Dr. Richard Oliver Keelor

02/20/1937 - 07/22/2024

Richard Keelor, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, passed peacefully surrounded by the love of his family at his home in Gainesville, VA on Monday, July 22, 2024, at the age of 87.
Richard served at all levels of the health promotion and physical fitness profession. In 1972, he was personally selected by Astronaut James Lovell of Apollo 13 fame, to serve as Director of Program Development for the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports (PCPFS). He served this presidential agency over a ten-year period under four administrations.
He received numerous awards that reflected his passion and commitment to "Shape Up America". In 2008, he was awarded the PCPFS Council's Lifetime Achievement Award. The award honors his 50 years in creating change in health promotion and physical fitness and improving lives around the world. Richard was admired for his dedication and focus on health advocacy and leadership training. He was awarded the U.S. Jaycees Healthy American Fitness Award in 1984, the highly coveted Winston Churchill Award of the United Kingdom for exceptional leadership in the health and fitness field, and the prestigious Distinguished Service Award from the International Association of Worksite Health Promotion. The National Association of Governor's Councils on Physical Fitness and Sports honored Richard as the first recipient of the Glenn V. Swengros Memorial Award in honor of his ongoing national leadership in promotion of health and physical activity. He was not just an extraordinary director of the President's Council on Fitness and Sports; he was a beacon of inspiration, a guiding light in the pursuit of health and excellence. His unwavering commitment to promoting fitness and wellness has left an indelible mark on our nation, shaping the lives of many, from young athletes to seasoned professionals.
Richard is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn Keelor, his children Kelly (Keelor) Mowe (the late Blake Mowe), of Lawrenceville, GA, Richard and his wife Rose Keelor, of Round Hill, VA; and Ryan Keelor and his wife Josette Keelor, of Berryville, VA. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Caroline, Annemarie, and Katelynn Mowe and Sarah, Grace, and Olivia Keelor and great grandchild Noah Mowe, along with many other family members and dear friends. He is preceded in death by his parents the late Oliver H. Keelor and Rachel A. Gifford Keelor of Redondo Beach, California and stepmother Genevieve Keelor of Torrance, California.
Friends are invited to celebrate his life on Sunday, August 11, 2024, 2 p.m. at Unity of Fairfax, 2854 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton, VA 22124 and live streamed at UnityofFairax.org/live. Followed by a reception at the Vienna Moose Lodge, 9616 Courthouse Rd. Vienna, Va 22181. Contributions may be made in his honor at his high school alma mater Redondo Union High School- Link: https://redondounionasb.myschoolcentral.com/ and selecting the category "Football." Make a donation to the "Richard Keelor Memorial Donation".