SIKESTON Sikeston native Kari Keller is not only the face that greets everyone when they venture into the YMCA of Southeast Missouri each morning for a workout, but she is also a regular exercise participant herself, which comes in handy as she manages to keep up with her husband, Shannon Keller. “I don’t like sitting still very much,” Shannon explained of his philosophy in life. The 54-year-old Cape County native and his 51-year-old spouse have established roots deep in Southeast Missouri, and both want for nothing else. “It’s home,” Shannon said. “I could move to Alaska or Montana, but Southeast Missouri is home. I wouldn’t know what to do if I left here after being here for 54 years, and having to start all over again somewhere else.” Suffice to say, regardless of location, it probably wouldn’t take Shannon long to figure out SOMETHING to do. The Cape Central High School graduate works full-time as an officer with the Sikeston Department of Safety, but he also maintains several side jobs, which take up every bit as much time as most people’s full-time gigs. He operates a lawn mowing service in Sikeston, owns a rental property, dabbles in detailing vehicles, and, since he was a kid, he and his father have farmed their Cape County land that originated with Shannon’s grandfather doing so. “I love farming,” Shannon said. “I like to see things go from start to finish. I like to be able to put the crop in the ground and watch it grow. At the end, the harvest is a sense of accomplishment.” Kari and Shannon are both spiritual people, and Kari said her husband finds “peace with God” while navigating rows and rows of corn and beans. “It is peaceful,” Shannon said. “It’s just me, the tractor, and some dirt.” That time helps Shannon decompress from the stress of being a law enforcement officer, as well as a firefighter, because every Sikeston DPS officer serves in both capacities. He has served with Sikeston DPS for nearly a quarter of a century. “Public service,” Shannon said of why he chose that career. “I like to help people. It was a sense of helping people in need.” The couple have been together for 23 years, and have been married since 2019. Kari said earlier in the relationship, they both were attacking life at warp speed. “We used to both be (busy),” Kari said. “I had three jobs myself, and now this is the only job that I have. “I am used to (Shannon’s busyness). I love that he is so dedicated.” Kari said she and Shannon “never fight,” if for no other reason, they don’t have time to. “We very seldom have disagreements,” Kari said. “Because I am always right.” (That was a joke. Maybe.) “He knows that now.” “Yes,” Shannon concurred. “100 percent.” The couple does find time to enjoy time away from work, as they love to camp, hike, and, in general, be outdoors. Kari spends time in her beautiful flower gardens, and Shannon makes sure the lawn is manicured perfectly. “The time that we do have is very valuable,” Kari said. “It is very, very special.”.
https://www.standard-democrat.com/magazines/bootheel-feature-sikeston-couple-embrace-the-busyness-of-life-81392456
