Leroy Merle Keel, 98, passed away on Monday, September 8, 2025 in Brownwood, Texas. A visitation with family will be from 6:00 – 8:00 PM, Friday, September 19, 2025 at Heartland Funeral Home. The funeral service will be at Heartland Funeral Home Saturday, September 20, 2025 at 10:00 AM with interment to follow at Rising Star Cemetery, Rising Star, Texas.

Leroy was born to Luther and Eugenia Mae Keel on March 25, 1927 in Haskell, Texas. Leroy grew up in Haskell and Sipe Springs where he went to school and helped his family on the farm. The Keel family moved to Rising Star. Young Roy worked at the theater and drove the Rising Star School bus where he met his future wife, Christine Kirkland. They were married on May 16, 1947 at the First Baptist Church in Rising Star and spent 78 wonderful years together. They moved to Dallas after their marriage and he went to work for Limb-Belt and within a year he was transferred to Houston. He also worked many years for A&M Machine & Welding Inc. Roy and Christine were blessed with two sons, Larry Mack and Rickey Wayne. The couple moved back to the Brownwood area in 1982 and Roy retired in 1986. Roy and Christine sang with the group “Sound of Gospel” in nursing homes for 30 years. Roy was happiest spending time in his shops welding (building and creating things), gardening, and drawing.

Roy is survived by his beloved wife, Christine Keel of Early, Texas; son, Rickey Keel and wife, Peggy of Livingston, Texas; daughter in law, Peggy Keel of New Caney, Texas; grandchildren, Kimberly, Rebekah, Heather, Jaime, Keith and Michael; 11 great grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and other loving family members.

Roy was preceded in death by a son, Larry Mack Keel.

Online condolences can be shared with the family at www.heartlandfuneralhome.net