Durward Keeter

Durward Brian Keeter, son of Tom F. and Margaret A. Dale Keeter was born January 31, 1925 in Stilwell, Oklahoma and departed this life on December 25, 2012 in Stilwell, Oklahoma at the age of 87 years, 10 months and 25 days. After graduating high school he joined the Merchant Marines and spent four years abroad. After returning home he married Betty June and they had three children James, Sandra and Tommie Dale. Durward worked at the canning factory for several years before beginning his lifelong career as a refrigeration engineer. His career took him around the world several times before retiring in 1995. During his long life, he enjoyed flying his own plane, feeding cows on the tractor, having coffee at the local diner and telling stories with all his buddies. He also enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Betty June Keeter, brothers Gus Keeter and Jerry Keeter,and daughter Sandra June White, 3 grandchildren Michael Keeter, Stephen Cress and Lonnie Butler Jr. He is survived by a very loving family that includes his daughter Tommie Courson and husband Charles, son James Welch all of Stilwell, OK, 5 grandchildren Jennifer Anderson and husband Pierre of San Antonio, TX, Brian Butler of Tulsa, OK, Jeremy White and wife Sherri of Collinsville, OK, Cassie White and Cody White both of Stilwell, OK, numerous great grandchildren. Siblings Ray Dean Keeter of Tahlequah, OK, Vyrl Keeter and wife Bobbie of Muskogee, OK, Frank Keeter and wife Marge of Bristow, OK, Betty Jo Fritts and husband Norwood of Valpraiso, IN, Wanda Martin of Chesterton, IN, sister in law Betty L. Keeter of Stilwell, OK, several nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends also survive him. Funeral services were held, Saturday, December 29, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. in the RobertsReedCulver Funeral Chapel with Bro. Chuck Glass officiating. Interment followed in the Stilwell City Cemetery under the direction of RobertsReedCulver Funeral Home.