Obituary for Robert D. McKeel
Robert Dean "Bobby" McKeel has been called home by his maker. He succumbed to his disease after a courageous fight on June 21, 2020. He was born October 14, 1953, the son of Donald Dean and Barbara Jean (Evans) McKeel. His fondest childhood memory was the times he spent at Raystown Lake with his grandparents, John and Bessie (Jenkins) McKeel, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Shortly after he married his wife, Deborah Jane (Dinsmore) McKeel, he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served four years. He spent three of those years in Athens, Greece and one year in Great Falls, Montanna. After a brief break in service to his country, he enlisted in the United States Army. His first duty assignment was quartermaster at Fort Myer, Virginia where he provided logistical support to the regiment known as the “Old Guard” (the Army’s official ceremonial and security force in Washington, DC). This is where Robert met the person who was instrumental in obtaining his next assignment, Procurement Officer, at the White House Communications Agency (WHCA), a joint military service which supports presidential communications worldwide. He was stringently vetted for his admission to WHCA. This position afforded him many opportunities such as meeting First Lady Nancy Reagan and Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, traveling worldwide on behalf of President Ronald Reagan, President George H. Bush, and foreign dignitaries. In recognition of his service, he received a Presidential Service Badge (PSB). The PSB contains the Presidential Seal or Coat of Arms. It was recorded in Robert’s military service records and he was authorized to wear it as a permanent decoration on his uniform and civilian clothing. Robert concluded his military career after serving in another joint military-service unit. He received an Honorable discharge after serving more than 21 years in service to his country. Robert was extremely proud of his military service and he greatly missed the military lifestyle after retirement. He went on to work for a military contractor in the Northern Virginia area. He continued to work, trying his hand in many areas of employment until he finally returned to his home-town area and drove tractor trailer until his illness forced him to finally retire from all of his employment endeavors. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Deborah J. (Dinsmore) McKeel, and one adopted daughter, Crystle Faye McKeel, whom he greatly loved. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Louise (McKeel) Martin. He was a hard-working man, extremely loyal, kind, loving and generous to a fault, and well-liked by many. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him and held him dear. Family will receive friends from 12 PM – 2 PM on Friday, June 26, 2020 at the Matthew R. Decort Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc. in Portage. Graveside military service will be held on Friday, June 26, 2020 at 2:30 PM at his final resting place in Richland Cemetery in the Soldiers Circle. At the family’s request, floral arrangements may be sent to the funeral home for visitation. On-line condolences may be expressed at www.decortfh.com. Because Robert was all that was good and true, we know today that he is at home with God. Amen.
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Previous Events
Visitation
Friday
26
Jun
12:00 PM
- 2:00 PM
Decort Funeral Home
532 Main Street
Portage, PA 15946
Graveside
Friday
26
Jun
2:30 PM
Richland Cemetery
1257 Scalp Avenue
Johnstown, PA 15904
Cemetery Details
Location
Richland Cemetery
1257 Scalp Avenue
Johnstown, PA 15904
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