James Willard Keel, 83, of Taylorville, IL died at 3:15 am Sunday, April 7, 2013 at Taylorville Memorial Hospital.

He was born December 3, 1929 the son of Willard Claude and Vera Mae Kerns Keel.  On June 8, 1952 he married Earlyne J. Burchfield at Davis Memorial Christian Church. Mr. Keel was a very active member of the Davis Memorial Christian Church and the Men’s Fellowship.  Jim retired from the United States Postal Service with 35 years of service.  He was a member of the National Association of Letter Carriers and was a 1947 graduate of Taylorville High School.  He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and the Navy Reserves.  Jim was a quiet and humble man who loved his wife and children and especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.  He loved being outdoors and enjoyed gardening and fishing.

Survivors include his wife Earlyne Keel of Taylorville; Children: Jaylene Norris of Olivette, MO, David Keel and wife Angela and Dana Montes and husband Carmelo all of Taylorville.  There are 8 Grandchildren: Heather Eusebio and husband Alex of Olivette, MO, Hilary Younker of Clarksville, TN, Christopher Norris of Taylorville, April Mateer and husband Marty of Kincaid and Ryan Keel and wife Lesley and Jordan Keel, Erica Montes, and James Montes  all of Taylorville.  4 Great Grandchildren: Gavin Norris, Owen Mateer, Myles Mateer, and Jakob Eusebio.  Ryan and Lesley Keel are expecting Jim’s 5th great grandchild in July.  Also surviving is a brother, Lyle Keel and wife Sharon of Trinity, FL.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am Thursday, April 11, 2013 at Davis Memorial Christian Church with Rev. Bill Kerns officiating.  Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Wednesday at McClure Funeral Home and one hour prior to services in the church on Thursday.

Memorials may be made to: Davis Memorial Christian Church Youth Group or the Men’s Fellowship, 1500 West Franklin, Taylorville, IL, 62568.

Condolences may be sent online at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com