Dennis Howard Keelan

Dennis, affectionately known as Den or Denny, was born on June 19, 1938, in Battle Creek, Michigan, to Howard and Esther Keelan. He graduated from Western Michigan University and proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy Reserve. Den enjoyed a long and successful career with Aetna, where he worked for decades and concluded his insurance career as an expert consultant.

Denny married the love of his life, Sandra Pierce, on August 5, 1961, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. They began their married life in Kalamazoo before moving to Pontiac, Michigan, for his position with Aetna, where they also started their family. In 1969, the family relocated to Omaha, Nebraska, where they spent ten years building deep friendships and cherished family memories. Den was a pillar of the community wherever he lived.

In late December 1979, the family moved to Richardson, Texas, famously arriving with their Christmas tree and presents on the moving truck! There, Denny built lifelong friendships and strong bonds with neighbors and the community. He was devoted to creating memorable family vacations each year, including trips to Estes Park, Colorado, visits with grandparents in Florida, and the infamous dude ranch adventure in Arkansas.

Den and Sandy shared 64 devoted years of marriage. His legacy of love, kindness, and devotion to family was evident in everything he did. He will always be remembered by family and friends for his steadfast kindness, integrity, and as a true measure of one of the finest men—paired with a keen sense of humor and quick wit. He was lovingly known as “Pappy” by his grandchildren.

Denny was deeply committed to his Christian faith and to living a Christ-centered life. He loved the sun and the water—both swimming in it and fishing from it—and many meals were enjoyed from the fresh fish he proudly brought home. After retiring, Den and Sandy spent ten years traveling the United States in their Ford F-250 and fifth-wheel RV, especially enjoying winter months along the Texas-Mexico border in Rio Hondo, Texas.

Den was rarely far from a stack of western novels and was a voracious reader throughout his life. He took great pride in caring for his home and watching out for his neighbors, always ready to lend a helping hand. He brought joy to everyone he knew. After 42 years in their Richardson home, Den and Sandy moved to Highland Springs Retirement Community, where they spent three years making many new and dear friends.

Den is survived by his loving wife, Sandra Keelan; his children Matt, Jennifer, and Valerie, and their spouses Tammi, Craig, and Jerrod; grandchildren Nick, Hunter, Mitchell, Luke, McKenzie, Jerrod, Jake, Heather and Justin; great-grandchildren Luke, Ezekiel, Judson, Hayden, William, Wesley, Charlie, Clayton, Neelie and Nathan; and his brother Doug Keelan. He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Esther Keelan, and his brother Terry Keelan.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 3, at 2:00 PM at Town North Presbyterian Church, 1776 N. Plano Road, Richardson, Texas 75081. A reception will immediately follow the service. A livestream URL is available upon request at [email protected].

The family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to Den’s caregiver, Pam Herman, and to the many friends who encouraged and visited Denny during his final year.