John Robert (Johnny) Keel

John Robert (Johnny) Keel, age 61, passed away on November 25, 2010 after a courageous decade long fight against colon cancer. A native of Ballinger, TX, he was born on August 1, 1949 to Gene and Nell Keel. Preceded in death by his parents, Johnny also faced the loss of his infant daughter, Stephanie. He also witnessed the passing of his in-laws, J.W. and Frances Vanhook.
Johnny was an inspiration to all, but he was a better friend. While battling cancer, he took time to help others who found themselves in similar circumstances. Even when he was feeling bad, his positive attitude toward life inspired everyone around him to be positive as well. All who knew Johnny were motivated by his bravery and strength. He will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his wife, Peggy Keel, who was his friend, soul mate and the love of his life. He described her as a wonderful quarterback during his illness and wanted her to know how grateful he felt for her fighting by his side. “I thank her from the bottom of my heart for all she did to keep me alive.”
He is also survived by his son, Todd Keel, of Dallas, TX, and sister, Genie (Mike) Vogler, of Georgetown, TX. His surviving stepchildren are Jeff (Nicole) McMillen of Lebanon, TN and Laura (Andrew) Trantum of Hendersonville, TN. Surviving grandchildren are Gavin and Liam McMillen and Rylee Laine Trantum.
Johnny graduated from the University of Texas in 1972 and opened Johnny Keel's Northwest Fitness Centers in 1979. The longest serving fitness centers in Austin, TX, he owned the successful business until 1999. After selling his business, he worked for many years with his wife at Sports Village in Lebanon, serving as co-owner and General Manager.
An avid golfer for most of his life, Johnny played briefly for the University of Texas. As an accomplished amateur, he won the prestigious Devlin Trophy; finished second in the Harvey Penick Invitational; ranked in the Top 5 of the Austin City Championship three straight years; and was Five Oaks Senior Champion in 2005, 2006 and 2007.
Johnny was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Lebanon and was a member of the Rotary Club of Lebanon, in which he was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow.
Visitation will be from 3:30 to 8:00 pm Tuesday, November 30, 2010 and at 10:00 am Wednesday, December 1, 2010 at the First United Methodist Church in Lebanon. Funeral services will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Lebanon at 12:00 pm Wednesday, December 1, 2010, with Dr. Martin Thielen officiating. Pallbearers are Jack Bell, Rick Bell, Bob Black, Cary Crawford, and Larry Keller, all of Lebanon; Don Cockerham of Austin; Billy Hale, of San Antonio, TX; and Terry Jack Rucker of Lubbock, TX. Members of the Sports Village staff and members of the Rotary Club of Lebanon will serve as Honorary Pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, it was Johnny's wishes that donations be made to Sherry's Run or the First United Methodist Church in Lebanon.