Services this afternoon for James McKeel, baker, killed in tornado

(The following obituary is taken from the Parker Mortuary website.)

James Edward McKeel, age 69, Joplin, passed away on Sunday, May 22, 2011 at his home as a result of injuries sustained in the tornado.


Jim was born October 22, 1941 in Warsaw, Illinois, son of the late Marvin and Ollie McKeel. He was a baker for over 30 years for several companies in the Joplin area. He enjoyed life, and was always trying to make people smile. He loved to entertain and cook for his family.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Donna Marie McKeel in 1999. Jim was with his current wife, Mary McKeel, during the tornado, she also passed away.

Survivors include sons, Jimmy McKeel of Asbury, Missouri, and Kenny McKeel of Lebanon, Missouri; daughters, Jamey McKeel of Duenweg, Missouri and Regina McNamara of Webb City, Missouri; grandchildren, Darin Keen, Ashley Hoskins, Dylan Ward, Amber Ward, Brandi Whitehead, Jesseca McNamara, Samantha McNamara; great-grandchildren, James Micheal Keen, Brandon Hoskins, Bailyn Mercer, Zachary Whitehead, and Austin Whitehead.

Memorial service will be held on Friday, June 3, 2011 at 3:00 p.m. at Forest Park Baptist Church with Dr. John Swadley officiating. Interment will follow at 4:00 p.m. at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery.