Bradley Dale Keele

Brad Keele, 76, passed away on July 14, 2025, in Utah after a long battle with Parkinson's Disease, a condition attributed to his military service. He was born on July 17, 1948, in Salt Lake City, Utah to Ellis Henry and Billie Irvina (Crozier) Keele.

Brad spent his early years in Salt Lake City, where he graduated from West High School and spent summers on his grandpa's dairy farm in Neola, Utah. It was during his senior year that he met the love of his life, Ileen Bastian. Brad volunteered for the Army draft after graduating. While in basic training, he joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and then served in Vietnam. He and Ileen eloped to Hawaii during Brad's R&R. They were later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple.

After his honorable service in Vietnam, Brad returned home to his bride. They lived in Salt Lake City for a short time before moving to West Jordan, where they built their home and raised their family for over 50 years. Brad began his career as a draftsman, later returning to school to become an electrician, and graduating from Utah Technical College. He dedicated many years to working at a Salt Lake oil refinery, where he cultivated lifelong friendships.

A man of faith, unwavering service, and quiet humor, Brad served in Bishoprics and as a scout leader throughout his life. He and Ileen also served as missionaries for the church, working with Salt Lake's homeless population. He later served at the Bishop's Storehouse and in the Jordan River Temple. He led by example, teaching his daughters the importance of serving others and practicing their faith. Brad was always willing to lend a hand, whether it was helping anyone in need or expertly fixing anything that was broken. Besides spending time with his family, Brad enjoyed leather working, reading, camping, and watching westerns.

Brad is survived by his devoted wife and best friend, Ileen, and his five cherished daughters: Wendy (Kory) Gilley, Kristie Hinton, Denise (Shane) Smock, Marci (Jess) Plouzek, and Alecia (Ben) Teran. He was a proud Poppa to 15 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren, who brought immense joy to his life. Brad also leaves behind his sisters, Sara (Tracy) Zundel, Bobbie Keele (Kent); siblings-in-law, Kathy Baum, Ann (Dave) Marshall, and Terry (Sandra) Bastian; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Ileen's parents, (Garn and Shirley Bastian); two sisters, Arelene (Ray) Wallberg and Kaye (Bud) O'Bryan; brother-in-law, Bob Baum; and nephew, Jason Keele.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at 11:00am at Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary (1007 W. South Jordan Parkway, South Jordan). Viewing will be held on July 22, 2025, from 6:00-8:00pm, and for one hour prior to the funeral. Interment at the Utah Veterans Cemetery and Memorial Park.

Our family would like to thank the staff of Spring Gardens Draper for their loving care; Brad Burt for his 50-plus years of friendship and barbering; and the many people at the VA Health System who helped our Dad.