Floyd Keeling

Floyd Keeling, son of the late Claude Millard and Leta Agnes (Kimbrough) Keeling, was born August 19, 1932 in Wheaton, Missouri. As a young boy, Floyd grew up on a farm and became quite the entrepreneur. He would catch rabbits and pick strawberries to sell and make his own money. Floyd attended school in Rocky Comfort and would ride his horse to school every day. One thing Floyd was very proud of was when he was in high school, the school basketball team he played for, won the one class 32 team Sub-Regional Championship and went on to play at state. Floyd and his family moved to the Fort Leonard Wood area when it reopened in 1950. He began working on post as a mechanic. It was while on post that he met the love of his life, Helen Marie Minnick who was a bookkeeper for the PX. They met in February 1951 and were united in marriage in September 1951. They were together for the next 60 years. Their first home was a little cabin on the Big Piney River in Devil’s Elbow. Floyd and Helen were blessed with three children: Michael, Debby and Jonnie. Floyd and his dad owned and operated Keeling Foreign Car Repair. They were located right outside the main gate of Fort Leonard Wood and Floyd worked there for nearly 50 years before retiring. After retirement, Floyd enjoyed being outdoors; whether it was fishing or attending the annual family float trip reunion. He was an avid lifelong St. Louis Cardinal fan and also liked sports in general. For several years, Floyd drove the team bus for the Waynesville sports teams. Floyd’s number one priority was his family and his number two priority was having fun. He tried to combine the two as much as possible. His grandchildren were his pride and joy and he loved to watch them play sports and visit with them every chance he could. Floyd passed away the morning of Thursday, January 31, 2013 in his home having attained the age of eighty years. He will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved him. He leaves to cherish his memory his son Michael and wife Patty, his daughter Debby Leuthen and husband Mike, his daughter Jonnie Figg and husband Jim all of Waynesville; four grandchildren, Kasie Lercher and her husband Brock of Richland, Cody Keeling of Columbia, Allison Keeling of Waynesville, Zane Keeling of Avondale, AZ and great granddaughter Brooklynn Lercher of Richland. He is also survived by sisters, Bonnie Schrimpsher of Waynesville and Melba Harrington and husband John of Republic; brothers Dale “Otis” Keeling of Dixon and Billy Keeling and wife Jan of Columbia; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother. Floyd had a philosophy that everyone should have fun, love your family, and be thankful for the time you have together. He also taught us that you ate your eggs with mustard and if you are out of cornbread to have with your beans, it is okay to use chocolate cake. No services are planned at this time and memorial contributions can be made to the Waynesville Athletic Booster Club.

Floyd Keeling

August 19, 1932 - January 31, 2013