A Celebration of Life Service for John Robert Keely, 66, of Purcell was held at 2 p.m. Friday, November 22, 2024 at the First Baptist Church in Lexington. Services will be under the direction of the Wilson-Little Funeral Home of Purcell.
Mr. Keely passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Tuesday, November 19, 2024.
He was born on May 7, 1958, the oldest of five children, to Alvin and Donna (Wilson) Keely.
John attended Wanette High School where he excelled in the Future Farmers of America raising prize-winning livestock including Harold the hog, more of family pet than he planned.
He and his siblings lived country life to the fullest on their 80-acre homestead at the end of Flat Armadillo Road. They raised black and tan coon hounds, once boasting as many as 37 at one time. He enjoyed trail rides on horseback, weenie roasts down by the river and community coon hunts in the bottom 40 acres.
He was a talented leather worker and welder as a young man when the rodeo came calling. He answered first as a bull rider and later as a daring rodeo clown.
On September 7, 1984, John married his best friend and life partner, Tajuana Morrow. Together, they shared 40 years of marriage and raised four wonderful children. John was a self-employed General Contractor with a passion for building. He proudly served as the General Contractor in the construction of ACE Hardware and Conoco North in Purcell. Known for his work ethic, he gave his all to every project he took on.
John cherished spending time with his family, especially his wife, children and grandchildren. He enjoyed hunting with Tajuana, watching OSU football and singing in the church choir. John was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Lexington and Landmark Church in Purcell.
He loved traveling, with his favorite vacation being a trip to the Grand Canyon. He also appreciated quiet moments on long rides with his dog, “Buck,” sharing coffee and stories.
Though John had a serious demeanor, often called the Judge by his family, he had a soft spot for those he loved, and his affection was truly something special.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Donna Keely and his best four-legged friend, “Buck.”
He is survived by his wife, Tajuana Keely of the home; his children, Jason Keely and wife, Melissa, of California, Aaron Keely and wife, Samantha, of California, Amy Messere and husband, Christian, of California and Chad Morrow of Purcell; his brother, Hoot Keely and wife, Margie, of Wayne; his sisters, Christine Vallance and husband, Chris, of Missouri, Monty Jeanne Keely of Guymon and Cindy Jan Burchfield and husband, Kevin, of Alaska; his precious grandchildren, Liam Keely, Amelia Keely, Austin Keely, Preston Marshall, Kinsley Marshall, Alyssa Keely, Sage Launer, Sebastian Messere and Maggie Rose Witten.
Online condolences may be made at www.wilsonlittle.com.