Bobbie Joe Keeling (Bob) was born November 2, 1940, in Del Norte, Colorado and passed away February 25, 2017, at the Pueblo Veterans' Community Living Center. Bob attended the Del Norte schools before enlisting in the United States Navy on February 15, 1959. Bob served at Kingsville, Texas before transferring to the Air Craft Carrier the USS Lexington. Bob was injured in an explosion while in the Navy and suffered long-term disability. His favorite times were going to the Colorado Mountains, where he enjoyed hunting and fishing when he was younger. Had his health been better, he would have liked to return to the San Luis Valley, which he considered home. During the latter years of his life he resided at various living facilities in Southeast Colorado where he received Veterans services.  He had lived at the Pueblo VA Community Living Center since it opened 15 years ago. Bob was discharged from the US Navy October 1962.

Bob is survived by brothers Bill Keeling of Chandler, AZ; Jim Keeling of Alamosa, CO; David Keeling of San Diego, CA; and sisters Betty Brian of Norton, KS; and Judy Day of Del Norte, CO.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents Willie Jackson Keeling and Aileen Francis (Bradshaw) Keeling, and brother Ben Keeling. Cremation was chosen and Bob will be laid to rest in the Del Norte Cemetery.