Robert Allen Keeling, Jr., 78, of Camarillo, Calif., passed away on Friday, July 9, 2021, at his home.
Bob was born on July 26, 1942, in Callaway County, the son of Robert and Mary Francis (Christopher) Keeling. He graduated from Mexico High School in 1960.
After graduating from Mexico High School, Bob joined the U.S. Marine Corps where he served from 1960-1964. Bob was very proud of his military service and loved the honor of protecting his country. Having been discharged in California, he soon made the state his home.
Bob held various positions after his discharge from the Marine Corps initially working as a lineman for General Telephone for almost 10 years. There were a few years when he served with the U.S. Border Patrol, but quickly found his calling when offered a position with the U.S. Government at the Naval Air Station, Point Mugu. There he held a variety of positions, advanced his skills and expanded his friendships until his retirement in September 2009 as a telecommunications manager with 41 years of government service. For a period of time while working at Point Mugu, Bob also served as a reservist with the Ventura County Deputy Sheriff.
Bob enjoyed searching for gold and took trips to the desert and Colorado with friends, and made two trips to Alaska with his brother, Mike. Other past-times included working with close and long-time buddy, Jim Rasey at Southwest Region Chili Cookoffs, and having fun as a pit crew member at the Ventura County Fairgrounds during stock and sprint car racing season. Most Friday mornings, Bob could be found at “Dorothy’s Chuck Wagon Café'' at 6 a.m. having breakfast with long-time friends and at the Coffee Bean at 6 a.m. on weekdays with other special friends, Don Stevenburg and late wife, Sharon, sharing coffee and companionship (something he also did when he was back visiting in Mexico).
Bob leaves behind a legacy of love and integrity with his family, friends, and all those who knew him.
He has left us wonderful memories of good times and we are grateful for every day we were able to experience his unique personality. Our special thanks to Mission Hospice and to Jhan Laure, Bob’s caregiver 24/7 for over a year, who provided invaluable and loving care and support.
He is survived by a sister, Linda Charles of Mexico; brother, Mike (Linda) Keeling of Stafford, Va.; nephew, Kris (Robin) Charles of Blue Springs; niece, Michele (Gerald) Egan of Stafford, Va.; great-nephews, Kellen, Holt, Grant, Lincoln and Mayes; and a great-niece, Jule of Stafford, Va. Also surviving is his loving and devoted companion of 30 years, Barbara Bradley.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents; son, Michael Bryan Keeling; and a brother-in-law, Konrad Charles.
Private services will be at Elmwood Cemetery in Mexico.
Memorial donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation. They may be sent in care of Arnold Funeral Home, 425 S. Jefferson, Mexico, MO 65265.
Online condolences may be left at www.arnoldfh.com.
