Troy Thomas Keller's Obituary
Keller, Troy Thomas
Jackson, MI
Troy Thomas Keller, beloved son of Thomas and Catherine Keller, passed away unexpectedly of an apparent medical condition at the young age of 18 on Saturday, July 5, 2025. Troy is terribly missed by his parents, sisters, Courtney Hanson (his godmother), Samantha (Cody) McClinchey and Karyn Keller, Grandmother Mary Ellen Hanson, Uncle and godfather Timothy Hanson and his young nephew Julian McClinchey. Troy was devoted to his girl cat Davros, whom he named after the creator of the Daleks on Dr. Who when he was 8!
Troy was homeschooled, graduated from high school in May of 2025 and completed the Manufacturing Technologies Program at the Jackson Area Career Center. He took immense pride in his involvement with this program and created a lasting bond with his instructors William Pogue and Brian Owen. Troy was a recipient of a Gene Hass Foundation scholarship grant, receiving a set of machining tools for his career. Troy joined the Jacktown Vectors Robotics Team in his senior year and he really benefitted from that experience. Troy had already been co-oping at Petty Machine & Tool in his senior year and the week after graduation, he received a full-time job offer from them! Troy was on a great track for his future as a machinist! He loved his new career and made quick friends with his fellow employees. We would like to give a special thanks to the employees at Petty Machine & Tool for taking Troy under their wings.
Troy was well-liked by his wonderful circle of friends. He was so sweet and made close relationships easily. When he was 15, Troy began to play his dad's sport of Darts: electronic and steel. Troy made friends with the tight group of Darters in Jackson and eventually across the State of Michigan, trying his luck at regional and state tournaments alongside his darter-dad, Tom Keller. Troy had great success as he gained experience and was able to take on strong talented players! Troy’s earliest teammates were his dad and his sisters Sam and Karyn. Troy developed a close friendship with Tyler Warner and they partnered in several dart leagues and even State Tournaments together!
Troy and his dad were fishing buddies! They loved to go out and try to catch dinner. With Troy's new full-time work schedule, he hadn't gotten out on the water yet this year, but they talked about it often. Troy was a great fan of the Detroit Lions and loved to cheer them on with his dad. They had hopes to catch a game this fall! Tom and Troy shared a love for hair-bands from the 80s and saw the Motley Crue - Def Leopard tour at Comerica Park not too long ago. They caught Vince Neil and Lita Ford at Soaring Eagle when he was still young. Troy recently went to see Deftones with his sister Courtney. They had a blast! Courtney took him to Soaring Eagle Casino for his 18th birthday! He loved to visit the Detroit Institute of Art Museum with Courtney too. Troy took a trip to Nashville with his family in 2023 and he visited his hero Andrew Jackson's Hermitage with Courtney. When Troy was younger, he and his dad were able to go to several Father-Son Detroit Tiger games on tour busses; it became a tradition.
Troy was famous for his full-curly mullet. He loved learning about history, geography and maps and had strong political opinions. Troy loved his sisters Sam, whom he usually called ‘Spam’ and Karyn who he called ‘Kare-Bear' since they were small. We called Troy, ‘Troy-Boy'. Troy and Karyn were inseparable when they were younger, getting busy with different activities as they got into their teens, but he told Karyn he loved her almost every day. Troy enjoyed two Homeschool proms with his best friend since preschool, Josephine (Jojo) Prettenhofer. Troy collected knives and cherished the sword that his big-brother Jimmy gave him when he was just 6. He was known by his graphic t-shirt collection of his favorite bands, tv shows, school clubs and sports teams. He was a fan and possible expert on Dr. Who - modern and classic! He collected Gravity Falls graphic novels and loved the Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel series. Troy was a very intellectual and eclectic old-soul. He made people laugh, amazed them with knowledge facts and shared what he learned about a subject with everyone, especially his mom, Cathy. Troy liked to debate and have deep discussions about subjects he was passionate about, and his friend Jojo was a great match for those topics and one of the only people who could keep up with him. Troy's family is at a complete loss on how to go on without him. Our lives have been shattered by Troy's unexpected passing. He filled every room with his giant personality, wit and passion.
Troy is survived by nieces and nephews, Seth Keller, Kaeden Keller, Alecea Keller, Bailey Keller and Stormie Keller. Great Nephews, James Keller and Daniel Keller. Numerous cousins; Aunts and Uncles Ron and Sue Hanson, Jerry Beebe, Harold and Melissa Keller, Dennis Keller, Walter Keyes, Jan and Jerry Taylor, Joelene and Stan Flack. Troy was preceded in death by his big brother James 'Jimmy' Keller, Dearest Grandma Linda Keller, Grandpa Thomas Keller, Grandpa Melvin Hanson, Aunt Lisa Keller and Aunt Lisa Beebe.
Troy is at Eineder Funeral Homes, 820 Fifth St., Michigan Center, MI 49254
Public Visitation: Thursday, July 10, 2025 4-8pm
Public Gathering: Friday, July 11, 2025 at 1pm
Funeral Service: 2pm at Eineder Funeral Home
Burial: 3:30pm Woodland Cemetery, 2615 Francis St. Jackson
Luncheon 4-6pm (approx.): PNA Hall 638 Page Ave Jackson
Memorial contributions can be given to provide for Troy's final expenses or donated in Troy's name to the Manufacturing Technologies Program at the Jackson Area Career Center. Please leave a message of comfort for Troy Keller's family or sign his guestbook at http://www.EinederFuneralHomes.com.
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