Joseph A. Keelin

1952 - 2012

Joseph A. Keelin, 60, passed away suddenly Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2012.
Joe was born June 16, 1952, in Alamogordo to Alvie and Marilou Keelin. He graduated from Alamogordo High School in 1970 and was a proud member of the Alamogordo Mighty Tigers Marching Band. He recently retired from Alamogordo Public Schools after 22 years of dedicated service as maintenance supervisor.
Joe served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War as a sharpshooter, earning the National Defense Service Medal.
On July 14, 1979, Joe married his longtime sweetheart, Brenda Worrell. They made their home in La Luz and were blessed with a son, Joseph Brandon.
Joe was always in service to others throughout his life. Joe loved his career as an electrician and did not consider it a job. One of the ways he served was during his 16 years with Southwestern Electrical Contracting prior to his employment with APS.
Joe loved the outdoors. He enjoyed mostly spending time with his son doing anything and everything. Joe enjoyed riding his motorcycle, fishing and many other hobbies. He was especially fond of spending time with family at the Keelin family ranch in Corona.
Among his many hobbies was being a general class ham radio operator (K5JAK) and enthusiast who made many contacts all over the country. He especially loved his nightly chats with his buddies, and father-in-law and best friend Wayne Worrell, in Oklahoma.
Everyone who knew Joe loved him and will surely miss his gentle manner and friendly smile. You will be sorely missed by all - our precious Joe.
Joe is survived by his wife, Brenda, of the family home, and son Brandon; parents Alvie and Marilou Keelin, of Alamogordo; brothers Drew Keelin, of Albuquerque, and Tim and wife, Theresa, of Alamogordo; aunts Peggy Owen, of Alamogordo, and Anita Lee, of Duran; uncle David Keelin, of Alamogordo; and numerous cousins.
He is also survived by his father- and mother-in-law, Wayne and Kay Worrell, of Altus, Okla.; two sisters-in-law, Cindy Rhue, of Altus, and Sherri Worrell, of Belen; three nieces, Terry Rhue and family, of Clovis, Brandi Rardin and family, of Alamogordo, and Sharea Rhue and fiancé, Nathan Anderson, of Louisiana; and many other extended family members.
Funeral services for Joe Keelin will be 10 a.m. Monday, Oct. 8, 2012, at the Alamogordo Funeral Home chapel located at 2301 First St., Alamogordo, with a special friend of the family, Minister Bob Carter, officiating.
Interment will follow at Monte Vista Cemetery.
The family will greet friends from 5-7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012, at the Alamogordo Funeral Home chapel.
The Keelin family has entrusted their loved one to the care of Hamilton-O'Dell Funeral Home to direct the funeral services.
To sign the online register book, please visit www.hamiltonodell.com.