Obituary of Michael Lee Keeling

Michael Lee Keeling was born September 28, 1945 in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Doris and Raymond Keeling. He left this earth December 8, 2020. From day one, his family knew this was no ordinary child. He graduated from Sapulpa High School and attended NEO in Miami. He married Lawanda Ledford in 1965 and celebrated 55 years of marriage in July. The couple had 3 children, Lori, Brian and Dea. He was a sheet metal Journeyman and later a Production Manager. He was with Southern Sheet Metal for 45 years. He was owner of Snake Farm Cactus and after retirement worked in his greenhouses growing and discovering new “special babies” (as he called them). He had may hobbies, each one becoming an obsession; snake hunting, shark fishing, pyrotechnics, cave exploring, macrophotography, just to name a few. He was a scout leader for many years and took his troop on many adventures. He was an excellent welder and loved making Geodesic Domes. He had a zoo with many kinds of animals and reptiles. He was dubbed “Snake Farm” by the county. He was a member of the International and several state Cactus clubs. He served as officer in the Tulsa Cactus Club for years. He was a member of Lee & Walnut Church of Christ for over 50 years. He obtained the only thing on his bucket list which was a 2016 Shelby GT 350 Mustang. It was his last obsession. He is survived by his wife Lawanda, daughter Lori Deaton (Rick), son Brian Keeling (Mindy) and daughter Dea Nelson (Mike). He has 5 grandsons: Kevin Deaton, Hunter Davenport (Avery), Braden Keeling, Nate and Dray Nelson; 4 granddaughters: Mallory Bell, Shelby Bell, Samara Bell, and Destiny Nelson. He is also survived by 1 great granddaughter Accalia Mae, mother-in-law Mary Ledford and sister-in-law Carolyn Birdsong (Ron) and several nieces and nephews. Michael was a great husband, father and papa and he will be greatly missed. www.greenhillok.com