGFD. He became a firefighter when he was 14 years old at the South Charlotte Volunteer Fire Department that his grandfather created. His dad and uncles carried on the firefighter legacy as Chiefs of South Charlotte Volunteer Fire Department.

Ed loved to cook, garden, do woodwork, and gather any and all types of seafood. He loved to can vegetables and meat. He would gather wild fruit and make jelly. His passion was giving away the fruits of his labor to friends and family.

Ed was a member of Friendship United Methodist Church in Punta Gorda, Florida.

Ed is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Sylvia, his son, Erik Keeler (Margaret Furman), his granddaughter, Emmersyn Keeler, grandson, Easton Keeler, and bonus granddaughter, Paisley Stanford, siblings Dale Keeler (Tina), Kalyn Keeler-Kazlauskas, Chris Keeler (April), David Keeler (Cami) and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Edward and Ethel Keeler.

Ed’s funeral service with Military Honors by the U.S. Navy was held Saturday, September 21, 2024, at Roberson Funeral Home, 215 Mary Steet, Punta Gorda. The family received visitors from 2:00 p.m. with service beginning at 3:00. The Punta Gorda Fire Department will honor their former Fire Chief in a Last Radio Call and Last Ride ceremony at 9 AM on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at the Departments Station No. 1 located at 1410 Tamiami Trail in Punta Gorda.  In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Tidewell House, Port Charlotte, Fl.

Friends may visit online at www.robersonfh.com to extend condolences to the family.  Arrangements by Roberson Funeral Home & Crematory Punta Gorda Chapel.