Rocky Lee Keele

Rocky Lee Keele passed away peacefully in his home on July 7, 2024.

Rocky was born on October 14, 1959, in Kansas City, KS to Hattie Huntsman and the late Billy Keele. He was raised and attended school in Wheatland, MO. He then moved to Olathe, KS around the age of 15. This is where he met his late wife, Tamera Ann Gillett. They married in Olathe on March 17, 1979, and had 4 children. Chris, Missy, Mindy, and Becky. They then moved to rural Paola area in 1989.

Rocky worked hard to provide for his family with various jobs like lawn care and construction. He started his own trash disposal business in 1992, known as Town and Country Disposal which he operated for 32 years. Rocky ran the routes until March of 2024, family continues to run the business today.

In 1994, he met Vona Renee Keele and her 4 children, Vona Jo, Brandon, Danielle, and Daniel. They then married a year later on September 9, 1995, and raised all 8 children together in Paola. Rocky and Renee moved to Greeley, KS in 2016 to family owned land and made it their forever home.

Rocky enjoyed floating down the river and setting lines which resulted in catching numerous large catfish. He also loved to go UTV trail riding. Him and Renee, along with family and friends, have had countless trips exploring the hills, rivers, and backroads of Missouri and Arkansas. He enjoyed watching westerns in his down time, having a cold one with his family and friends, and family dinners in the shop.

Rocky was a very devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend to so many. He is survived by his wife, Vone Renee Keele of the home, their 7 children: Chris (Amy) Keele of Wheatland, MO; Melissa (Charlotte) Keele of Osawatomie, KS; Brandon (Whitney) Willey of Osawatomie, KS; Mindy (Jarred) Shipley of Osawatomie, KS; Becky Stewart of Osawatomie, KS; Danielle (Chance) Brown of Paola, KS; and Daniel Rose of Osawatomie, KS. His 14 grandchildren: Marissa and Dustin Friend, Kalie and Jayden Keele, Cody and Miley Shipley, Kammy Stewart, the Willey's: Rachel, Deana, Johnnie, and Anna; the Brown's: Chaseton, Kinzlie, and Kyson; his brother, Ricky Keele of Warsaw, MO. Along with many extended family member and beloved friends.

Rocky is preceded in death by his father, Billy Keele; daughter, Vona Jo Friend; one fantastic uncle, Elton Keele; and his late wife, Tamera Keele.

You will always be in our hearts. Gone but never forgotten.

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