Retired MGySgt James M. (Mike) Keeling, 73, passed away on Wednesday, May 4, 2022 at his home in Stafford, Va.
Mike was born on Jan. 13, 1949, as the son of Robert A. and Mary Francis (Christopher) Keeling of Mexico, Mo. He was married to his best friend and classmate, Linda (Beckett) Keeling.
He graduated from Mexico High School in 1967, attending Central Missouri State. He enlisted in the Marine Corps for a 30-year career while completing his undergraduate and graduate degrees. Upon his USMC retirement he was a task lead for Northrop Grumman.
Mike, “Papa” enjoyed sharing his interests and hobbies with his beloved grandchildren along with riding his Harley.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Linda (Beckett) Keeling, daughter Michele Egan (Gerald) and six grandchildren, Kellen, Holt, Grant, Lincoln, Mayes, and Jule Egan of Stafford, Va. He is survived by a sister, Linda Charles of Mexico; a nephew, Kristopher (Robin) Charles of Blue Springs; and his brother’s companion, Barbara Bradley of Camarillo, Mike is also survived by a sister-in-law Donna (Bob) Barnes and nephew Brad (Mary) Barnes of Mexico, and niece Denise Barnes of Osage Beach.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Robert A. Keeling Jr. and a nephew, Michael Bryan Keeling.
Private services will be held at a later date with burial at Quantico National Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the Gary Sinise Foundation or to the Parkinson’s Foundation. They may be sent in care to Covenant Funeral Home at 1310 Courthouse Road, Stafford, Virginia 22554.
Online guest book is available at covenantfuneralservice.com.
