Obituary of Sam F. Keel

Graveside services for Sam Keel, 95, originally of Troup, will be held Monday, September 28, 2015, at 3:00 p.m. at Union Grove Cemetery in Troup under the direction of Cottle Funeral Home. Mr. Keel passed away peacefully on Friday, September 25, 2015 at his home in Edgewood. Sam was born October 13, 1919 in Red Oak Flat, Texas to Fred Keel and Addie Toole Keel. Sam grew up in Red Oak Flat before relocating and living the rest of his life in the Troup and Whitehouse area. Mr. Keel proudly served his country in the United States Navy from March 1941 through October 1945. During that time, Mr. Keel fought in the Battle of the Guadalcanal, the Battle of Empress Augusta Bay, also serving on the USS Saratoga, Fleet Photographic Squadron One, the USS Wilkes-Barre, and the USS West Virginia. Mr. Keel was awarded two Bronze Stars for his actions during an operation in 1945 and for his participation as a Unit of Task Force Fifty-Eight. While serving on the USS Wilkes-Barre, Sam was at the treaty signing and surrender of the Tokyo Bay Area. Sam was also at the raising of the first American Flag at Iwo Jima. Mr. Keel worked for the oil field before and after the war working his way up to tool pusher. He also owned a convenience store in Whitehouse for many years. Mr. Keel was preceded in death by his parents, Fred Keel and Addie Keel, four sisters, two brothers, his daughter, Jean Nash, and a grandson, Sam Nash. He is survived by two daughters, Janie Orsborn and husband Jerry of Edgewood, Claudene Stainback and husband Larry of Whitehouse; one sister, Dorothy Miller of San Augustine; five grandchildren, Sherry Givens, Barry Orsborn, Scotty Stainback, Angie Murphree, and Rob Nash and five great grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Jerry Orsborn, David Orsborn, Barry Orsborn, Hunter Murphree, Scotty Stainback, and Andy Stainback. The family will receive friends and loved ones from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Monday, September 28, 2015, at Cottle Funeral Home in Troup.