Samuel "Sideways Sam" Keller

“Sideways Sam” Keller passed away at his home on March 24, 2024.  Samuel Mark Keller was born to Beth Carlisle on May 6, 1957 in Battle Creek, Michigan.   He graduated from Harper Creek High School in 1975 and remained in his hometown.  

As a young man, Sam was never boring.  He worked for Grand Trunk on the railroads on the chain-gang, where he laid tracks from Battle Creek to Chicago. In the good old days, Sam was in the fast lane at the Kalamazoo and Galesburg speedways every Friday & Saturday night.  He raced a Roadwarrior and Sportsman on these tracks.  The announcer, “The Bear” Ackles, gave him his nickname “Sideways Sam.”  

Sam’s hobbies also consisted of hunting, hustling at the pool halls, playing poker and visiting the casinos, riding his Harley and heckling his friends.  He was also affectionately known by his friends as “Slammer.” 

Sam is survived by his mother, Beth Carlisle; sister, Karla (Jim) Bivens; son, Brandon; daughter, Missy (Brian) Borgman; grandchildren, Riley (Martina) and Jailee (Mitchell); niece Michelle (Jeff) Oleniczak; his extended family and multitude of friends.   

Family will receive friends 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation & Preneed Care, 105 Capital Ave NE, Battle Creek, MI 49017 where services will be held 10:30 a.m., Thursday, March 28, 2024.   A Celebration of Life will be Friday, April 12, 2024, beginning at 4:00 p.m. at Saints Again, 517 E Michigan Ave, Battle Creek, MI 49014.  

Memorial contributions in memory of Sam Keller can be made to the Calhoun County Animal Center. 165 Union St. S, Battle Creek, MI 49014. Personal messages for the family and favorite memories of "Sideways Sam" may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.