William "Tom" Thomas Keele's Obituary
William Thomas (Tom) Keele passed away on November 29, 2024 at the age of 88. Born in Ennis, TX on June 21, 1936 to Walter Douglas and Mattie (McAdams) Keele, he is preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Berlyce Hamilton, Dorothy Saunders, Eula Mae Keele, and Tina Faye Keele, his brother David Keele, and his daughter Cathy Keele. He is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Carol Reynolds Keele, his daughters, Susan Keele Wood (Matthew), and Shannon Keele Wood (Nathan), and his grandchildren, Keeley, Addison, Garrett and Jackson.
Tom was raised in Garland, TX, graduating from Garland High School. After graduating, Tom went on to Baylor University, where he met the love of his life, Carol Ann Reynolds. The two would marry on September 7, 1957.
Tom and Carol left Baylor before completion of his degree to work on the oil pipeline, taking them to Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia and Ohio. Tom (or rather Carol on Tom’s behalf) completed his final course by correspondence for his BBA in Marketing. He then enlisted in the Marines, stationed at Quantico. After his brief stint in the Marines (due to flat feet), they moved back to Garland and Tom started to work with Max Schied in insurance and real estate. He then joined Robert E McKee, starting his career in general contracting. He would go on to work with Hallman & Hallman, later opening Hallman & Keele, Inc. in 1974 with partner, Frank Hallman. Tom finally succeeded in retiring after his 3rd attempt.
Tom spent much of his life in service to his community and church. He and Carol were original members of Calvary Baptist Church in Garland, TX, a group known as the “Warehouse Gang.” Here he would go on to serve as a Trustee, serve on several committees, and was instrumental in the construction of several buildings on the original Jupiter Road campus. Tom served on the City of Garland Board of Adjustment and was also elected to the Garland City Council, serving from 1972-1977.
Along the way, Tom and Carol had 3 children, Cathy (deceased), Susan, and Shannon, who brought them great joy, but who would later bring them 4 grandchildren, Keeley, Addison, Garrett, and Jackson, which is really all they cared about.
Tom was a man of few words and a lot of “looks.” He was also known to play a few pranks. This could be anything from jalapeno juice on the rim of your glass to large plastic bugs under your sheets to visits from a certain “bag lady,” Tom had a way of pulling off things and you would never know it was him until you see the smirk on his face.
Tom loved to travel. He and Carol traveled all over the world, but his favorites were Hawaii and European River Cruise. Tom was not shy and would meet people along the way who would become lifelong friends and travel partners. He loved to travel to Las Vegas, Reno, and Bossier City with Carol and friends to spend a quick weekend playing blackjack or seeing a show. And you could also catch him making a quick trip to Mardi Gras in New Orleans, enjoying the seafood and watching the parades.
His travels ultimately brought him to Red River, NM. In the winter of 1978, staying in a motorhome in downtown Red River, the dream of building a home began. Owning your own construction company comes with the perks of being able to find a crew to help you build a house in the mountains. In 1982, after a year of construction, the family was able to spend a lovely first winter
trip to the cabin by the fireplace, as the power was out in the valley. It was a cold first night, but the house was filled with the warmth of family. It was Tom’s plan and dream to build a place where he could host friends and church groups to experience the beautiful nature that God created, and he loved offering it to others for their use. For more than 40 years, countless friends and family have been able to enjoy spending time together in a place Tom built – much to his great joy!
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