Our Sincere Sympathy

Neil A. Keathley
(1920-2006)
 

      Neil A. Keathley, 86, of Oklahoma City, was the son of Luster and Stella Keathley and the second of 10 children that reached adulthood.  Neil was a native of Lamar, Okla., being born in a farmhouse four miles south of the city.  He and older brother, Mack, attended Shady Grove School for several years before transferring to Lamar High School and both graduated in the spring of 1938.  Neil received instructional training at Wetumka Tech and became an automobile body and fender repairman for 35 years employed by an Oklahoma City dealer/garage.  He married Hermoyne Herring of Dustin in 1941 and they were married 65 years before he passed away on Saturday, October 28, 2006, at his home in Oklahoma City.  Neil served in the US Army during WWII in the 45th Infantry Division under Gen. George Patton.  He carried an 80 pound flame thrower used to roust the enemy from caves and hideouts.  He was the recipient of five medals for valor for his service. 

     Neil is survived by his wife, Hermoyne, daughter, Judy Stevens, and grand-daughter, Katheryn Stevens, all of Oklahoma City; brothers, Mack, of Checotah, Len of Newalla, Alvin of Wetumka, James of Benbrook, Texas, and Phil of Ripon, Calif.; and sisters, Marguerite Willoughby of Oklahoma City; and Melba Hawkins of Crescent.  He was preceded in death by brother, Paul, of Oklahoma City; and sister, Lucia Gray, of Dustin.

    The funeral service was held on Wednesday, November 1, 2006, at the Sunset Chapel, Norman, Oklahoma, with the Rev. Greg Ball officiating.  Interment was at Sunset Memorial Park in Norman.

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