Joel Keister

Joel Curtis Keister passed away on October 8, 2018, at the age of 38.

He was born on January 10, 1980 in Washington, D.C. Joel grew up in Frederick, MD.  Shortly after graduating from Thomas Johnson High School in 1998, Joel began his career with Aero EH&S as an environmental hygienist and remained with the company until his passing.  He was also actively pursing a degree while taking courses through University of Maryland University College.

Joel always had a passion for the arts.  A talented artist in many ways, Joel acquired his first camera in 2009 and never lost his enthusiasm for photography.  In 2010, Joel co-founded 1513 Photography where he went on to photograph nearly 100 weddings from Rhode Island to New Orleans.  Nothing brought him more joy than to capture significant moments through a photojournalistic lens.

Joel is survived by his parents, Donna and Doug, his wife Morena, his sister Jessica and her family Toby and Tyler.  He is also survived by his extended family which includes several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews as well as his paternal Grandmother, Leigh and Uncle Trent. He was preceded in death by his Maternal Grandparents, John and Mary and Paternal Grandfather’s Don and Philip.

Joel is also survived by his lifelong best friend and business partner, Brian, his wife, Jen, and their kids, Camryn, Adyn, and Peyton.  Also surviving Joel are his beloved dogs, Manny and Jordan.

The family will receive friends on Monday, October 15 at Stauffer Funeral Home (1621 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, MD 21702) from 2 - 4 pm.  A celebration of life will follow at the Browning Building in Pinecliff Park (8350 Pinecliff Park Road, Frederick, MD 21704).

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the “National Institute of Mental Health”.

Checks should be addressed to: National Institute of Mental Health Gift Fund, 6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 6101, MSC 9655 Bethesda, MD 20892-9655.

Expressions of sympathy may be offered to the family at StaufferFuneralHome.com.