He was born August 4, 1936 in Elk City, Oklahoma to William Wesley Keas, Sr. and Dovie Leath Coley Keas. He earned a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from the University of Oklahoma before joining the United States Army where he served as a Judge Adjutant General (JAG) out of Fort Hood. Proud of his service to the nation, he reached the rank of Captain.
Considered the first Family Law Specialist in Corpus Christi, the Texas Bar recognized and celebrated his 50 years in the legal profession. He achieved the 32nd degree Mason in the Al Amin Shriners organization.
He devoted much love and attention to his family, initiating a Labor Day tradition on the Guadalupe River that now extends to the fourth generation. Taking the grandchildren to the Texas State Fair each year was another highlight.
Bill and cherished wife of 27 years Lenora, shared many adventures and SCUBA dove off Belize, kayaked, snow-skied, fished and traveled extensively in Canada, Mexico and Central America. Considered a “complete professional and loving husband,” his family recalls his intellect, sense of humor, and determination. In addition to his collection of non-fiction books are several fiction novels Bill wrote, but chose not to publish. After retiring from the legal profession, he taught law courses at Del Mar College and area universities.
He was preceded in death by his parents: William W. Keas, Sr. & Dovie Coley Keas; also, a daughter, Debra Willoughby. In addition to his wife Lenora, his survivors include daughters Carol Sandoval (Jorge), Alisa Braho (Keith) and sons Nathan Keas (Karry) and Mark Kurtz (Laura Ann), along with grandchildren Kristina, Joshua, Kendra, Reece, McKenna, Ian, Carter, Chrissy, and Fitzgerald, great-grandchildren Harper and Adalynn , step-brother Charles Bannworth (Carol) and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, June 23, 2018 at Cage-Mills Funeral Directors, 4901 Everhart Road and followed by a brief reception. Rev. Larry McRorey will officiate. Graveside services at Prairie View Cemetery in Aransas Pass will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Del Mar College Foundation or Driscoll Children’s Hospital.
Condolences may be offered at www.CageMillsFuneralDirectors.com
