Robert D. Keel

Keel, Robert Dinsmore, age 94, of Grand Blanc, passed away Sunday, December 21, 2014, at Genesys Hospice. Family welcomes friends Saturday, January 10, 2015 at 10 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Flint, 746 S. Saginaw Street. A celebration of Bob’s life will occur at 11 a.m. with Rev. Paul Ytterock officiating. Following the service, the family will welcome friends to share in fellowship.

In 1920, Bob was born in Abilene, Kansas, to Howard and Jesse Keel. His love of trains and the game of golf began in Abilene and continued throughout his life. After attending Kemper Military Academy, in 1941, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and while piloting a P-38, he successfully completed 50 missions earning various air medals. In 1942, the day before he was shipped overseas, he married the love of his life, Marian Barrett, an Oregon girl who would spend the next 67 years as his partner and the mother of their two children.

Bob earned a B.A. degree from University of California and later earned a Masters Degree from Eastern Michigan University. For the first 24 years following the war, he managed retail in Indianapolis and then moved to Flint. His true calling, to work with youth, followed in a second career working for the Flint Board of Education in special programming and grant writing.

The Silver Beaver award was bestowed on him after many years serving in the Boy Scouts of America. His involvement in Big Brothers of Flint allowed him to mentor youth in the community. He was a loyal member of the Flint Kiwanis Club and recently was honored with the George F. Hixson service award.

Anyone that knew Bob recognized his Christian faith that directed his life and was exemplified in his servant heart. He served his Lord as a Sunday school teacher, a church Elder, a member of the Men’s Covenanter Choir and as a youth leader for the Pipe at First Presbyterian Church. Bob was an adult charter committee member of the Genesee Young Life from 1964 and for many years. He introduced many youth to Christ - his most rewarding service of all.

Bob had a fun, teasing personality. He loved to laugh and listen to others. He always had a question to ask to get to know each individual just a little bit better. His hobbies of building model trains, woodworking and watching Tiger baseball kept him engaged with others.

Bob is preceded in death by his wife, Marian B. Keel, in January, 2010.

Bob is the adored father of Thomas (Anna) Keel and Celeste (Jeff) Wolverton and cherished grandfather to Lisa (Rex) Brown, Shelly Wolverton, Erin (Ryan) Bollman, Kim Mannes and Kelly (Michael) McCulloch. His ten great grandchildren enjoyed his WWII stories and surrounded him with happiness and love.

The Great Lakes National Cemetery will be his final resting place. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Charles Stopples Memorial Fund of the First Presbyterian Church, Young Life of Genesee County or Middleville Young Life (a volunteer area where three of his great grandchildren are involved) 11626 Bass Road, Middleville, MI, 49333. Care is entrusted to Brown Funeral Home. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.brownfh.com