Jerry Don Keel, 75, of Chalk Bluff, went to be with the Lord on Monday, September 5, 2016 following a three year battle with lung cancer and other complications.
Visitation: Wednesday, September 7, 2016 from 6:00PM to 8:00PM at Lake Shore Funeral Home, 5201 Steinbeck Bend, Waco.
Services: First Baptist Church Elm Mott, 122 West Main Street, Elm Mott, TX 76640, on Thursday, September 8, 2016 at 11:00AM.
Burial: will follow at Moore Cemetery on Gholson Road in Chalk Bluff. Pallbearers will be Keith Shillings, George Thomas, James Hand, Jr., Steve Ayres, Troy Chane and Kile Keel. Honorary pallbearers are Lee Barron, Tom Estes, Larry Laster, and Bimbo Hand.
Jerry was born on October 6, 1940 in Hubbard, Hill County, Texas to Earnest “Pete” and Frances Whiddon Keel. He is survived by his wife of over 53 years, Claudette Wittie Keel; four sons, Donald Ray Keel of Bosqueville, Don DeWayne Keel and his wife, Sissy of West, Jerry Edward Keel and his wife, Connie of Hewitt and Richard Dale Keel and his wife, Jeanne of West; 10 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and his closest companion, his Pomeranian rescue dog named Jaden. He leaves behind one brother, Joe Wayne Keel and his wife, Bettye; his sister, Janette Chane and her husband, Thomas; sisters-in-law, Ruth Keel, Judy Keel, and Clara Keel. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Pete Keel and Frances Keel Mace; and three brothers, Gene, Jack and Johnny Ray Keel.
During his life, Jerry enjoyed many hobbies, including racing hot rods at the round tracks. He was a stock car champion in the early 1960’s. Jerry enjoyed the rodeo circuit for many years, including riding and judging. He enjoyed pro bass fishing for Lunkers Unlimited, B.A.S.S. and Anglers Choice tournament trails. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his boys, and training coon dogs for pleasure and competition. Jerry was the first Texan to win the UKC World Championship with his blue tick hounds, Hoss and Jazz. Jerry served as past President for both the local Heart of Texas Coonhunters Association and the Texas State Association. He was lifetime member of the State Board for which he served faithfully for over 20 years. Jerry owned and operated J & C Sand and Gravel for the majority of his adult life. In his later years he spent time just enjoying life and spending time with family.
A special thank you to both the nurses and physical therapist at Providence Home Care Nursing; Dr. Thomas Harris with Texas Oncology; Nurse Beckie, Nurses Susan and Kay with Providence Hospice; and his two oldest grandsons, Christopher and Dustin Keel for always taking time to call or come by and check on their PaPa, especially in his last few days.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Fuzzy Friends Rescue, 6321 Airport Road, Waco, TX 76708; First Baptist Church of Elm Mott, 122 West Main Street, Elm Mott, TX 76640; or Cancer Research Institute, One Exchange Plaza, 55 Broadway, Suite #1802, New York, NY 10006.
Contact Information:
Lake Shore Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Print Obituary & Condolences
Jerry don you will be missed by so many. Thank you for being a wonderful grandfather to Chris and Dustin and a even better great grandfather to my girls Laci, Savannah, Madison and your baby kamryn. Watch over them from heaven and Dont forget you promised me that you would take Jerry Wayne fishing when you got to Heaven. I love you and will see you when I get there.
Rest in peace. Condolences to his family. Y’all are all in my prayers.
im so sorry for yalls loss love jerry and his mom for years may he rest in peace love all the family too
Claudette, I am so sorry for your loss and to your family , many thoughts and prayers, he will be truly missed. Had a lot off work great times with you and Jerry and family .
september 7th 2016 i am so sorry for your loss ,i am a hubbard lady have known the family all my life ,jerry don will be missed as well as all the boys jack ,jerry, mom and dad ,can’t remember them all but they all were good friends.much prayers to family.
Claudette, I’m so very sorry to see that you have lost Jerry Don, and you and your family are in my prayers. I know it’s so awfully hard to let go of a loved one and accept these changes in our lives. I hope all the family feels blessed to have had him in their lives, and it looks like you and Jerry have quite a legacy of a wonderful family to hold you close and help each other with the pain of your loss. I remember you always most fondly from “the good old days”. Much Love, Nancy Yankie (China Spring)
Heartfelt sympathy for the family and loved ones of Jerry Don. May God comfort you now and in the coming days.
Jerry Don was a great man. My condolences to his family. May he rest in peace!
Donald, Dale, Jerry, Bubba, Dustin, and Chris,
We are very sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Sending our deepest sympathy.
Always,
Sean and Shelby Huffman
We are sorry for your loss. We were coming to funeral but Mickey got sick. We really wanted to see the boys from West. Been a long time. In Christian Love,. Mickey and Detra Whiddon
My deepest condolences to Claudette and all the family and friends.
RIP Jerry Don. You were a great man.
Sincerely,
Alex & Karen Goff
McGregor, TX
Claudette, my deepest sympathies go out to you . I cleaned house for you and Mr. Keel this past year until I got sick and couldn’t work anymore. I was fond Mr. Keel and regret that I never had the chance or the pleasure of actually meeting you in person. My prayers are with you and your family during this time.
Truly,
Lee Ann Hicks
Our deepest sympathies go out to all of Jerry Don’s friends and family.
-On behalf of the McGee family
Claudette and family, you are in my most sincere thoughts and prayers. Thanks for allowing us to take care of a very special gentleman. God bless you and give you peace and beautiful memories during the coming days. Beckie Seiley
Jerry Don was always such a pleasure to visit with and I truly enjoyed every interaction we had. Rest in Peace Jerry Don and I look forward to one day running into you in Heaven. Thoughts, prayers, and my deepest condolences to Claudette and the Family.
Ryan Landon
Claudette, I am so sorry. Please accept my sincere sympathy in the loss of your husband. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sue Wright
(Formerly of CSHS)