Bill G. Keeling

Bill G. Keeling went to his heavenly home on August 6, 2018.  He was born on July 26, 1937 in Dyersburg, Tennessee.  He came to Colorado when he was 2 years old.  He wrestled in Del Norte High School, graduating in 1956.  Following graduation he entered the US Navy.  Bill went to Illinois, California, Okinawa, Moracco and finally Annapolis Maryland.  Bill married his sweetheart, Diane Mitchell on Jun 26, 1960. Together they had three children Kimberly (Ryan), Karen, and Ken. 

Bill worked for Underwood Chevrolet and later Witlock Motors, but his real passion was to be an entrepreneur in the Del Norte area.  Starting with building a trailer park and Speedy Burger in the early 70’s, and operating a Conoco service station.  Beginning in 1977 he and Diane built a bulk wholesale oil and gasoline business and 5 convenience stores.  Later he entered the real estate development business where he bought, sold and managed properties throughout the San Luis Valley.   Throughout his tenure in business he was a leader and mentor for employees, family, and members of the community.  He served as president of the Del Norte Chamber of Commerce and Rotary, and from 1993-94, was president of the Colorado Marketers Association.

Bill loved life to the fullest and liked to travel and meet people.  Bill and Diane went to Europe, more than 20 states in the US and to Mexico and Canada.

He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years Diane; his three children Kimberly (Ryan), Karen, and Ken; grandchildren Alyssa (Nick), Gavin, Whittney, Tatianna (Ben), Lance, Shane and Cheyenne; and great grandchildren Justine, Brad, Gage and Andre.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and a grandson.

Services will be held at the Pioneer United Church in Del Norte at noon on August 23.