Heskel P Keeter

Heskel P. Keeter was born on George’s Creek, near Yellville, Arkansas, on August 3, 1927. He grew up in the Ozarks and in the flatlands of Arkansas with his parents and four brothers. He served his country first in the US Army Air Corps, then as a charter member of the US Air Force. He served during the post-war occupation and rebuilding of Germany, and had fond memories of the people there.

Upon his return, he met and married Ada Lee Adams in the small, “blink of an eye” settlement of Campbell Station, AR, where Heskel’s father served as the first mayor. Consistent employment opportunities drew him to Michigan, where he began a long career in construction, utilizing his dedication to hard work and his incredible, near-artistic vision for imagining and creating solutions to practical problems. He and Ada raised two children: Patricia Calhoun (Jerry) of Mountain Home, AR; and Michael Keeter (Camie) of Ridgecrest, CA.

Heskel and Ada Lee retired back to the Ozarks in 1989, and with his usual industriousness and hard work, they created a pleasant and welcoming home out of raw mountainside. Ada passed away in Feb of 2011, and in 2013 Patricia and Jerry came to live with him and provide support.

Over the years, he was a beloved grandfather to Kelley Eiden (Mountain Home, AR), Gavin Fielder (Chico, CA), and Elliott Keeter (Ridgecrest, CA). He was an awesome great-grandfather to Jessica Campbell (Zach), Robert Eiden (Abby), and Rebecca Eiden, all of Mountain Home. In recent years, he welcomed a fifth generation: Lylah Grace Campbell and Tyler Eiden. His warmth and gentleness, along with his creativity and patience in teaching and supporting, will long be remembered by his descendants.

He will also be remembered for his subtle cleverness, his dry sense of humor, and the occasional bit of sarcasm – all traits of the Keeter boys and of their father, Wilson.

Heskel passed away on October 9, 2016 in Mountain Home after a short illness, with family by his side. All of his descendants survive him, and are forever grateful for his kindness, his empathy, his consideration of others, and for the model he provided of a great husband, father, citizen, and man.

He is also survived by two brothers, Howell Keeter of Dearborn Heights, MI and Larry Keeter of Montrose, Scotland; as well as many loving extended family members.

The family will hold a private service later this year.

Memorials may be made to the Donald W. Reynolds Library.

Arrangements are by Kirby and Family Funeral and Cremation Services.