Wayne Keeling

Wayne Keeling, 91, of Vernon passed away Saturday, January 17, 2026, at St. Louis University Hospital. He was born on June 14, 1934, in Elizabethtown, the son of John Louis and Lola Louise (Crowell) Keeling. He married Brenda Thompson in May of 1996, and she preceded him in death on April 16, 2018.

Survivors that will remember Wayne's kindness and determination include his children, Jeffery (Sharon) Keeling of TN, Raymond (Regina) Keeling of TN, Rick (Kathy) Keeling of TN, Larry Keeling of TN; grandchildren, Kevin (Robin) Keeling, Victoria Keeling, and Kathy Keeling; great-grandchildren, Ava, and Lily; siblings, Fred Suits, and Alvis Suits; many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Along with his wife, Brenda Keeling, Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, John and Lola Keeling; brother, Larry Keeling; and sister, Lucretia Hurley.

Wayne retired from the United States Army after twenty-five dedicated years of service. He had a decorated military career, serving with honor and dedication to the protection of freedom. Wayne was a Vietnam veteran, he also served in the Lebanon Crisis of 1958 and was presented with a Purple Heart for his injury during combat, a deserved acknowledgement of his physical sacrifice of service to the nation. He was renowned for his impressive marksmanship, leading training units in the art sharpshooting. He was a member of the Patoka American Legion Post #543. He was supported by the Disabled American Veterans, and a member of the National American Uniform Services. He was also a member of the Centralia VFW Post #2055, Masonic Lodge #144 of Midland, GA, Scottish Rite, Valley of Columbus in Columbus, GA. Wayne was a faithful servant of Jesus and a member of the Patoka First Baptist Church, where Wayne offered his life's experiences as testimony to the power and goodness of the Almighty God.

After his military career, he worked at the Goreville Machine Shop from 1977 – 1996, Williams County Agriculture from 1996 – 1999, and Goreville Machine Shop again from 1999 – 2001. With all his years of small engine mechanic's experience, everyone who knew Wayne knew, if you took him something that seemed beyond repair, he could fix it and make it useful again. Wayne loved going bass fishing, always looking forward to getting his boat out on the water. Wayne was an animal lover and he appreciated the companionship of his beloved dog, Bootsie. Wayne will be remembered for his appreciation of the simple things in life, his quiet confidence, his willingness to put others' needs before his own, and especially his love for the LORD.

A celebration of life service will be held at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the Patoka First Baptist Church with Pastor Reed Tallman officiating, followed by military rites accorded by the Patoka American Legion Post #543 at the church. Interment will be at the Patoka City Cemetery. Relatives and friends are welcome to a visitation from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday at the church in Patoka. Memorials may be made in Wayne's honor to Patoka Baptist Church. Online condolences and memories of Wayne may be shared with his family by visiting maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home's Facebook page. Day Macz Funeral Home in Patoka is privileged to be assisting with Wayne's services.