Donald Keeler

Donald Paul Keeler, 90, died peacefully in his home in rural Ochelata, OK surrounded by his family on August 21, 2020. Don was born in Hutchison, KS on July 20, 1930. His parents were Paul Lester Keeler and Rhea Irene Potter Keeler Heniger. Don received his BS in Mechanical Engineering from Nebraska University. Shortly after graduation, he served as a Communications Officer in the Airforce from 1953 – 1954 and spent one year in Korea. Don and Doris Duncan were married May 25, 1957 in Dewey, Oklahoma. They had three children, Paul, Julie and Donna, whom they were very proud of. Don spent his entire professional career working for Phillips Petroleum Company. During his 33 years with the company, he transferred to several different locations in Okmulgee, OK; Idaho Falls, ID; Bartlesville, OK; Chicago, IL; Pasadena, CA; and Borger, TX. After retiring Don and Doris moved back to Bartlesville to be close to family. Don loved traveling. He and Doris traveled to many places around the world, including Australia, Russia, Tibet, Malta, Thailand, and England to name a few. However, Don’s favorite place was hiking in the Big Horn Crags of Idaho. Don and Doris spent many summers living in their RV in Gunnison, Colorado and their winters in South Texas. In addition to traveling, Don enjoyed his huge vegetable garden, camping, fishing, hiking, restoring antique cars, stained glass and wood working. Don was always busy and could usually be found outside working on something. As the traveling slowed down, Don began volunteering at Mutual Girls Tuesday House. The highlights of his life were his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren who he loved spending time with. His grandchildren will always remember him as the wearer of silly hats. Don was a member of the East Cross Methodist Church for many years. Don is preceded in death by his father (who died before his birth), his mother, and his sister, Velva Bomberger. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Doris Keeler, son Paul Keeler of Bartlesville, daughter Julie Counterman (David) of Bartlesville, and daughter Donna Rose (Mark) of Manhattan, KS. He is also survived by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Sara Hunter (Dale) and their children Dylan and Jaxyn, Ann Marie Alleman (Nate) and their children Maci, Miles and Nora, Molly Jacobson (Laura) and son Jordan, Jacob Hendrickson (Cayla), Tara Hendrickson, McKenna Counterman, Jo Beth Rose, and Don’s faithful dog, Toby. Don is also survived by several nieces and nephews and two sisters-in-law. Special thanks to Grace Hospice and Michelle Williams for loving and caring for our husband, Dad, and Papa. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, August 26, 2020 at 2:00 pm at the Stumpff Funeral Home Chapel in Bartlesville. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making memorial contributions to either Grace Hospice or Mutual Girls Tuesday House.

Donald Keeler

July 20, 1930 - August 21, 2020