Dennis Allen Keels

Dennis was born November 5, 1960 in Columbus. Ohio. He was the baby of the family of7 boys and 2 girls. He was the product of Franklin County schools and a graduate of East High School. He was reared and nurtured in the community of his birth. He moved to Houston following the lead of his big brother, Elmer, owner of the Hickory Cart. Eager to please his mentor, Dennis quickly became versed in every aspect of the business from food preparation to business management. His passion for cooking (which he got from his mother) led to his mastery of the "tastiest barbeque this side of heaven". His coworker, Lucretia, introduced him to her older sister which sparked an inextinguishable flame. After meeting the Reece clan, his induction was immediate. Not only did they fall for each other, but Dennis fell in love with "Gran" too. She instantly became his "Texas Mother". On June 11, 1988, Dennis and Joyce made God and each other a promise to love, honor and cherish each other until death parted them. Dennis positively answered the most important question asked of any man: "Are You Saved?" He accepted Christ as his savior and became a member of the Greater Mt. Pillow Baptist Church led by Rev. James W. E. Dixon, II. This decision altered his life and positioned him to allow God to order his steps. A new creature emerged who was hungry for the Word and eager to develop his faith. He quickly became "sold out" for the cause of Christ and committed and supported the Pastor and programs of the church. His drive, dedication and support were undeniable. He was ordained as a deacon, and considered it an honor and privilege to serve in his "green ministry jacket" during the Northwest Community Church banner days of Striving For Excellence. When his season of service ended, Dennis led his family to The Refreshing Church in November, 2009, founded by Pastor John Murray. He continued his Christian walk in the Word, and continued being who he was and doing what he did! The menu at most church events was facilitated by Keels Catering with all the fixings; not to mention the individual orders for brisket, ribs and fried turkey from church members and friends. Even when health challenges dictated his level of service, he pressed on, finally relying on the prayer line from which he gained comfort and strength for the remainder of his journey. At this writing, we have not heard him utter a single complaint! Dennis and hard work were synonymous. His employment history includes the Harris County Building Superintendent's Department, Well Fargo Courier Service, GE Healthcare, and Malinkrodt Delivery. At one point, he worked two jobs, in addition to barbecuing for all that placed orders. With the support of his "A Team" Serving Crew, he was able to cater weddings, family reunions, school and corporate functions. He still found time to pursue one of his many passions, gardening. Dennis could often be found landscaping his lawn, planting flowers in his Texas Mom's lawn as well as tending to the yard of surrounding neighbors. If you really knew Dennis, you know about "Just Because" which he founded and spearheaded from 2004-2014 at Bear Creek Park. A day of celebration, grounded in love, fueled by fellowship and by all meansgarnished with lots of good food, music and fun and games for the entire family. All Dennis required was that friends and family gather, enjoy each other, not take any "to go" plates, and leave the video games at home. His aim was to have a positive, love-sharing, fun-filled setting"Just Because" with no other events attached and absolutely no price tag associated. This was also the time for him to showcase his DJ skills and share his extensive CD collection. On March 31, 2015, Dennis told Joyce that "he was tired"not complaining, but stating a fact. He did much to prepare his wife, children, family and friends for what he came to accept as God's divine plan. He prayed much and developed his Spirit-man as his unalterable appointment drew near. His last evening was spent under the loving and watchful care of his brothers Elmer and Marvin. On the morning of April 15th in the comfort of his home, the creator called and his creation answered. Holding true to their vows as husband and wife, Joyce sat by his bedside reciting the 23 Psalm and as Dennis drew his last breath she said Amen. Dennis was preceded in death by his father, Hollis Keels, and brother, Clifford Keels. He is survived by his forever faithful wife, Tilda "Joyce", and their children, Jase Allen, Shannon Andrea, Darius Jamal and Kamronn Alexis, all of Houston, Texas; his mother, Juanita Cofer, (Columbus, OH, ~ Wexner Nursing Facility); 5 brothers: Hollis Keels (Sharon) of Columbus, OH; Gary Keels (Frances) of Cincinnati, OH; Eldon Keels of Columbus, OH; Elmer Keels (Anna) of Woolwich, NJ; Marvin Keels of Baton Rouge, La; 2 sisters: Emily Allison (Howard) of Sidney, OH, and Alesa Steinbrook of Leesburg, FL; 7 Sister-in-Laws: Diane Franklin (San Bruno, CA.) Shirley Waltersdorf (Frank) of Houston, TX; Linda Whitaker (James) of Missouri City, TX; Marilyn Baker; Melba Cloud; Virginia Oliver and Lucretia Lewis (Loyd) of Houston, TX: 2 brother-in-laws: Herman Reece (Sandy) of Houston, TX; Cleotis Reece (Diane) of Austin, TX, and Calvin Reece of Houston TX; 44 nieces and nephews, other relatives, friends, coworkers, neighbors and customers, all left to cherish his memory, but too numerous to list. Dennis had a knack for staying the course, even in friendships: Madison Murphy, Tony Hamm, Cassius Carter, Melvin Lewis, Ollie Evans, James Jackson, Maurice Lamb, Roy DeWalt, Dan Williams and Kim Watson, are just a few of his friends who ultimately became brothers as their hearts were knit together in a bond that neither time nor turbulence could tarnish. This is especially true in the kindred relationship he shared with his "Brother" in all things Loyd Lewis and his fatherly covering of Niece/Daughters, Chelsea Lewis and Amber Demerson. He shared a special love relationship with "T-Baby" (Doris Thompkins) that was approved by Joyce. On the last leg of his journey, his "Best Friend on Four Legs" remained loyally at his side. Sam provided peaceful companionship for Dennis and had a way of keeping the entire family centered. A man of rare distinction, his life was characterized by his unwavering faith, boundless love of family and friends, his strong work ethic and a guy who possessed an unparalleled zeal for living. Dennis leaves us all this message: If you don't miss me; I didn't make a difference. If it doesn't hurt, I wasn't a part of you. If you didn't learn from me; you weren't paying attention. If you hadn't been there; I don't know what I'd have done. And, without your help, this race I would never have won. Love "D"