Don E. Keeling

Don Keeling, 60, of La Grande, died in his home early Tuesday, August 4, 2005 after a courageous battle with cancer. A celebration of life will be held at the Blue Mtn. Conference Center, Tuesday, August 9, 2005 at 3:00 p.m.

Don was born April 17, 1945 in Snoqualmie Falls, Washington to Kenneth H. and Beatrice M. Keeling. Don moved from Heppner, Oregon and to La Grande in 1961. He graduated from La Grande High School in 1963. He attended Oregon Technical Institute in Klamath Falls and Eastern Oregon College in La Grande.

Don served two years in the United States Marine Corps at Camp Pendleton, attaining the rank of Sergeant by the time of his discharge in 1967. He returned to La Grande upon his discharge. He married Nancy Johnson in 1968. Don and Nancy had three children, Jacque, Stacy and Sean.

He owned Don Keeling Chevron Service in La Grande where he received the Hallmark Award and the CTSE award from Chevron for having the highest scores for Commitment to Service Excellence. Don stayed in business on Adams Avenue for 34 years and became a landmark to both locals and travelers.

Don married Becky Vernon on December 31, 1988 in Lakeview, Oregon. Don and Becky are considered Real Estate specialists in Union County and are partners in the local RE/MAX Real Estate Team office. Don's sense of humor and County knowledge will be greatly missed by his clients and other local realtors.

Don was very active in many community organizations. He joined the La Grande Volunteer Fire Department in 1971 and moved up the ranks to serve as Chief of the volunteers. He was a member of the Union County Chamber of Commerce, Anthony Lakes Ski Patrol, the Elks Lodge, the Eagles Lodge and the American Legion.

Every year Union County awards a "Man of the Year". In 1995 Don received this honor. He was honored and surprised when the town, family and friends supported him as Union County Man of the Year. No one was more deserving.

Most recently Don's community service has been focused on the development of the Eastern Oregon Fire Museum and Learning Center. He spent many hours researching the history of Fire Protection in Eastern Oregon and restoring antique fire trucks and the fire apparatus. He enjoyed sharing his love of antique fire trucks by allowing hundreds of children of all ages to ride with him in parades and other community events. Don recently received the Oregon Fire Service Museum's Chief Ted Miller Historical Preservation Award.

Don will be remembered for his community involvement as well as many personal random acts of kindness. It was never unusual for Don to be first to arrive before word even got out that someone needed a hand.

Don is survived by his wife, Becky of La Grande, brother, Kenneth of Corvallis, Oregon, the mother of his children, Nancy Keeling of Salem, Oregon; daughters and sons-in-law, Jacqueline and Treve Rasmussen of Bakersfield, California and Stacy and Neal Olson of Monmouth, Oregon; son, Sean Keeling of La Grande; five grandchildren, Jordan, Cole, Riley, Cameron and Joshua; as well as many friends and associates.

In memory of Don, the family requests that a modest donation be made to the Eastern Oregon Fire Museum and Learning Center in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 7th Street, La Grande, Oregon 97850. To sign the guest book or leave a condolence on-line, visit: www.danielschapel.com