of Batesville, AR
August 12, 1919 - July 25, 2021
Louis O.D. Kealer, Sr. 101, died Sunday, July 25, 2021 at Wood Lawn Nursing Home in Batesville, Arkansas.
He was born August 12, 1919 to Fred P. Kealer and Barbara Ann (Bluerock) Kealer in Batesville, Arkansas.
Living his younger years in Batesville, he enlisted in the U.S. Army during WWII, serving in the Philippines dredging out the canals for the U.S. ships to bring supplies in. Upon discharge from the Army, he began his career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He began working on the riverboats at Lock #1 on the White River in Batesville.
After 50 years of dedicated service with the Corps, he retired as Resident Manager over Nimrod Lake and Blue Mountain Lake.
He was honored to be in the Gallery of Distinguished Employees of the Little Rock District. His portrait hangs there today.
On December 3, 1936 he married his high school sweetheart, Doris Ruth Cox. After 54 years of marriage, she passed away. They had one son, Louis O.D. Kealer, Jr.
He was a faithful member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Batesville. He was a strong Christian man.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Doris Ruth Cox; an infant daughter and son; two brothers, Fred P. Kealer, Jr., and George Bartlett Kealer, Sr.; two sisters, Rose Dozier and Anna Mae McSpadden.
He will be greatly missed by his survivors; one son, Louis O.D. Kealer, Jr. and wife, Phyllis of Bryant, Arkansas; two granddaughters, Kim Meaders (Mike) of Bryant; Lisa Carver(Don) of Little Rock; four great-grandchildren, Dillon and Jacob Meaders, Madeline and Van Carver; many nieces, nephews and friends.
A graveside service will be at 10:00am Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at Oaklawn Cemetery in Batesville, officiated by Reverend Jim McDonald, Rector, St. Paul's Episcopal Church.
Pallbearers are Dillon Meaders, Jacob Meaders, Mike Meaders, Don Carver, Van Carver, and Danny Dozier. Honorary pallbearers are Scott McSpadden, Allen McSpadden, Tim Dozier, George Kealer, Jr., Jim Kaneaster, Patricia Ann, and James Owens.
A special thank you to the staff and nurses at Wood Lawn Nursing Home and Eagle Mountain Assisted Living.
In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul's Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 2255, Batesville, AR. 72503.
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23 Condolence(s)
Cheryl Lewis
Wednesday, July 28, 2021
So sorry for your loss. I remember all the times Uncle Louis and my grandfather were together. They were always joking around and laughing with each other always!!! They were the best of friends. All of them were. They were just special people and siblings. They were very lucky to have each other. May they all Rest In Peace together💙🦋
Jeff Wilbanks
Wednesday, July 28, 2021
An outstanding individual who served his country and all he encountered. Prayers of comfort for Louis Jr. and Family.
sharon eagans
Tuesday, July 27, 2021
Louis so sorry to hear about your Dad
Love to you & the children
Jean Burns
Tuesday, July 27, 2021
I am so sorry for the loss of Mr. Kealer. I pray that God will give you all peace and comfort during this most difficult time. I knew Mr. Kealer when I lived in Batesville. He lived across the street from a lady that I cared for in her home. He was a good neighbor to her. He will be missed by many.
Cheryl Lewis
Tuesday, July 27, 2021
So sorry for your loss. I remember all the times Uncle Louis and my grandfather were together. They were always joking around and laughing with each other always!!! They were the best of friends. All of them were. They were just special people and siblings. They were very lucky to have each other. May they all Rest In Peace together💙🦋
ervin odean parker
Tuesday, July 27, 2021
one of the finest men i have ever known. my condolences to my classmate and good friend, louis, jr. mr kealer will be sadly missed.
P.J. Spaul
Monday, July 26, 2021
Mr. Kealer led a long and remarkable life. He was respected by all who knew him. Louis, if there’s anything Eva and I can do to help you and your family during this difficult time, please feel free to call on us. We’re just down the at Benton.
Hoover Willard
Monday, July 26, 2021
I worked under Mr. Kealer's immediate supervision from 1972 until his retirement in 1989. He was a great man; a true leader and wonderful mentor. He believed that the Corps of Engineers was the best. I think of him almost daily and will never forget him. God bless each one in his family.
Phillip Risher
Monday, July 26, 2021
So sorry to hear this. Mr. Kealer was a great man. I really enjoyed working with him. I'm praying for his family.
Cathy Cameron
Monday, July 26, 2021
Louis and family,
What a wonderful man and Corps legend Mr. Kealer was !! He served his country with honor and dignity for a lifetime. Men like him are few and far between.
Treasure your memories. God bless you and your family during this time of grief.
Cathy Cameron
Tommy Park
Monday, July 26, 2021
Mr Kealer was a great man, a gentleman’s gentleman. He gave me my 1st job and was one of my heroes.
Fran Cook
Monday, July 26, 2021
Louis, I’m very sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. I know you’ll miss him. I will keep you & your family in my prayers and will certainly pray for your dad. God bless you all.
Vickey Stapleton Chambers
Monday, July 26, 2021
Mr.Kealer was a wonderful man. He gave me my first job for the Corps of Engineers at Blue Mtn. Lake where I worked for 12 summers. He was such a respected man.
Miles Johnson
Monday, July 26, 2021
Fifty years of honorable service to our Nation - an admirable feat rarely matched. Mr. Kealer played a role in the USACE development in Arkansas spanning generations that continues to contribute to the economic vitality of the state. A blessed and amazing career. My condolences to his family...
Jack Johnson
Monday, July 26, 2021
Mr. Kealer was a highly respected and professional public servant. He provided many of us a living example of service, conduct and community. Public service is a calling and he lived it. Well done and peace to you.
Clyde Gates
Monday, July 26, 2021
Mr. Kealer was a "C'ass Act" - always courteous and a gentleman. He was the type of person for whom you wanted to do well. I recall how tactful he was during the television interview after an elephant escaped and tried to enter the Nimrod compound. Also how he conducted himself during the Opal James kidnapping and murder. The world is lessened by his departure!
Lee Edward Bass
Monday, July 26, 2021
May he rest in peace and Louis hang on to the good memories. Praying for you my froend.
Lee
Robert F Rutt
Monday, July 26, 2021
It was a privilege to have known and worked with Mr. Kealer in the early years of my career with the Little Rock District of the Corps. He was always well respected as evidenced by the fact that most everyone addressed him as “Mr. Kealer”. He will be missed.
Robert & Anita Rutt
David Michael Wilkins
Monday, July 26, 2021
Sorry for his family's loss and send prayers to the family!
Fred Greenwood
Monday, July 26, 2021
Louis, my Mom was born on April 12, 1919, and died in March, 2018. She and your Dad both had a long and rewarding life but they never get too old to be missed. Judy and I are glad to have had the opportunity to know your Dad. Our best wishes to you.
Sharon Patton
Monday, July 26, 2021
Our prayers are with you in your time of need.
Tyrone Hammond
Monday, July 26, 2021
Rest In Peace (RIP) Mr. Kealer.
Henry Himstedt
Monday, July 26, 2021
So sorry to learn of Mr. Kealer passing. I offer my prayers to the Kealer family. I remember my meeting Mr. Kealer when I started with the Little Rock District in 1979. Wow, what a life he had!