Roll Call Tribute

Published on yourconroenews.com from Nov. 5 to Nov. 18, 2014

Thomas Willard "T.W." Keeland

T.W. Keeland, age 90, passed away peacefully in his home on November 4, 2014. He was born in New Waverly, Texas, on April 28, 1924 to the late Llewellyn Milikien Keeland and Kirby S. Keeland. He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Sue Whitley Keeland. He is survived by two sons: Thomas S. Keeland (wife Kathy) and Robert W. (Bob) Keeland, 4 grandchildren: Kelly Keeland Peck (husband Tom), Ryan L. Keeland, Kyle R. Keeland (wife Stefanie) and Lauren Keeland Alphonso, 4 great-grandchildren: Katelyn Keeland, Ty Keeland, Trace Keeland and Alden Alphonso, and two special family friends: Jan Herklotz and Joe Whitehead. By his family and close friends he was lovingly called "Nena".As a young man, T.W. attended Allen Academy in Bryan, then Texas A&M University before leaving to proudly serve in the 8th Air Force during WWII. He returned to complete a degree from the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking from Southern Methodist University. He was a businessman and entrepreneur in the New Waverly and Huntsville areas throughout his life. He owned and operated a ranch, an insurance agency and a hardware store in New Waverly, but banking became his true interest, owning banks in New Waverly, New Caney and Huntsville. He enjoyed the banking business for 50 years before retiring.

He developed many interests, with the primary one being hunting with his wife, Sue, his sons, and later with his grandchildren. He was an avid 42 player and was known among the family for "renigging" occasionally. He loved music and singing; he served as the song leader of the Methodist Church in New Waverly for many years, and enjoyed singing with the Huntsville Men's Choir. T.W. served in a variety of civic positions in both New Waverly and Huntsville, with his most memorable being the election as Mayor of New Waverly and President of the New Waverly ISD School Board. He especially loved sports, and for many years played golf with his family and friends, and was an active supporter of the Sam Houston Golf Teams. Later in his life he loved to watch baseball, football and golf on T.V. and would passionately discuss plays, scores and strategies with visitors in his home.T.W. was a member and a Past Master of the John Sims Masonic Lodge #458 A.F. & A.M. in New Waverly. He was recently recognized for 68 years of membership there, an honor he treasured.

Services for T.W. Keeland will be held on Friday, November 7, at 10:00AM at the Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home, Huntsville, Texas with Pastor Scott Dornbush officiating. Burial will follow a graveside service at 11:30AM in the Hill Cemetery in New Waverly. Viewing and visitation with the family will be held on Thursday, November 6, from 5:00-7:00PM at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in his honor be made to the First United Methodist Church, 1016 Sam Houston Avenue, Huntsville, TX 77320.

The family wishes to express a special thanks to Dr. Tom Cole, Claudie White, Nancy Lara, Melissa Lara, Betty Humphreys, Karen Henriquez, and Elva Johnson for the dedicated care and attention they provided.

Memorial condolences may be made to the family online at www.shmfh.com.

Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home - Huntsville, 936-291-7300

Funeral Home

Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home
1700 Normal Park Dr. Huntsville, TX 77340
(936) 291-7300