Charles 'Chuck' Alfred Keeler
December 19, 1941 ~ February 23, 2013
Resided in:
Pueblo, CO
Charles 'Chuck' Alfred Keeler, 71, passed away Feb. 23, 2013. Chuck was born Dec. 19, 1941, in Raton New Mexico to Cecil A. and Bertha A. Keeler. He graduated from Raton High School in 1960. While attending high school, he started working with his dad at the local Safeway store. Chuck withdrew from Texas Western College to enlist in the Army to serve his country during the Vietnam War. He returned home in 1965, continuing his career with Safeway.
Chuck married Sharon L. (Morgan) Keeler in Raton, New Mexico in 1966. His career, as a Safeway manager, allowed them to live in and enjoy many cities including, Pueblo, Colo, Walsenburg, Colo, La Junta, Colo, Clayton, New Mexico, Grand Junction, Colo, Durango, Colo and Salida, Colo. He and Sharon had a son in 1968, while in Pueblo and a daughter in 1973, while in La Junta. They were married until Sharon passed from breast cancer in 1997.
Chuck retired in 1998, after a 43 year career with Safeway. Being retired allowed him more time to spend with his new wife Carmen (Voss) Keeler, whom he married in 1999. After retiring, Chuck and Carmen were able to focus on their hobbies and grandchildren. Chuck most enjoyed teaching his grandsons the finer points of hunting and marksmanship.
Chuck was an avid sportsman. He dabbled in archery and guns when he was young and it continued throughout his life. He hunted some, but spent most of his spare time at various shooting matches and many disciplines over the years. Chuck was known by his S.A.S.S alias: Chuckwagon Chuck. He prided himself on his shooting accomplishments and even started casting his own bullets and shooting black powder.He is survived by his wife, Carmen Keeler; brother, Curtis Keeler of Raton, New Mexico; children, Shawn Keeler of Salida, Colo., Kimberly Roth of Bayfield, Colo.; step-children, Aaron Voss of Phoenix, Ariz. and Laura Harley of Tonto Basin, Ariz.; grandchildren, Blake and Tyler Horstman and Evan Roth; great-grandchildren, Renee and Elisabeth Horstman; four nieces; and four nephews. Chuck passed away from complications from by-pass surgery he had in October. At his request, there will be no services. Cremation has taken place and his ashes will be scattered at a favorite place in the mountains in the spring. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Bayfield Super Shooters, 564 County Road 504, Bayfield, CO 81122 (La Plata County 4H Club). His family would like to thank the staff of Minnequa Medicenter for their care, support and kindness. Online condolence, www.montgomerysteward.com
Chuck was a nearby neighbor in Raton. My husband worked at Safeway in Raton for about 7-8 years for Cecil. We hadn’t seen Chuck for years. He was a good guy. Condolences to your family! Paul and Kathryn Schulte
Chuck and I were classmates at Raton High School. I was sorry to learn of his passing. My deepest sympathy to the entire family.
Dear Kim and Shawn and families,
I am so sorry to hear about your Dads passing. I remember him so well at Safeway and enjoyed running into him here and there to ask how you all were doing and how he was doing at his shoots. This is a very sad time for you and I will keep you lifted up in prayer. He and your Mom left a good heritage and many good memories to fill your hearts.
Sincerely,
Mary Webb
Randy Summers
Carmen, I was saddened to hear of Charlie’s passing. I hadn’t seen him in over 50 years but thought of him often over the years. We went to school together from the first through the ninth grade and were good friends, it is ironic that I too have a son named Shawn. Bless you and his children.
Carmen,
Sorry to hear about Chuck. We always enjoyed visiting with him at the Safeway Picnics. God bless you and the family. Dave and Barb Jackson
Very sorry to here about chuck, we have not seen him for a long time, a long time safeway friend. Hope the best and God bless his family.
Leonard & Joan Swartwood
Carmen;
I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you and Chuck at his passing. I only knew him a short time, but I felt a friendship that I appreciated and I looked forward to talking with him. There are never good or adequate words to say at times like these, but these words are true; I liked Chuck, and I admired your steel in a very hard time. What I saw was you showing love, kindness, tenderness and steadfastness. Thank you for trusting me with his care.
Ray T.
Carmen,
Brian and I are saddened by Chuck’s passing. He was always nice to us at the shooting events. He will be missed in Watkins at the monthly matches. At this tough time, you need to focus on the good times and remember his smile and laughter. He was quite a guy,
Brian and Renee Lane
You fought a hard battle. We will miss our get-togethers with you and Carmen. It just doesn’t seem real. We will miss you. Our sorrow and love to all his family and friends. Pat, Bev, Carrie Van Ryn
Our heart-felt sympathies to Carmen and to Chuck’s daughter, Kim, and his son, Shawn, and Chuck’s brother, Curtis. Chuck was one of my closest friends and one of the best men I’ve known. Thanks for all the good times, Chuck. I’ll miss you, buddy!
Gary and Maggie Schweitzer
Our deepest condolences.
Jim and Joyce