John C. Keeling

On Tuesday, June 14, 2022, John Callen Keeling of Erie, Colorado, a loving husband and father, passed away at the age of 76.  John was born October 21, 1945, in Garden City, Kansas, to Jim and Mary Keeling.  John graduated from Scott City High School in 1964.  He joined the United States Navy and served in Vietnam from 1966 to 1970.  On June 13, 1966, he married Joyce Lavonne Mason of Lakin, Kansas.  They raised two daughters LaShawn and Hayley.  John had a passion for the outdoors including snow skiing, water skiing, camping, hunting, and most of all participating in many mountain-man rendezvous and events.  In his spare time he loved to ride his Harley Davidson.  John played a major role in helping restore the historic Fort Lupton.  He was known for his kind smile and his willingness to do anything for anyone, especially his grandchildren.

John was preceded in death by his father, Jim Keeling, mother Mary Keeling, and brother, Jay Keeling.  

He is survived by his wife, Joyce Keeling; his children, LaShawn Torres (Andrew Torres), and Hayley Bavero (Mike Bavero); his grandchildren Savannah Boone (Seth Boone), Mariah Torres, and Charley Bavero; and great-grandson Graham Boone; sister Kelsie Percival (Terry Percival); nephew Aron Percival and his four children Cooper, Brooklyn, Kennedy and Brekkyn; nephew Austin Mason (Kate) and daughter Madison; niece McKenzie Mason daughter Mya; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Committal and Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, June 30, 2022, at 1:15 pm at Fort Logan National Cemetery. Supplemental map is available on this page for those joining us. 

Fort Logan National Cemetery, 4400 W. Kenyon Ave, Denver, CO  80236.

Letter from John C. Keeling, December 9, 1991:

“If you are reading this letter, I have gone to the shining mountains in the sky.  Don’t be sad at my passing, I had a good and interesting life.  I did things most men only dream of doing, and though I didn’t leave a big mark on the world, I sure had a blast doing what I did. 
All of my love, Johnny”

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