Donald “Don” E Keele, 91, passed away on Monday, November 30, 2020 in Anaconda Community Hospital, from COVID 19.
Don was born Groveland Bingham, Idaho on April 18, 1929 to Elton and Beatrice Keele. Don was raised and went to school in Blackfoot, Idaho.
He enlisted in the United States Army at the age of 21 and served in the Korean War, receiving Army Occupation Medal of Japan, Korean Service Medal with one Bronze Star, and United Nations Service Medal earning the rank of SGT.
Don settled in Anaconda before he enlisted in the Army working for Anaconda Company, after receiving an Honorable Discharge from the Army. He returned Anaconda going back to work at the Anaconda Company. After learning to weld he became a boilermaker.
Don married the love of his life Violet Sue Jones on January 30, 1954. Together they raised their family in the West Valley in the home that he built and lived in till his death. His upbringing was you don’t throw it away because it broke you repaired it. He was very gifted in welding, carpentry, auto mechanics, plumbing and electrical. He learned by doing it and was selfless, in helping others.
Don enjoyed being with his family and friends having barbeques, snowmobiling, camping and hunting. After he retired from the smelter, he went to work for AFFCO for a few years. He started and ran his own Cement Vault Business which he did into his mid-eighties, and got a street named after him. Don was honored to be part of The Lady of the Rockies.
Donald was preceded in death, by his parents Elton and Beatrice Robinson Keele, brother Leo Keele, sisters Needa Saba, Marlene Smith, Wilma Barrowman. His wife Violet, son Danny Joe Wyant and infant son Russ David Keele and his faithful canine companion Sadie.
He is survived by his daughter Mona (Mike) Olsen, son Elton (Dana) Keele, Dennis (Linda) Keele, Chris Keele and daughter Tammy Gates. Don had numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Brothers Leland Keele, Floyd (Sally) Keele, Rudy (Linda) Higgins sister Judy Cassidy, and sister in-law Belva Tarkalson.
Please remember to wear your mask (Required) and practice social distancing.
Viewing will be held at Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home on Friday,
December 11, 2020 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.
Services will be held at Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home on Saturday,
December 12, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. There will be one hour of visitation prior to the
service.