Keel, Charles L's Obituary
Charles Lewis Keel February 25, 1938 – May 11, 2026Charles Lewis Keel, age 88, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, May 11, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Charles was born on February 25th, 1938, in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, to Joe Alvin Keel and Nannie Lee Keel. He grew up in the Coweta area, where he attended high school and developed the strong work ethic and gentle spirit that would define his life.
On August 13, 1988, Charles married the love of his life, Sandra Sue Keel, at Lone Star Baptist Church in Coweta, Oklahoma. Together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and the comfort of home. Charles retired from Crane Carrier Company after many years of dedicated service. He was known as one of the kindest and gentlest people, a quiet man with a warm heart and a playful sense of humor. While soft-spoken, Charles loved teasing those he felt closest to, bringing smiles to family and friends. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Charles found his greatest joy at home with his family, especially in the country. He loved the peaceful simplicity of country living—watching the cows from his window, seeing squirrels play in the yard, and enjoying the beauty of the land around him. Ranching and raising cattle brought him much happiness. He was a lifelong fan of Westerns, especially films starring John Wayne, and enjoyed reading Western novels from a young age.
Charles also appreciated life’s simple comforts, especially a good cup of coffee and cookies. A faithful member of Aspen Park Baptist Church, Charles lived a life marked by kindness, faith, and devotion to those he loved.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe Alvin Keel and Nannie Lee Keel, and his sisters-in-law, Mildred Keel and Loretta Keel. He is survived by his beloved wife, Sandra Sue Keel; his children, Jeremiah Keel, Randy Keel and wife Debbie, and Caryn Eng and husband Eugene; his brothers, Harold Keel, Dwain Keel, and Dwight Keel; and his sister, Wilma Jean Harrison. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Dakota Elayne Keel; Alexandria Grave Keel and husband Alastor Martin; Xander Logan Keel; Kaylan Elizabeth Keel; Nina Nichole Turner and husband Andrew David Turner; Tamara Elizabeth Cease and husband Andrew Patrick Cease; Lydia Kay Ingram and husband Trey Marshall Hibbard Ingram III; Ryan Christopher Keel and wife Janine Nicole Keel; and Tyler Joseph Keel and wife Lauren Kay Keel. Charles was also blessed with 11 great-grandchildren: Kylie Ann Turner, Lucas David Turner, Haven Elizabeth Cease, Ezekiel Marshall Ingram, Macie Auri Turner, Harper Susannah Cease, Ezra Zane Ingram, Oliver Scott Keel, Levi Andrew Cease, Emilia Joy Ingram, and Kinsley London Keel. He is also survived by 6 nephews and 2 nieces, along with many extended family members and dear friends.
A visitation will be held Tuesday, May 19, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Floral Haven Funeral Home. A funeral service celebrating Charles’s life will be held Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 3:00 PM at Floral Haven, officiated by Dr. Cameron Whaley. Charles will be remembered for his gentle spirit, quiet strength, kind heart, and unwavering love for his family. His legacy of warmth, humility, and faith will continue to live on in all who knew and loved him.
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