Larry Keeler

Larry Keeler, 83, of Flat Rock, IL, passed away on February 10, 2025, at Crawford Memorial Hospital. A man of many stories, strong opinions, and an even stronger love for his family, Larry lived life like the true original he was—loud, bold, and with a heart big enough to wrap around the community he treasured.

Born on November 13, 1941, in Robinson, IL, Larry grew up in rural Palestine, where his childhood was marked by more than a few memorable moments. One of his earliest stories became family legend—the day he got a bean lodged in his nose. That bean might have stayed forever had it not been for a well-timed punch from his sister Sharon, knocking it loose and earning it a spot in his baby book! Larry graduated from Palestine High School in 1959, and by 1960, he’d found his partner for life. He met Donna Wesley at the Flat Rock ballpark, where she worked in the concession stand. “Who is that guy?” she wondered. Little did she know, “that guy” became her lifelong partner, and together, they raised five kids, held each other close through life’s ups and downs, and spent 55 years as an inseparable pair.

Larry worked hard— really hard. He held various jobs over the years, from York Farm and Canteen to Halter’s Farm, where his love for farming blossomed. But it was his 28-year career at Marathon that anchored his working life. Starting in 1966, he spent two decades in the lab before moving into operations, retiring in 1994 with enough stories to last him the rest of his days. But Larry was never just about his career. He gave himself to his community in countless ways, like serving two terms as Flat Rock’s mayor, sitting on the Robinson school board and South Union church board for years, and coaching Junior Maroons Wrestling. He believed in showing up, whether it was for a school board meeting, a church potluck, or a weekend project with one of his kids. He was a man who loved big and lived even bigger. Summers meant camping trips with his sons and nephews—his tent pitched just west of Flat Rock, a pond nearby for swimming and fishing, and a campfire blazing at night. When he wasn’t camping, you’d find him tinkering with neighbors’ lawnmowers (usually with ten or so in his driveway at once), fixing up his little Ford tractor, or tilling gardens around town for anyone who needed it.

Christmas was a highlight of the year—though not always without drama. His kids eagerly anticipated the day they’d put up the lights because it was bound to be an event. For example, one year, his blow-up Christmas carousel started spinning backward, and Larry, ever decisive, threw it straight into the trash! Donna never knew how many decorations mysteriously disappeared over the years, declared “dirty” and tossed out without a word. Larry’s sense of humor was as much a part of him as his crooked middle finger (a permanent souvenir from a long-ago basketball injury). He’d try to convince the grandkids to pop it back into place, knowing full well it never would. He had a saying for every occasion. When someone did him a favor, he’d grin and say, “I’ll dance at your wedding!” And for reasons known only to him, he liked to remind people, “Save your hay; you may marry a horse someday.” He lived with a steady rhythm, a mix of resolve and humor, stubbornness and kindness.

Larry was, after all, the kind of guy who’d do anything for his family, friends, or neighbors—unless you were playing softball against him. On the field, all bets were off! He loved the sport but hated losing—a bad combination. If his team lost, there were no handshakes, just a firm refusal to acknowledge his opponents. He was a loyal Cardinals and Bears fan and never missed a chance to brag about his grandkids’ achievements—because, for as much as he loved sports, nothing made him prouder than his family. Larry loved his kids but held a special place in his heart for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Their doting “Poppy” would rattle off their names with pride, smiling ear to ear as he told anyone who’d listen about their latest adventures. He loved when they showed a little spunk because they reminded him of himself—just ornery enough to keep things interesting!

When Donna passed in 2015, it was like a piece of him went with her. They had been partners in everything, and her absence left a quiet space in his life. Even then, Larry carried on with the same grit and determination that had defined him for so long, finding joy in the little things—watching the purple martins at his neighbor’s house, tinkering with Legos, and bragging endlessly about his grandkids and great-grandkids. His life was built around his family, his friends, and his faith, and those were the anchors that carried him to the end. We find peace in knowing that Larry’s story doesn’t end here. By the grace of God, we are assured that he is now with his Savior, reunited with Donna and all those who went before him. One day, we will see him again, in that place where there will be no more tears, no more goodbyes—only the joy of being together forever. Until then, his story will live on in the hands he taught to work, the hearts he taught to love, and the family that will carry his name with pride for generations to come.

He is survived by his sons & daughters-in-law, Jeff & Misty Keeler (Flat Rock, IL), Doug & Jhoy Keeler (Robinson, IL), David & Nikki Keeler (Robinson, IL), and Wes Keeler (Flat Rock, IL); his daughter, Lori Keeler (Flat Rock, IL); his grandchildren & their spouses, Jeremy & Karen Keeler, Corey & Brittany Keeler, Ashley & Zac Booker, Austin & Brittany Keeler, Alec Keeler, Tanner & Brenna Keeler, Alyssa & Jesse Richart, Derek & Kenzie Keeler, Emily & Ryan Kirby, Cole & Addie Keeler, and Seth & Reagan Keeler; his great-grandchildren, Aeris, Brennan, Ruby, Sutton, Addyson, Conner, Spencer, Spencer, Penny, Eloise, Blaire, Layne, Drake, Buck, Saylor, Easton, Eden, Emrie, Elijah, Everleigh, (as well as one on the way); his sisters-in-law, Norma Wesley and Norma Mendenhall; and a number of beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Donna Keeler; his parents, Ralph Emil & Ruby Pearl (Hout) Keeler; his sister, Sharon Keeler; and his great-granddaughter, Marley Richart.

A visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 13th, at the South Union Church in Flat Rock. Funeral services will be held at the church at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 14th, with Pastors Ron Price and Eric Hankins officiating. For those unable to attend, a recording of the service will be available shortly after at www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream .

Memorial contributions may be made to RHS Boys Wrestling , and memorial envelopes will be available at the church. Burial will follow in Tohill Cemetery. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Flat Rock is in charge of arrangements.