Bridge Dedicated to Bronze Star Recipient

“He was a great soldier – in the truest sense of the word, dedicated to his country and led his men,” John Evans, the son of Keller E. Evans said during the bridge dedication to his father Saturday morning, October 12. 

The bridge is located along Lower Piney Creek in Williamsburg. 

John said this was something the family had wanted to do to honor his father.

They chose this spot because it is close to the family farm Keller grew up on, and where he went to school, the old Eighth Square Chapel. 

John then asked Woodbury Township about the process of dedicating a bridge, and the township took care of the rest. 

“We are thankful we were able to help the family achieve this goal and honor the service of Keller Evans – a forever monument in his family, and military legacy,” Woodbury Township Chairman Joe Lansberry said.

Keller, the oldest of six boys, was drafted into the United States Army during World War II. 

He went to training on December 17, 1942, and returned home on January 8, 1946. During his tenure, Evans said his father went to five camps most of which were in Texas and some in Virginia. 

Keller was a truck driver for the 102nd Infantry Division, with the rank of P5. He drove the half-track around Europe to countries such as France, Belgium, Poland, and Germany. He hauled the troops to the front lines at night. 

Following his time with the Army, Keller was awarded the Bronze Star, Victory Medal, and numerous other accolades. 

John said his father then went to work as a lineman for REA for 1 ½ years.

“He didn’t like climbing poles,” he said about his father, but he found his true calling, working for Penelec for 41 years before retiring.

John said his biggest regret with his father was not asking him more questions about his time in the Army, but he didn’t want to talk about it.

“He is part of the Greatest Generation – we need to remind the young people what these guys did,” he said.

The St. Michaels American Legion Honor Guard was on hand to honor Keller. 

John said his father was not allowed to join the Legion following a marriage pact with his mother, Violet (Rabenstein). 

Together, they had five children – John, Deb Metzgar, Larry and David, and the late Janet Mains. Keller passed away in 2001. 

“He wouldn’t be happy we were doing this, but I sure am proud to do so,” John said before the Honor Guard played “Taps.”