Charlie Keller

A Benevolent Care Donor Story

During his life, Charlie Keller’s impact on Homewood was second to none. He was willing to take on just about any role to advance the ministry he cared so much about, eventually serving as Chair of the Board of Trustees in 2001 and 2002.

“To me, Charlie Keller was bigger than life,” Ernie Angell, past President & CEO of Homewood, recalled. “He was very involved with my hiring as President/CEO of Homewood. He often provided the words of wisdom needed in given situations. Charlie was very involved in the development and growth of Homewood. Personally, Charlie was just fun to be around. When Charlie walked into a room, one was automatically drawn to him. He had a charisma about him, and he could tell great stories and the best jokes. Charlie enriched my life, and he was a great mentor and friend. I miss him.”

While serving on the Homewood Board of Trustees, Charlie was instrumental in the planning and development of the Homewood at Crumland Farms campus in Frederick. Years later, Charlie and his wife, Connie, became residents themselves when they built a patio home in the Willow Ponds section of campus.

Charlie also made provisions to ensure Homewood would be taken care of long after he was gone, something he had only hinted at previously. Following Charlie’s passing in August 2021, Homewood was informed of a generous gift he had left to the Homewood at Frederick Benevolent Care Fund through a trust. 

Charlie’s service to Homewood was part of a lifetime of giving back to his community. He also served on the boards of the YMCA, Hood College, Frederick Memorial Hospital, the Frederick Rotary Club, and Christ Reformed Church in Middletown.

Charlie’s early years were spent following in his father’s footsteps toward a career in professional baseball. With three solid years in the Yankees farm system under his belt, he was called up to the majors in 1962. Unfortunately, persistent back injuries kept him from following through with those plans. Undeterred, Charlie obtained his accounting degree and built a highly successful career as a Certified Public Accountant, serving as Managing Partner at several firms.

After retiring from the accounting profession, Charlie became more active in Yankeeland Farms, the family’s business where they bred renowned harness racing horses.