Glen Lee Keel

Glen Lee Keel, age 81, passed away peacefully at his home in Spring, Texas, in the early morning hours of September 17, 2025, surrounded by his wife, two children and sister-in-law. Glen had battled Parkinson’s disease for twenty-one years with grace and dignity, never complaining or asking “Why Me?” He maintained his kindness, compassion, appreciation for beauty and love of family and friends. He expressed gratitude for his long life, filled with wonder and varied experiences. After his faith Glen had two loves: his family and the young people whose lives he affected through guidance and education.

Glen was born on March 27, 1944, in South Bend, Indiana, to Glen and Maxine Keel. The eldest of three brothers, Glen excelled athletically, playing both football and basketball at Mishawaka High School. Following his high school graduation in 1962, he played basketball collegiately at his alma mater, Valparaiso University. Graduating from Valparaiso in 1966, Glen continued his academic journey in Missouri, earning a master’s degree from Northeast Missouri State University.

Glen returned to his boyhood home of Mishawaka where he began his career in education, teaching and coaching first at Mary Phillips Elementary, then Main Junior High. In 1970, he moved to the nearby South Bend School District where he began an eleven-year tenure at North Liberty High School, teaching science and physical education and coaching basketball, football and track.

On July 11, 1970, Glen married Onya Marie Cronk, daughter of Monte and Alice Cronk of South Bend. In 1976, Glen and Onya were blessed with a daughter, Shannon Kathleen. Five years later, the family was complete with the addition of their son, Cameron Reid.

In the summer of 1981, the family moved to Spring, Texas, where Glen continued his career in the Aldine School District as teacher and head basketball and tennis coach at MacArthur Senior High. Desiring to enter the field of school administration, he earned a second master’s degree in mid-management administration from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1986. For the next sixteen years, Glen served the Aldine District as assistant principal at Grantham Middle School, Nimitz Senior High and Hall Senior High.

In December of 2002, Glen and Onya both retired from their careers in education and moved to The Villages, Florida, to be near family members who had retired there. However, in 2012, the lure of their children—and now grandchildren—drew them back home to Texas, where they continued their retirement, attending their grandchildren’s school and athletic events and, of course, cheering on the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame.

A man of profound faith and trust in his Lord Jesus Christ, Glen exemplified his Christian beliefs, not only with his words, but also by his actions. A lifelong member of the Presbyterian church, Glen served as elder and numerous other positions within the church, regardless of where he lived. Weekly worship attendance and participation in the church by his family were never options—they were requirements.

Glen was preceded in death by his parents Glen and Maxine, his parents-in-law Monte and Alice, and his brother Kevin Keel.

He is survived by his wife of fifty-five years Onya; his daughter and son-in-law Shannon and Matthew Cochrane of Spring; his son and daughter-in-law Cameron and Megan Keel of Columbia, Missouri; grandchildren Emma, William, Charlotte and James Cochrane and Allison and Benjamin Keel. Also surviving are his brother and sister-in-law Rex and Stefanie Keel of The Woodlands, Texas; sister-in-law Carol Keel of Lexington, Kentucky; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Maxwell and Linda Griffin of Spring and Allen and Lori Kardell of Osceola, Indiana. Numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews also mourn Glen’s passing.

The Memorial Service will be held on October 11th at 10:00 am at The Woodlands Community Presbyterian Church.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Glen Keel Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Checks should be made out to the Aldine Education Foundation and note on the memo line it is for the Glen Keel Memorial Scholarship Fund. Aldine Education Foundation 2520 W.W. Thorne Boulevard, Houston, Tx 77073