By Mark Ambrogi
When State Sen. Mike Delph presented Ken Keltner with a Sagamore of the Wabash award, Delph told him he might be the answer to a trivia question one day.
“Gov. Mike Pence signed my proclamation Nov. 24 (2016), and it was the last one he signed (before becoming vice president),” Keltner said.
Delph nominated Keltner for the award, which honors distinguished service to the state.
“I’m very humbled and honored by the award, to say the least,” said Keltner, who has lived in Carmel since 1971. “I’m not sure that I’m that deserving, but someone thought I was, so I’ll take it.”
Among his other contributions, Keltner has served as a volunteer with several organizations.
Keltner coached Delph when he was a youngster. Keltner, who played football at Butler University, coached football, basketball and baseball for Carmel Dads Club for 18 consecutive years when his sons, Eric and Kevin, were growing up. Eric graduated from Carmel High School in 1984 and Kevin in 1988. Keltner said he coached 38 different teams during that span, including two in one season at times.
Later, Keltner returning to coach his grandchildren in CDC and Fishers youth sports programs.
Keltner, who turns 77 July 28, has been with Herff Jones for 51 years. Keltner owns several businesses, including Keltner Property Group, Carmel Drive Self-Storage and Keltner and Associates, an advertising specialty group.
Keltner sold most of his Herff Jones franchises.
“I maintained and held on to Hamilton County so I could stay active with the youth of today, because in my opinion the youth of today is the greatest commodity America has,” Keltner said. “I love the association I have with them and the professional educators, such as John Williams, who just retired as Carmel High School principal.”
