Obituary for Jack Keathly

Jack Keathly, lifelong Ponca City resident, passed away Sunday, August 16, 2015 at his home. He was 91. The funeral will be 2:00 pm, Wednesday, August 19, at the Carolyn Renfro Event Center, Bradley and Fairview in Ponca City. Chaplain Mike Sweetman will officiate. Burial will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park under the direction of Trout Funeral Home and Crematory.

Jack was born May 12, 1924 to Adra Elizabeth Becker Keathly and William Clifford "Bud" Keathly. The family farmed in the Bressie area during his early years He attended Findley Rural School and Garfield, East Junior High and Ponca City High School, graduating in 1942. His "War Era" classes still meet monthly. Active in 4-H and FFA he won the Junior Master Farmer Degree in 1942 and the American Farmer Degree in 1945.

On May 18, 1945 he married Lulu Mae Marshall at the First Methodist Church in Ponca City. They had three children, David Wayne, Jane Ann, and Richard Eugene, who survive him.

He is also survived by Daughter in law, Marcia Troxel Keathly. Grandchildren; Bryan Trigalet and Nashielly of Houston; Jonathan Keathly and Cindy and kids Anabelle and Kannon of Edmond; Ezra Smith of Ponca City and Carson and Lorelai of Fort Worth; Elisa Smith, Jude and Joel Shed of Ponca City; Park Waller and Haley and Abrielle of Ponca City, Layne Keathly of Oklahoma City, Austin and Annie Keathly of Ponca City.

Casket Bearers will be grandchildren, Bryan Trigalet, Jonathan Keathly, Ezra Smith, Elisa Smith, Park Waller, Layne Keathly, Austin Keathly and Annie Keathly. Honorary Casket Bearers will be Ponca City High School War Era Classes of 1942-1945.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and sister Gerry Baskin.

In 1961 Jack started a nursery at his rural farm in Noble County. In 1964, with business growth, it was moved to its current location in Osage County. In the 1970’s it was renamed Keathly Nursery and Landscape Company. Today it is owned by Richard Keathly and operates from two local locations.

Honors include; Oklahoma Nurseryman of the Year; President of the Oklahoma Nursery Association, and President of the Oklahoma Pecan Growers Association.

Jack was proud of his Oklahoma Roots and Heritage. He was a fourth generation descendant of the 1893 Cherokee Strip Land Run. The Keathly family now includes seven generations of Oklahomans.

Jack became a noted collector of Oklahoma memorabilia and artifacts, particularly 101 Ranch, Marland Oil, Conoco, and Ponca City. He was a member of the 101 Ranch Old Timers Association and the 101 Ranch Collectors Association. He and his wife served on the Friends of Marland’s Grand Home Board at its inception.

Jack Keathly was a kind and honest man. Upon his passing, a friend commented; "That man loved his family more than anyone I have known."

The family offers "Special Thanks" to longtime caregiver and friend, Lois London.

Contributions can be made to; Hospice of Ponca City; The 101 Ranch Collectors Association, the 101 Ranch Old Timers Association and "Friends of Marland’s Grand Home" c/o Trout Funeral Home, 505 West Grand Ave, Ponca City, OK 74601.

Source: Trout Funeral Home