Obituary for Gary Keeler

Gary Allen Keeler

July 15, 1948 ~ April 8, 2023 (age 74)

Gary Keeler, 74, beloved Brother, and Uncle, was called to his eternal resting place on April 8, 2023. He entered this world on July 15, 1948, in Ponca City, Oklahoma, born to Cecil E. Keeler and Lois M. Shannon Keeler.

Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 12, 2023, in the Hope Chapel at Odd Fellows Cemetery with Pastor Roy Edwards officiating. Interment will follow in the Odd Fellows Cemetery under the care of Grace Memorial Chapel of Ponca City. Visitation will be held Tuesday, April 11, 2023, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Grace Memorial Chapel of Ponca City, OK.

Gary grew up in Ponca City, graduating from PO High. Gary worked all his life starting when he was 12 years old washing dishes at Bussey’s Cafe. Gary took great pride in his job and being independent. He worked numerous jobs including working as a farm hand and traveling with his uncle Glen custom wheat cutting crew every summer. Gary’s Dad taught him how to drive a truck and when he was old enough, he got his CDL. Gary served a tour of duty serving his country in Vietnam, when he returned from duty, he didn’t get a very good welcome home, Gary went in business with his dad driving a truck and with his earnings he helped his dad buy a white freightliner and he lived on the road driving weeks at a time. Gary met the love of his life Verline Grayson, and they were married January 19, 1973, and they made Ponca City their home. She preceded him in death on December 6, 2006. Gary and Verline never had children, so they spoiled their nieces and nephews by taking them camping and fishing on Marcazonis Pond for weeks at a time and they always made sure they spoiled them during the holidays. Gary took a position driving for Glass Trucking to be closer to home and then later he worked for Conoco and then Sentinel driving a pumper truck. Gary also enjoyed going to numerous casinos.

Gary and Verline loved their animals since they didn’t have children so the pets were their children, Chato, Caesar, Bear, Cheyenne, and Jym their African Gray parrot which Gary would have numerous conversations with her, and she was a wonderful friend until she passed last year.

Those left behind to cherish his memory are his Sister; Connie Smith and husband Doug of Ponca City, OK, Brother; Cletus Keeler and wife Beth of Wichita, Kansas, Cousin; Ernest “Hoss” Keeler of Ponca City, OK and numerous Nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wife Verline of 33 years, two sisters; Gloria Taylor and Donna Keeler, three nephews; Danny Taylor, Mark Taylor, and Tyler Keeler. and several Fur Babies.

An online guest registry is available at www.gracememorialchapel.net.