Obituary of Melvin Keel

Melvin Lewis Keel, 80, of Doniphan, Missouri, died Monday morning, November 18, 2013, at his residence in rural Ripley County. Mr. Keel, son of Dona and Adelia (Risinger) Keel, was born August 8, 1933, in St. Louis, Missouri. He retired as a truck driver with the Teamsters Union. Mr. Keel enjoyed fishing and hunting and actively participated in land and wildlife conservation. He especially loved being with his children and grandchildren. Mr. Keel had been a member of the Doniphan Masonic Lodge #369 and was a veteran of the U. S. Army. On April 11, 1953, he was married to Betty Faye Fagan in Doniphan and she survives. Also surviving are two children, Tresa Swindle of Branson, Missouri, and Keith Keel of Doniphan; four granddaughters, Kacie Gunther, Kellie Thompson, Krissy Jackson and Emily Keel; three great-grandchildren, Dade Thompson, Atley Jackson and Lewis "Woody" Eli Gunther; and one sister, Helen Knoche of Blue Springs, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his parents and a grandmother, Margaret Gettings. A private family memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to Cardinal-Glennon Children's Medical Center, 3800 Park Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110.