Gary Truman Keeling

Gary Truman Keeling, son of Roger Howard and Bessie Emiline (Stacy) Keeling was born August 21, 1945 at Flatwoods, Mo and passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and friends at his home at Ink, Mo on March 25, 2016 making his age 70 years, 7 months and 4 days.

Gary was united in marriage to Mary Kathleen (Kathy) Heiney on November 27, 1969 making their union 46 years. To their union 2 children were born, Stacey Lee Keeling and Anita Kathleen (Keeling) Brawley.

Gary was a member of the Flatwoods Cemetery Board. He was raised in church and knew the Lord. Gary was very active in singing at church.

Gary was in the United States Army from 1965 to 1967. He was stationed in Fort Collins, Colorado. Gary served in the Vietnam War as an E4 Ammo Specialist. He was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. Gary also received the top award in his platoon for marksmanship. He was on active reserve until 1971.

Gary made his home in Shannon County where he was born and raised. His first job was at the sawmill at Round Spring. Gary worked many years and retired from the National Park Service.

Gary enjoyed spending time with his family, traveling, going to auctions, flea markets and gun shows. He liked to hunt and fish, going to horse shows and ballgames, and spending time with his grandkids. Gary enjoyed singing with his family at family gatherings.

Gary is proceeded in death by his parents, Roger and Bessie Keeling; grandparents, George and Lena (Wilkins) Keeling and Lawson and Ada (Sechrest) Stacy; one brother, J.R. Keeling; father-in-law, Arthur Heiney; sisters-in-law, Glenna Heiney and Dorlinda Heiney and nephew, James Roger Keeling.

Gary is survived by his wife, Kathy; son, Stacey, of Ink, Mo and daughter, Anita Brawley and husband Rick of Summersville, Mo; Grandchildren, Morghan, Madison, George and Gavin Keeling of Ink, Mo and Haylee and Hannah Brawley of Summersville, Mo; nephew, Roger Porter; and niece, Rayni Porter, who knew him as Papa as well.

Gary is also survived by one brother, Kenney Keeling and wife, Tammy; sisters, Imogene Blake and husband, Gene and Marlene Brawley and husband, Junior, of Summersville, Mo and Robin Porter and husband, Reese of Ink, Mo; mother-in-law, Mary Heiney of Summersville, Mo; brothers-in -law, Harold Heiney and wife, Dorothy of Moro, IL; Joe Heiney and wife, Lois of West Plains, Mo; and Doyle Heiney and wife, Treena of Summersville, Mo and a host of other relatives and friends.

Gary was always willing to help those in need and promised his dad that he would take care of the elderly. He fulfilled that promise. Gary was always a kind and gentle person. He has been reunited with family to spend eternity. Gary will be greatly missed by his many family and friends.