David Earl Keel, 63 of Taylorville passed away on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at 9:32 a.m. at his home in Taylorville following a courageous battle with lung cancer. He was born on August 30, 1961, in Taylorville, IL, the son of James Willard and Earlyne Jeanette (Burchfield) Keel. He was a 1979 graduate of THS. He married Angela Thunhorst on April 24, 1981, in Taylorville. David retired in 2018 after 28 years as a correctional officer with the Illinois Department of Corrections. For 19 years, he and his wife operated Keel’s Silk Screening, producing thousands of screen-printed shirts and merchandise for local sports teams, schools and businesses.  He was a die-hard Cubs fan member since 1969, and was very passionate about wildlife, especially birds. David also enjoyed spending time outdoors as well as fishing. He enjoyed spending his summers as a child in Hayward, WI. He cherished time with his family, especially watching his grandchildren’s sporting events. He was immensely proud of his grandchildren, who adored him, as well as his beloved grandpups. 

David is survived by his wife: Angie Keel of Taylorville; Daughter: April (Marty) Mateer of Taylorville, IL; Sons: Ryan (Lesley) Keel of Taylorville and Jordan Keel (Taylor Kincaid) of Taylorville, IL; Grandchildren: Owen and Myles Mateer, Landon and Morgan Keel; Sisters: Jaylene Norris of Olivette, MO and Dana (Linus) Schmid of Kincaid, IL and Several Nieces and Nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.     

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Davis Memorial Christian Church in Taylorville. Funeral service will begin immediately following the visitation starting at 7:00 p.m. with Pastor Dennis Metsker officiating. Inurnment will be held at a later date. 

Memorials may be made to Audubon, www.autobon.org,  in honor of his devoted love for birds. 

Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.