Michael Keelin

Michael Keelin, 73, passed away on the morning of Wednesday, May 31, 2017, after spending a joyous Memorial Day weekend with loved ones and paying homage to America’s heroes one last time. It was a fitting end to a life well-lived; family and country were the things Mike held most dear.

Mike was a patriot’s patriot. When he was a boy, his father explained the meaning of Memorial Day: “It’s not about hamburgers and beer; it’s about those who gave their lives in service of our country.” Those words and that devotion to nation and flag found fertile ground in the life of Mike Keelin, who went on to courageously serve his country in the United States Navy from 1962 to 1966, during the Viet Nam War. Mike was a sonarman on the U.S.S. Cusk, the world’s first missile submarine. He spent long, perilous months isolated with his buddies in the depths of the sea, monitoring sonar waves to detect enemy vessels and ensure the safety of others. For the rest of his days, Mike was staunchly loyal to his homeland, maintaining Navy friendships and proudly displaying the American flag at his doorstep.

Born February 19, 1944, in Pullman, Washington, Mike grew up in South Dakota. After graduating from high school, he attended college for a year before enlisting in the Navy, where he received education and training in electronics. After his discharge, he began a career with Radio Shack, managing the firm’s stores in Houston, Austin, and San Antonio. In later years, he was a salesman for Circle Industries in the Rio Grande Valley, selling sound systems for hospitals, schools, and churches. He spent the last years of his career in the Austin area in sales, marketing, customer acquisition and relations, and project development and coordination for Koetter Fire Protection.

Mike was an honorable man of flawless integrity. “You have two things—your name and your word,” his dad told him when he was a boy, and Mike went on to live seven-plus decades as a man you could trust in word and deed. He was a simple man; it didn’t take much to please Mike. There was no place he’d rather be than at home with his precious wife, Dorothy, whom he cherished above all else and loved faithfully for nearly 39 years of marriage. He loved college football games, barbeques, laughter, a glass or three of wine, and the first hint of fall in the air. Late in life, he embraced being a grandpa to Kyle and Katy.

At 6’ 3”, Mike was a big man with a sometimes-gruff exterior that masked a gentle heart. He loved animals and knew the names of every dog in the neighborhood, and they all came running whenever they saw him. He was a big fan of the actor John Wayne and bore a striking resemblance to him in countenance and bearing, and he didn’t mind at all if you told him so. He was unfailingly loyal: If Mike was your friend, you had a friend indeed. Always willing to help, he freely set aside differences and looked for the good in people.

Affectionately known among neighbors as “The Mayor,” Mike was often the first person newcomers met when they moved into Forest Oaks, the Cedar Park neighborhood where he and Dorothy spent the last 21 years of their life together. He loved nothing better than to strike up a conversation with friends and strangers alike, and he never hesitated to opine on any subject! Mike had strong views, but he was fair-minded. If you asked him a straight question, you’d get a straight answer.

Mike was predeceased by his mother, Mildred J. Keelin and father, Dale A. Keelin. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy A. Keelin, of Cedar Park, Texas; stepson, Warren A. Mutz, and wife, Cheryl, of San Antonio, Texas; brother, Terrance A. Keelin, and wife, Beth, of McAllen, Texas; brother, Tom D. Keelin, and wife, Martha, of Laguna Vista, Texas; sister, Judith G. Maurer, and husband, Jim, of Edinburg, Texas; step-grandchildren, Kyle and Katy Mutz, of San Antonio, Texas; three nieces, Melissa Chappell, Cheryl Mannel, and Erin Keelin; one nephew, Chris Maurer; two great-nieces, Remi Mannel and Harper Maurer; and one great-nephew, Jonah Mannel.

With his work here on earth complete, Mike has gone on to “eternal watch,” as his buddies in the Navy would say. He faced his final days with great courage, grace, and his trademark humor, before reluctantly leaving Dorothy and the family and friends he loved so dearly.

Mike showed us all how it’s done. We will miss this good man whom we were all blessed to know and love. His name will be on our lips a thousand times over, and our memories of him will forever fill our hearts.

We rejoice for him now—once again robust and fleet of foot, celebrating in the company of his Lord, reunited with his parents, grandparents, and the many friends who went before him. Undoubtedly, he is looking down on us lovingly and with pleasure, while finally—finally—enjoying a big slice of butterscotch pie.

A memorial service celebrating Mike’s life will be held Saturday, June 10, at 11:00 a.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, 3520 West Whitestone Boulevard, Cedar Park, Texas, with The Reverend Canon Trawin Malone officiating. Burial will be private. Memorial contributions honoring Mike’s memory may be made to the Austin Human Society, 124 West Anderson Lane, Austin, Texas 78752 or to Hospice Austin, 4107 Spicewood Springs Road, Suite 100, Austin, Texas 78759.

Arrangements under the direction of NEPTUNE SOCIETY - Austin, Austin, TX.