of Jerusalem, AR
March 30, 1932 - December 7, 2025
Bobby Earl Keeling age 93, of the Zion Hill community in northern Pope County died peacefully surrounded by his family on December 7, 2025. Bobby was born on March 30, 1932, in St. Joe, Arkansas, the oldest of four children born to Robert Hosea and Lona May Tilley Keeling.
He is predeceased by his parents, his wife of 59 years, W. Lois Witt Keeling, sisters JoBeda Cheney and O'Leta Melinda Dahlan, brothers Leon Lewis Keeling, and Jerry McKee, and brother-in-law Cletis Witt.
He is survived by his four children: Karen Lawson of Leslie, Kay (Jeffrey) Montgomery of Belleville, Karla (Harold) Carr of Hector, and David (April) Keeling of Zion Hill. Surviving grandchildren are Sarah (Corey) Paullin of Alread, Daniel (Valerie) Lawson of Leslie, Ethan (Rachel) Dutram of Juddville, Jason Carr of Hector, Michael Carr of Appleton, Amanda (Daniel) Casto of Tilley, Mason (Madison) Keeling of Praairie Grove, and Tanner Keeling, Landon Keeling and Aliza Keeling all of Zion Hill. Surviving great-grandchildren are Kalen Horton of Quitman, Ana (Trenton) Burton of Conway, Nate Carr and Emma Carr of Russellville, Jacob (Willow) Casto, Brent (Arabella) Casto, and four great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by brother-in-law Clell Witt and special friend Diane Canterbury.
Bobby attended schools in St. Joe, Arkansas and Yakima, Washington. He learned to farm with his father as a boy. As a young man Bobby worked with his father picking apples in the Yakima Valley. While continuing to work in an apple warehouse Bobby enrolled in a carpenter apprenticeship program attending night classes and graduated as a journeyman carpenter. Bobby joined the U.S. Coast Guard in 1952 and served as a machinist mate in the Korean conflict. After his discharge Bobby resumed working as a carpenter in Oakland, California. He met and married W. Lois Witt of the Zion Hill community in 1954, After the birth of two of their children Bobby and Lois moved from California back to Arkansas to raise their family and developed a beef cow/calf operation.
Bobby continued working as a carpenter through the Carpenters Union Local 1836 in Russellville. In 1969 Bobby became an instructor for an apprenticeship and journeyman program in Russellville. He served as the president of the Arkansas State Council of Carpenters from 1970-1974. From 1972-74, Bobby was the Carpentry Coordinator at Cass CCC, and afterward returned to farming.
Bobby worked in the community serving on the Alread school board, spearheading obtaining phone service for residents in northern Pope County and the paving of highway 16 west from Rupert. In addition to farming Bobby worked in the timber industry cutting and hauling logs, and was owner/operator of a sawmill and a country store. In his 70's he was employed as a Landman for Western Land Services. Bobby was a Mason and a member of Zion Hill Missionary Baptist church.
Visitation will be Tuesday December 16, 5:00p.m.-7:00p.m. at Roller McNutt Funeral Home in Clinton. Funeral services will be at the Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church on Wednesday, December 17 at 11:00a.m., followed by burial in Zion Hill Cemetery.
To express condolences online please visit www.rollerfuneralhomes.com
Pall bearers are Jason Carr, Michael Carr, Daniel Lawson, Ethan Dutram, Mason Keeling, Tanner Keeling, Landon Keeling.
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12 Condolence(s)
Earl W. Hendrix
Friday, December 12, 2025
My condolences to your family David and your sisters. I remember him and his wife going to peewee ball games supporting you. I watch your kids on you tube at Hector High. May God bless your family
Cecille Boyd
Thursday, December 11, 2025
Sending prayers to the family. May God continue to to watch over all of you give you comfort and peace
Diane Kelty
Thursday, December 11, 2025
Kay - We send prayers and strength to you and your family. Your father was quite talented and raised a wonderful family. Our sincerest condolences. With much love"Diane, John, Sean, Katie, and Emily
Sandra Francis
Thursday, December 11, 2025
It was a pleasure and an honor getting to meet and help care for your Dad in the last days of his life. He talked to me on our drives to dialysis about the things he had done in throughout his lifetime. Out of his jobs I believe carpentry was the one he was most proud of. That and his family. He talked of his kids accomplishments and how proud he was of each of you and his grandchildren. He also told me all about how he met his wife and their marriage. He liked talking about their adventures selling his potato crop! lol. He will be greatly missed by everyone I'm sure. Prayers for the family it was a pleasure to meet you all.
Melissa Montgomery
Thursday, December 11, 2025
Kay and family,
I'm so sorry for the loss of your dad. He raised a lovely person in you, Kay, so maybe I know him a little bit through you.
Barbara West
Thursday, December 11, 2025
Karen and Family, I'm sorry to see the passing of your Dad! I know he was one from the generation I so respect. I remember how you talked at work about your Dad and he led a good life!! Thoughts and prayers!
Sheila M .
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Did not know him long but from reading the history of his life he made the most of every day,raised my sister in law Kay,and the rest of their beautiful family,was a man of faith,so may he truly RIP 🙏Merry Christmas Bobby!!!
Heather
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Memories will live on forever. Angels sang when you arrived at those pearly gates. Prayers and love to the family in this difficult time.
Rodney and Wreneta Johnson
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Our deepest condolences to the family. You are all in our prayers as you deal with this great loss. May the Lord grant you peace and comfort.
Joyce Brock Palmer
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
To all of you I'm so very sorry for your loss. Mr. Keeling was a good man. Please know that y'all are in my prayers daily and my love is sent your way.
Shawna Jolly-Wilbanks
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Mrs Karen, Sarah, Daniel and Families- I'm so very sorry for your loss. Only God can get you through these most difficult times. I will pray for His strength, peace and comfort for you all. Love and hugs from me ♥️
Jessica Martin
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Sending hugs and love, praying for the entire family . I am so sorry for your loss!