RUSSELL DELANO KEEL December 23,1935-June 19,2018
He started his life in Atoka, OK. Son of Henry and Hannah Keel as he grew he worked in the cotton fields to help support his family. He joined the US Army in 1953 and after 22 years he retired a Sergeant First Class. While in the Army he traveled the world, from Thule Greenland to the fields of Viet Nam where he earned the Bronze Star, for heroism, and learned his passion for being a mechanic. After retiring from the military, he worked in Saudi for a few years then on military contracts as a mechanic. He FINALLY retired from turning wrenches at the age of 74, however he did continue to co-manage an 80-unit apartment complex (Oaks West Apartments) with his wife, Grace
He and Grace were married October 4, 1991, they laughed together for nearly 27 years. Their dedication to one another needed no words to describe. You could just see it.
He is also survived by his children:
Kent (Renee) Keel, University Place, Donna (Mike) Griffin, University Place
Mark (Brytt Anderson) Keel, Bremerton, Kim (Vince) Keel-Stachowiak, Steilacoomb
Shawn Keel, University Place, Cicely (Mike) Keel-Davis, University Place
Ellen (Alex) Scott, Tacoma, Raven (Aaron) Keel-Estes, Lakewood
A Brother and Sister:
Lessie Coleman, Portland, Bernice Osborne, Gresham.
Several grandchildren and great grandchildren. Brothers-in-laws, sisters-in-laws, nieces and nephews and ex-wife C Ann Keel.
He believed in his family, whether it was by birth or by the heart. Some members of his heart family are:
CSM Eugene (Tashika) Russell, Texas, at this time
Jeff (Lori) Haselhuhn, Deer Park, WA
Mark Slavens, Lakewood
He was well loved and respected. He played hard and worked hard and not necessarily in that order. He loved his Seahawks, Animal Planet and his westerns, yard work, BBQ and playing cards with family and friends. He bowled for many years and loved the casinos.
Memorial service and celebration of life will be held at the Greater Heights Church, located at 4819 S. 12th St, Tacoma, WA at 6: 00 pm on Thursday July 19th, 2018.
He will be laid to rest in the Tahoma National Cemetery, in a private service, at a later date.