Bill Keele

William Thomas Keele, 95, of Idaho Falls, passed away May 18, 2023, at Turtle & Crane Assisted Living. He was under the care of Hands of Hope Hospice and his loving family.

Bill was born May 13, 1928, in Paint Rock, Texas, to Thomas Aaron Keele and Irene Joiner Keele. He grew up and attended schools in Midland, Texas, and graduated from Stanton High School. He joined the Marines after high school, and served as a Corporal in the Korean War. He was the recipient of two Purple Hearts.

On October 31, 1960, he married Elda Ruth Smith in Tijuana, Mexico.  Bill and Elda made their home in Idaho Falls, where Bill worked for Challenge Creamery. After twenty years, he retired in Quartzsite, Arizona.

He enjoyed rock hounding, making jewelry, fishing, and camping.

Bill is survived by his children, Sandra Blackburn of Idaho Falls, Linda Stears of Idaho Falls, Dennis (Marie) Garner of Pocatello, ID, Teresa Hornbake of North Huntington, PA, Anita Bailey of Idaho Falls, Aleta (David) Jensen of Pocatello, ID; sister, Barbara Gardner of Weatherford, TX; 24 grandchildren; 29 great grandchildren; and 32 great-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Elda Keele; daughter, Colleen McCreery; grandson, Wade Stears, and six siblings.

Graveside Services will be held at 12 Noon Thursday, May 25, 2023, at Fielding Memorial Park Cemetery, 4600 South Yellowstone Hwy, with Merrill Fullmer officiating. The family will visit with friends from 10:30-11:30 a.m. prior to services at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road. Military Honors will be performed by the Bonneville County Veterans Memorial Team and Marine Honor Guard.