Flem was a man of few words but made a great impact on so many. He was devoted to his wife, his family and his church, He graduated from Weslaco High School in 1950, attended college in Edinburg and Corsicana and served in the 36th Infantry Division of the Texas National Guard.
Flem married his first wife, Shirley Blue, in 1952 and they had four sons. Flem found the job of a lifetime with Dow Chemical in Freeport, Texas and they moved to Lake Jackson. He was a zealous worker and received an award for not missing a day of work for 28 consecutive years. He was an active member of the International Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) in Lake Jackson and later in Conroe. He retired after 31 years with Dow, but was subsequently hired as a consultant because of his knowledge of plant operations.
Flem married his second wife, Evelyn, in 1972 and welcomed her three children Barrett, Doug and Darlene into his family. Flem and Evelyn had been childhood friends in Weslaco, Texas.
Flem loved sports! He played football and baseball at Weslaco High School and passed that passion on to his children. He always had an opinion on how a play should go or how to improve. Flem especially loved baseball and was a Little League umpire for many years. You could often find him in his recliner watching a sporting event. He was not one to shout or cheer during the games but to just say “dern!” when the play wasn’t as he expected. He went to Willis High School games during his retirement years with his best friend and brother-in-law Glenn Haas.
Flem was a devout Presbyterian and committed his life to his church in Lake Jackson and later in Conroe. He served as an usher and in leadership roles in both churches. He also worked with Habitat for Humanity and devoted over 30 years to Meals on Wheels in Conroe. Flem was unwavering in his devotion to his wife Evelyn and cared for her during her illness until her death in 2018.
Flem is preceded in death by his loving wife Evelyn, his parents Flem Sr. and Constance Keathley, son’s Timmy Keathley and Doug Keathley, brothers David Keathley and Stanley Keathley and sister Donna Nell Keathley Dill.
Flem is survived by his sons Mike Keathley and wife Rosanne, Gary Keathley and wife Pam, Jimmy Keathley, Barrett Keathley, and his daughter Darlene Hogan and husband John. He is also survived by nine grandchildren Matthew Keathley and wife Syvette, Mitchell Keathley and wife Amanda, Phillip Keathley and wife Anna, Jennifer Keathley Lunceford and husband Colton, Lindsay Keathley, Lillian Hogan, Bryce Hogan, Nicholas Keathley, William Keathley, four great-grandchildren, Brooklyn and Lane Keathley, Blake and Raegan Kominczak, and many loving family and friends.
The family wishes to thank Ms. Brenda Miranda for her dedication and care for Flem while he was living at The Tremont Retirement Community!
A visitation will occur Wednesday, March 13, 2024 from 10:00AM to 11:00 AM at First Presbyterian Church Conroe. A Funeral Service will follow at 11:00AM. A graveside will occur Wednesday, March 13, 2024 from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM at Garden Park Cemetery, 801 Teas Rd, Conroe, TX 77303.
Services officiated by family member, Scot Bryant.
