Clyde Keeling

Clyde Hillary Keeling, beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on Saturday, October 23, 2021, in his home and surrounded by his family.

Clyde’s story began in Jarrell, Texas November 19, 1923. Born to Charles Herbert and Lorene Messer Keeling, the family moved in 1925 to West Texas, near San Angelo, where they worked at farming and ranching. In 1933, they returned to Central Texas and settled in Bartlett. Clyde met and married the love of his life in 1941 and together, raised their six children- 2 boys and 4 girls, Michale Elwood (deceased) and his wife Donna, Barbara Jean Keeling Dressler and husband Jerry, Cynthia Lynn Keeling Creel and husband Bill, Charles David Keeling and wife Glenda, Sandra Kay Keeling Chitty and husband Sammy, Lori Ann Keeling Hackfeld and husband Curtis.

In 1943, Clyde was drafted into the Army Air Corp. He served the country for three years and was stationed in England for a year. He was assigned to the Air Corp 349 bomb squad and was a flight engineer on a B17 bomber in the 100 Bomb group. A top turret gunner, he was discharged in 1946 and was reunited with his son and wife. He followed construction work for the next 3 years and was hired by Sheffield Steel (Armco) as an electrician. Thirty-seven years later, in 1984, Clyde retired. During this time span, Clyde and Jimmie moved to Baytown and built the house where they lived for 58 years.

Clyde and Jimmie were active members at Highlands United Methodist Church. Both served the church in numerous offices and positions over the next 40 years. Their church “family” was a source of joy for them for many years. The family thanks them for their everlasting love and support which continues to this day.

Clyde Keeling is preceded in death by a younger brother, Elwood, a son Mike, and his precious wife of 76 years, Jimmie. He is survived by 5 children, 17 grandchildren, and 30 great-grandchildren. “PaPaw” to the grands and greats, he adored them all.

Clyde was an avid bird hunter. He enjoyed his numerous hunting trips to South Texas with his family and friends. It made for great memories and some very tall tales. He always loved animals- he owned dogs, horses, chickens, and goats, just to name a few. They kept him busy and entertained. The children can attest to many horseback rides, PaPaw leading the horse with a delighted child in the saddle. He was always a cowboy. He loved calf roping and participated in trail rides into his 80’s – another source of love and laughter. He was a huge sports fan- the Astros and the Aggies.

Clyde was loved by anyone and everyone he ever met. He is most often characterized by his large as life smile. A faithful servant, he exemplified kindness and caring his entire life. The family wishes to extend our most sincere thanks to his caregivers- Girlie Franklin for 4 years and Carrie Powell for 2 years. He, and we, love them dearly. We also want to thank Faith Community Hospice for their loving support. In lieu of flowers, Clyde’s request was a donation to Cattlemen for Cancer Research in his honor. 650 Cool Water Drive Bastrop, TX 78602.

A visitation will be held Saturday, October 30, 2021 from 1pm to 2 pm, service to follow at 2 pm, and Interment to conclude – all to take place at Sterling~White 11011 Crosby-Lynchburg Rd. Highlands, Texas 77562, (281) 426-3555.