Dennis "Larry" Lawrence Keel Sr.

Dennis Lawrence Keel Sr. “Larry”

Our beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin, and dear friend, Dennis Lawrence Keel Sr., passed away peacefully on June 12, 2025, at the age of 76.

He is survived by his loving wife, Cherry Keel; his brother, John (Jackie) Keel; his sisters, Connie (Steve) Clayburn, Glenda (Rick) Jeppsen, and Florenda (Nathan) Genereaux; and his brother-in-law, Neldon Anderson.

Larry was born on September 18, 1948, to John Lawrence Keel and Vilate Seegmiller Keel. He spent his early years in West Jordan, where annual family trips to places like Yellowstone ignited a lifelong passion for camping, fishing, and old trucks. As a teenager, his family relocated to Bridgeland in the Uintah Basin. There, he worked on the farm, a way of life he embraced out of duty more than desire (truth be told he didn’t like farming very much). After leaving home, Larry eventually settled in the small town of Vernal. The rugged beauty of the area captured his heart, giving him the perfect backdrop to enjoy the outdoor hobbies he loved. Though not born there, he proudly claimed Vernal as his hometown for the rest of his life.

Larry had a warm and engaging personality that naturally drew people in. He was a jokester at heart, always ready with a joke, a warm smile, and a hearty laugh. Whether among family, friends, or total strangers, he had the gift of gab. His spirited exclamations, “See how you are?!”, “Don’t I know it!”, “Oh yeah!”, “Have you heard this one?”, and “Lookin’ good, kid!” became his joyful trademarks.

One of the most memorable chapters in Larry’s later years was the journey he shared with his beloved wife of nearly ten years, Cherry, when they relocated from the familiar landscapes of Utah to the warm and welcoming community of Bastrop, Texas. It was a time of new beginnings and forming cherished bonds with extended family in their new home. Though Texas became his future, a part of his heart always remained in Utah, among the memories and mountains that had shaped so much of his life.

He leaves behind his sons, Dennis (Amber) Keel Jr. and Jayson Keel; his stepchildren, Chucky (Kristel) Adams and Sheena Hann; and his grandchildren: Crystal Austin, Cassi (Hailey) Baker, Courtney (Kyle) Butler, Shyanna (Zachary) Jordan, David (Jessica) Patterson, Breanna (Alik) Write, Dakota (Victoria) Patterson, Jowana Adams, Sharleanna Patterson, Jules Keel, Onyx Keel, and Ariel Adams. He is also survived by 13 great-grandchildren and 18 nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Cherylann Anderson; his grandson, Hunter Keel; and his son-in-law, Scott Hann.

A celebration of life will be held in Bastrop at a later date, with a graveside service at a later date at the Neola Cemetery. Friends and family are warmly invited to attend.