John Eugene Keeling, 72, was born on June 14, 1953, in Nevada, Missouri to Eugene John Keeling and Ina Velma (Mitchell) Keeling. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Carolyn Stastny and Barbara Stastny and infant son, Wayne Allen Keeling.

John grew up in the Hugo area and graduated from Grant High School in 1971. He lived in Lindsey, Oklahoma for many years before moving back to his hometown in 2021. John spent his working years in the oil field, where he served as a rig operator and later as a production foreman. He understood the value of honest labor and took pride in the skills he developed over the years. Outside of work, John loved camping and the time it gave him to enjoy the outdoors. He enjoyed playing dominos and valued time spent gathered around the table with friends and family. John also loved watching sports, especially baseball, cheering on the Yankees, and football, where he supported the Cowboys and OU.

John married the love of his life, Joyce Barker, on July 1, 1991, at Hugo Lake. Together they created a home filled with love, laughter, and many treasured memories. John took great pride in his family and found his greatest happiness in being surrounded by those he loved. He was a devoted father and proud grandfather who cherished every opportunity to spend time with them. Family was at the center of his world, and he especially enjoyed going to his sister's home on Sundays to play dominos and he hardly ever missed a family reunion. He also enjoyed fishing with his brother, Eugene and brother-in-law, Dicky. John lived a life marked by hard work, devotion to family and a deep appreciation for the simple joys that made life meaningful. Though his passing leaves a deep sadness, those who loved him will carry forward the memories of his kindness, his humor, his hard work and the many moments that made him so special.

John is survived by his wife, Joyce Keeling; children, Mary Christine Lentz and husband, Josh, John E. Keeling, Jr. and wife, DeeDee; stepchildren, Paula Braden and husband, Daniel and Stacy Smith; grandchildren, Jeremy Lawrence and Gracey Keeling; step grandchildren, Katherine South, Kristina Kesner, Jody Daniels and Robbin Allen; numerous great grandchildren; brothers, Ronald Keeling, Gary Keeling, Gerald Keeling and Eugene Keeling; sister, Jessie Simpson; numerous nieces, nephews, and other family,