TateMortuary.com

Posted By tatemortuary on September 8, 2011

Vance Ray Keele (husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend) passed away on Sept. 8, 2011. Vance was born January 18, 1928 in Beaver, Utah to Charles Keele and Chloe Baldwin Keele. Vance graduated from Millard High School in Fillmore, Utah. He later joined the U.S. Navy in 1947 where he served in the submarine branch. He was a deep sea diver and Secretary to the Lieutenant Commander. While stationed at the submarine base in Connecticut he met and married his sweetheart, Shirley Mae Robbins on Nov. 28, 1949 in a Church in Waterford, Connecticut and on March 11, 1964 they were married and sealed to their children for all time and eternity in the Manti Temple. As a young boy Vance learned about beekeeping from his father and carried on the tradition up until the time of his death. He was well known all over for his golden honey and his position as Tooele County Bee Inspector.  Throughout his life, Vance, had mastered a variety of traits, including logging, Fillmore City Police Officer, machinist, and dug basements. He was a hard worker and retired from the Tooele Army Depot in 1989 where he worked in several departments including security, with the rank of Lieutenant.  Vance had three passions in life: his family, hunting and beekeeping. His family was most important to him and he looked forward to going hunting with his kids and grandkids every year. This was the highlight of his life and his tailgate breakfasts were the best. There was a time when he was caught soaking up the sun, taking a nap on the ground, rolled up in a blanket outside the camp trailer. His grandkids loved to hear him sing and yodel. Several of his grandchildren received the honor of being baptized by him.  Vance is survived by his wife Shirley. Children: Kerry Keele, Kathleen Svedin (Dennis), Kraig Keele, Karen Woods (Bruce), Kim Robbins, Kelly Keele (Sharon), Kristine Bennett, Kaelyn Henrie (Bart), and Koni Johnson (Rick Sterling). 80 grandchildren and great grandchildren. Sisters: Eula Howard (Jack), Lola Matheny (Mac), Carol Watson (Dave), and Ilene Buckley. Sisters in law: Dawnetta Carling and Starla Keele.  Vance was preceded in death by his father Charles, mother Chloe, brothers Lloyd Keele, Don Keele, and a sister Bonnie James. His special infant grandson, Cory Henrie. Son-in-law, Kirby Robbins.  Vance will be sorely missed and will remain in our hearts forever. We Love you Dad. It was an honor having you for our father, mentor, and teacher. And a privilege to be a part of your life. Thank you Dad.  A viewing will be held Tuesday, Sept. 13th from 6-8pm at Tate Mortuary.   An additional viewing will be held Wednesday, Sept. 14th at from 9-10:30 am at the 11th ward Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 180 South Coleman Street, Tooele, UT followed by a funeral at 11:00 am.   Burial will be held at the Tooele Cemetery.

 

Category: Obituaries & Condolences
Tags: