William Keith Pelzel

1929 - 2026

William Keith Pelzel Heaven has a new couple dancing the Westphalia Waltz. William joined his beloved dance partner of 68 years, Peggy, on January 19, 2026.

William Keith Pelzel was born in Lott, Texas on July 21, 1929. His parents were Alois Pelzel and Irene Williamson Pelzel. He lived in Barclay, Texas on the family farm and attended school in Barclay. His love for farming and gardening began at an early age as a necessity under the guidance of his dad and continued until just a few years ago as a hobby. It was a passion that he passed on to his daughter Judy.

William learned how to weld from the teaching of local blacksmith, Frank Sukup. He also learned how to tinker on cars with his dad.

His skills and work ethics were noticed by Lee Ray McAtee who owned the local Chevrolet Dealership. He was offered a part time job cleaning up new cars that were shipped in by rail and helping in the auto repair shop as needed. Thus began his career at the Chevy shop that spanned over five decades.

In 1948, William rekindled an early childhood friendship when he noticed a beautiful redhead walking past the shop on her way home from school. He offered to buy her a Coke and they were instantly smitten with each other. Two years later, on December 23, 1950, they were married in the First Baptist Church in Rosebud. They married during Peggy's Christmas break from Rosebud High School as William was about to leave for basic training with the US Army in Fort Chafee, Arkansas. William was deployed to Korea in May of 1951. He served on the front lines as an infantry soldier and was wounded in action a year later. He was awarded a Purple Heart Medal for Valor and Service.

Upon William's return from Korea, he and Peggy put down permanent roots in Rosebud where they became very active in the community. William returned to work at McAtee Chevrolet as promised. He started as a stocker in the parts department, later working up to Parts Manager. This was followed by becoming Service Manager, State Inspection Agent and wrecker driver, all while honing his skills as a Master Auto Body Specialist. Later restoring old Chevrolet vehicles for himself and the McAtee became a passion.

Upon the closing of the local dealership, William went on board with Richard Trubee at Trubee's Auto Repair Shop to assist Richard with his new business.

William Joined the Rosebud Volunteer Fire Department immediately upon their return home. He was a dedicated active member until his retirement at the age of 75, but he stayed in the department as an active reserve. He was honored with a lifetime membership by his RVFD brothers.

William is survived by his only child, Judy and fur baby Trooper, along with his extended families he called his own; Pomykal, DeShazo, Larson, Gutierrez and White.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be given to the Rosebud Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Bo 552, Rosebud, TX 76570.

Pallbearers will be past and active members of the Rosebud Volunteer Fire Department.

Services will be held on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Cook-Gerngross-Green-Patterson Funeral Home in Rosebud. Visitation will be held on Monday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.