David Howard Keelor passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on January 18, 2025 at the age of 77 after fighting cancer for nearly ten miraculous years.
Dave is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Anne (Christopherson) Keelor, his four children, Christian Keelor (Kim), Daniel Keelor (Allison), Caitlin Borges (Adam), and Hannah Soon (Gilbert). He is survived by his grandchildren, Ryan, Henry, Claire, Daniel, Alexander, and Cameron. Also surviving are sisters-in-law Patti Keelor, Rita Keelor, and Joan (Mark) Sloan, brothers-in-law Jack (Elaine) Christopherson and David Hanick, along with many nieces and nephews. David is preceded in death by his brothers Richard Keelor and Thomas Keelor, sisters Barbara Lovin, Patricia Fertig Michael and Virginia Watson Hanick, and many loved brothers and sisters-in-law.
The son of the late T.Howard and Bernice (Stockhausen) Keelor, David was born on October 28, 1947 at Fairview Hospital. He grew up in Rocky River where he attended St. Christopher School and Rocky River High School. Dave attended John Carroll University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 1969. After college, Dave served as a member of the United
States Army for six years. Following his time in the service, he built his career as a proud Ohio Public Employee for 29 years, working in corrections, the public health sector, vocational guidance and re-entry programs throughout Cleveland. He helped a lot of Clevelanders get on their feet. He always believed in second chances and in getting right back up, and this was
reflected in his career work and how he raised his four children.
Dave and Anne lived in their Lakewood home for 34 years. David always loved Cleveland. A lifelong Browns, Indians/Guardians and Cavaliers fan, he passed his loyal (and sometimes painful) fanhood onto his children. He was loud at every sporting event - professional or youth - and had a whistle that could not be matched. Watching games together - and even apart - has become a family tradition. We are forever grateful that the Cavaliers gave Dad the opportunity to experience a Cleveland championship on Father's Day of 2016.
David's heart was at his family vacation home on Torch Lake, where he spent many summers vacationing and working on the railroad. Many generations of Keelors and their families and friends have experienced the magic of Torch and will always feel Dave most closely on the water. There was nothing like a coffee on the dock in the morning sun with him, although Anne most loved the 4 pm sun on the deck together.
The family would like to thank the Cleveland Clinic and Cleveland Clinic Hospice for all of the care and support they provided David and the Keelors since 2015. The family would also like to thank the staff at Haven at Lakewood for their care of both Anne and Dave. In lieu of flowers, memory contributions can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Cleveland Clinic Hospice.
Funeral Mass 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 1 at St. Luke Church (Clifton Blvd. and Bunts Rd.) where friends may call from 9 a.m. until the time of the Mass. Interment Private.