Billy Bob Keeler (Seymour)'s Obituary
Billy Keeler, beloved fiancé of Brittany Harp and father of Kayden and Malaki, peacefully departed this life surrounded by his loved ones on Sunday, May 10, 2015, at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri, after a courageous, year-long battle with cancer. Billy was thirty years, three months and seven days young when he went home to be with his Lord and Savior.
He was born Billy Bob Keeler on February 3, 1985, in Springfield, Missouri, to Gary E. Keeler and Tamala S. (Lawson) Keeler. Billy was raised in Marshfield and attended Marshfield schools, and except for two years spent in Washington State, he lived in the area all of his years. Billy was baptized at a young age, but after an encounter a month ago had rededicated his life to the Lord. He and his family were members of Zion Lutheran Church of Diggins. Billy was a glass glazier by trade and a very proud member of Local Union #1786 in Springfield. He was very talented at his craft and responsible for the glass front of Mercy Hospital’s children’s wing. Billy is also credited with the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas, which is a breathtaking example of amazing glass work and beautiful architecture. His number one joy in life was his boys and being a dad and family man. He loved shooting and was a highly skilled gunsmith. Billy was also an avid hunter and enjoyed kayaking when he could. Billy was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Opal Carpenter and Dale Keeler. Billy leaves behind his devoted fiancé and soul-mate, Brittany Richelle Harp, and their two boys and lights of his life, Kayden Grey Keeler and Malaki Markus Keeler; his parents, Gary Keeler of Ava, Missouri, and Tammy Lawson Keeler of Springfield, Missouri; three sisters, Latosha Keeler and Russell Dechow, of Springfield; Kassidy Steinle and husband, Joel, of Marathon, Florida; and Skylah Keeler of Milton, Washington; maternal grandparents, Gilbert and Katerina Lawson of Diggins; nephew, Blake, and nieces, Asha and Briah; numerous aunts and uncles, and even more cousins; stepmother, Carla Keeler; dear friend, Andrea Hopper; and a host of extended family, dear friends, co-workers and neighbors. Billy is a perfect example of the fact that our lives are not measured in how many years we live, but in how many people we touch. Billy touched the hearts of countless people, and his courage and strength, paired with his gentle, sweet nature, were an inspiration to everybody who knew him. Throughout his entire battle with cancer, Billy praised God and stood firm in his faith. He knew that God's plan for him was bigger than this world, and he took comfort in knowing that his struggle had the potential to change many lives and bring glory to God. Billy's existence made the world a brighter place, and he will be greatly missed, but his spirit lives on in each and every one of us. We will never forget him and that gorgeous, mischievous smile.
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