Commander Robert Austin Keeling

Commander Robert Austin Keeling, age 69, of Bolivar, Missouri passed away on Saturday, November 17, 2007 at Cox South Medical Center in Springfield Missouri. He was born on February 9, 1938 in Greenwood, Mississippi to Robert Benton and Emily Josephine Martin Keeling. He graduated from Carr Central High School in Vicksburg, Mississippi, and enlisted in the United States Navy in 1955. After qualifying for a special Navy program, he attended the University of Mississippi and graduated in 1962 with a BS in Mathematics. After graduation, he was commissioned as an officer in the Navy, where he served until 1981 and retired at the rank of Commander. While serving his country in the Vietnam War, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Army Commendation Medal. After retiring from the Navy, he earned a MBA and began a second career as Chief of Distribution for the WIC program in the State of Mississippi. After his children were grown and out of college, Robert returned to his family roots in Bolivar where he had lived briefly as a child. He enjoyed these last few years spending time with his many cousins and relatives in the area. His family were early pioneers in Polk County with the Keeling's and the Campbell's. He loved exploring the countryside and fishing. He spent time volunteering for the Bolivar Chamber of Commerce and participating in activities at the American Legion. He was also a member of the First Baptist Church in Bolivar. He was devoted to his family and always proud of his children. He will be missed by all. Robert is survived by his daughter; Shannon Keeling of Memphis, Tennessee, a son Austin Keeling of Oxford, Mississippi, a sister; Harriett Gray of Vicksburg, Mississippi, and former wife; Margie Keeling of Jackson, Mississippi. Funeral services will be held at 2:00pm, Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at the Butler Funeral Home in Bolivar, Missouri with Reverend Bill Hooper officiating. Musical selections will be "Go Rest High On That Mountain" by Vince Gill, "When I Get Where I'm Going" by Brad Paisley and Dolly Parton, and "Amazing Grace" by Lari White. Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Bolivar, Missouri. Pallbearers will be Bruce Robidou, Jim Raney, Paul Mott, Ron Myers, Ed Clark, and Ron Hutcheson. Full military honors will be provided by the AMVETS Post #114, of Flemington, Missouri. Visitation will be form 5:30-6:30pm, Monday, November 19, 2007 at the Butler Funeral Home in Bolivar. The family suggests contributions in memory of Robert to the First Baptist Church, 316 N. Main Avenue, Bolivar, Missouri 65613. Friends may sign the guest book or send private condolences at www.butlerfuneralhome.com PDF Printable Version

Commander Robert Austin Keeling

February 9, 1938 - November 17, 2007