Jack Thomas Keeling

Jack Thomas Keeling, 91, passed away peacefully August 8 in Tulsa. The heart of a large, tight-knit family, he was surrounded by those he loved. Fittingly, a favorite John Wayne movie played and the melody of Merle Haggard’s “Okie from Muskogee” filled the room. Jack was born Oct. 2, 1930, in Frisco, Texas, the third of five children to parents Jesse Jake and Velma Edith Keeling. He graduated from Sallisaw High School before joining the Marines and serving in the Korean War from 1951-52. Following his military service, he attended Connors State College and Oklahoma State University. He then took a job for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation in Muskogee, primarily working there for around 45 years until his retirement. Jack always believed his greatest accomplishment was his family. He married Virginia Rose McDonald in April 1954. Together, the couple raised four boys — Mac, John, Sam and Paul — which led to a larger family he took pride in connecting and nurturing. Jack loved traveling and the outdoors, often hunting and fishing. But he was never happier than when he was holding court with his boisterous voice, joyful demeanor and frank words. He always had a story to tell — often ending with a hearty smile and laugh — and advice to give. An old-school soul of high character, there was no favor or generosity he spared for family, friends and those in need. And it was an unspoken rule to never leave his home on an empty stomach. Jack is survived by wife Virginia; son Mac and wife Cindy, son Sam and wife Michele, and son Paul and wife Kathy. Jack had 10 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. He is also survived by sister Nancy Steveson; brother, Ron Keeling and wife Carolyn, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Sue Norman; brother, Joe Keeling; and son, John, along with countless friends. A memorial service honoring Jack’s life will be at 11 a.m., Monday, August 15, at First United Methodist Church, 600 E. Okmulgee St., Muskogee, OK 74403. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Porta Caeli House, 2440 N Harvard Ave, Tulsa OK 74115 or online at www.portacaeli.org. Funeral services are under the direction of Cornerstone Funeral Home, 1830 N York St Muskogee, OK 74403. Condolences can be made to the family at www.cornerstoneofmuskogee.com.

Jack Thomas Keeling

October 2, 1930 - August 8, 2022