Leon Keele

June 28, 1945 - October 21, 2019

Kenneth Leon Keele, 74, of Texico, passed away Monday, October 21, 2019, at his home. He was born June 28, 1945, in Jefferson County, Illinois, the son of Kenneth E. and Nova Louise (Ayers) Keele. On June 23, 1995, he married Carol Keele, and she survives in Texico. Mr. Keele attended Climax One Room School and Field Grade School, and graduated from Mt. Vernon Township High School. He was a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, in Iuka, Illinois, and was a veteran of the Illinois National Guard. He was a former trustee of Field Township, a former member of Northeast Water Board, a former road commissioner for Field Township, and a member of the Jefferson County Antique Tractor Club. He drove a school bus for over fifty years, and enjoyed camping, and doing things with his family. In addition to his wife, Carol Keele of Texico, he is survived by seven children, Alan Keele of Texico, Pamela Maxey and husband Jason of Texico, Michael Randall and wife Melissa of Beaumont, California, Susan Bundy and husband Jeff of Dix, John Randall of Mt. Vernon, Ronald Randall and wife Armendy of Texico, and Curtis Randall and wife Stephanie of Theresa, New York; twelve grandchildren, LeAnna Cagle and husband Zac of Centralia, Drake Hess of Mt. Vernon, Morgan Bundy of Dix, Victoria Randall of Riverside, California, Logan Maxey and wife Ashton of Florida, Amy Maxey of Texico, Melody Randall of Beaumont, California, Tate Bundy of Dix, Lola Randall of Salem, Jolie Randall of Theresa, New York, Makayla Randall of Texico, and Avery Randall of Beaumont, California; one brother, Tom Keele of Texico; one sister, Elaine Keele of Jackson, Missouri; a mother-in-law, Dorothy Tate; special friend, Darren Mitchell; and pal, Scrappy. He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth E. and Louise Keele; father-in-law, Charles Tate; and a daughter-in-law, Lana Keele. Funeral Services for Mr. Keele will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, October 24, 2019, at Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, on 161 Extension, in rural Iuka, with Randy Hayes and Steve Hamson officiating. Burial will follow at Union Chapel Cemetery in Texico. Graveside Military Rites will be accorded by American Legion Post #141. Visitation will be held Wednesday, October 23, 2019, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the church. Memorial gifts may be made to the family, in care of Carol Keele, and will be accepted at the service, or by mail, to the Osborn Funeral Home, P.O. Box 130, Dix, Illinois 62830. Online condolences may be made at www.osbornfuneral.com, or on the Osborn Funeral Home's Facebook page.