OBITUARY

Fran Keal

April 11, 1951 – March 23, 2014
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Fran Fagan Keal was born on April 11, 1951, in Jacksonville, Texas, to Frances and Harold Fagan. She passed away peacefully on March 23, 2014 in Deer Park, Texas, surrounded by loving family. Fran was fearless in her two year battle with ovarian cancer, never losing her sense of fun, her style, or her compassion for others.

She was a 1969 graduate of Nacogdoches High School and a 1973 graduate of Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas, where she earned her undergraduate degree in Education. She received a Master’s Degree in Administrative Education from Stephen F. Austin State University and a Master’s of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in Language Arts from the University of Houston. Fran held both Mid Management Administration and Supervisor Certifications from the Texas Board of Education.

Throughout her impressive career, Fran focused on providing quality education to all students. She taught 7th, 8th, and 9th grade English at Galena Park Junior High School from 1973-1978; was an 8th grade math instructor from 1978-1981 at Galena Park Middle School, and in 1981, she accepted an assistant principal position at Jacinto City Elementary School, Galena Park ISD. In 1986 she was promoted to principal of MacArthur Elementary School, Galena Park ISD, where she implemented improvements resulting in the school’s TEA “Recognized” and “Exemplary” designations. From 2006 until her retirement in 2011 she was principal of Havard Elementary School in Galena Park also leading that school to the same high student achievements and academic recognition. Fran was a teacher, a leader and a motivator of others. She received the 1989 Galena Park Classroom Teachers Association Administrator of the Year Award, the Galena Park/Jacinto City Rotarian of the Year award in 1995, the North Channel Women’s Coalition Award in 2002, and the Galena Park Independent School District Elementary Principal of the Year award in 2004.

Fran was a tireless community leader and served on boards for Deer Park United Methodist Church where she was an active member, the North Channel Chamber of Commerce, and the Galena Park Chamber of Commerce. She was also a member of the Galena Park/Jacinto City Rotary where she was President from 1995-1996.

She married her loving and devoted husband Jim Keal on August 18th, 1979. Together they raised two amazingly beautiful, smart, and talented daughters: Kristen Dunigan and Tracy Melton, both of Dallas. Fran is survived by her husband, daughters, sons-in-law Sean Dunigan and Clint Melton, mother Frances Fagan, brothers Joel and David Fagan, sister Pat Wright and her husband Steve, sister-in-law Cindy Michalk and husband Stuart, brother-in-law Chuck Keal and wife Amy, nieces Lindsay Haygood, her husband Andy and son Tyler, Shelby and Mackenzie Wright, Kelli and Jamie Michalk, Holly Hart and husband Jeff, and Hannah Keal, and nephew Zach Keal. She was preceded in death by her father Dr. Harold Fagan.

Fran enjoyed life. She had an unforgettable smile that lit up a room. She was a consummate professional who had a positive impact on both students and teachers. Her family was the center of her universe. She traveled extensively abroad and enjoyed warm beaches and beautiful waterfalls. She departed this life with grace leaving a legacy of courage, determination and the ability to out shop those less than half her age. She will be missed.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, March 25, 2014, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in The Chapel of Grand View Funeral Home. Services will be held on Wednesday, March 26, 2014, at 3:30 p.m. at Deer Park United Methodist Church, 1300 E 13th St, Deer Park, TX 77536. Interment will follow at Grand View Memorial Park.

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Services

  • Visitation Tuesday, March 25, 2014
  • Funeral Service Wednesday, March 26, 2014
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REMEMBERING

Fran Keal

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Billy Mark Smith

April 22, 2017

I first met Fran in 1962 when her father became Pastor of Park Place Methodist Church in Houston. We had Great Times at Youth Church Activities, Dancing at Teen Parties, and Going to the Movies with Friends. We even went to Deady Junior High together in the Spring of 1965. I Missed Her when Her Family moved up to another church in Nacogdoches in 1966. Imagine My Shock after looking at her Tribute Pictures and seeing her Beautiful, Amazing Transformation into a {In All Due Respect} Lovely Woman. As she was Blazing a Trail becoming a Master Educator, I was sailing as a Maritime Engineer on various Cargo Ships and Oil Tankers for 20 years. Then, I became a High School Math Teacher for a few years myself. Now, I'm a Senior Math Tutor. I Know that Fran's Spirit will be With Me, as I continue to Educate Our Students. I just found out about Her Untimely Death. Please Receive My Belated Condolences. God Bless All of Her Friends and Family.

Claudia Dempsey

April 20, 2015

Fran was the Pep Squad sponsor and I was the Band Director at Galena Park JUNIOOR School when I began teaching in 1977. We coordinated songs for pep rallies and football games. Those were the days. We had so much fun and we were so young. Actually, we were the same age. I missed Fran when she became an administrator, but I was happy for her and we did see each other at events. I'll always remember Fran's smile and her laugh and her love of children. Fran you'll always have pom poms in your hands when I think of you. God Bless your family.

Pat Wright

March 29, 2014

Love you Sis!

Julie Banks

March 27, 2014

Fran was one of the loveliest women I knew professionally and personally. She always saw the glass as half full, and her thoughtful, deliberate advice was always so valued. She stopped by many mornings in my library to chat, and it was always a treat to receive her. She had a way of settling down my most hectic mornings! She had a very calming presence, and her kind voice and gentle smile were a comfort. Her blue eyes sparkled; a co-worker and I referred to Fran as having the eyes of Christ! She was always lifting someone up. The world is a better place because of Mrs. Keal, as well as MANY students and teachers whose lives she touched. This classy, spunky lady will be missed! Prayers for peace and comfort to Jim, Tracy, Kristen and families, as well as her precious mom and brothers. Thank you for sharing Fran with us!

March 27, 2014

I've worked for many principals but Fran Keal was the absolute best of the best! She believed in you as a teacher and encouraged you to stretch the boundaries in the classroom. What a joy she was to work for. If you ever got to attend the Cinco de Mayo celebrations at MacArthur Elementary in the late eighties or early nineties, you saw a school that was working at 150 percent to build strong students. Thank you, Fran, for your inspiration. You made me a much stronger and more dedicated teacher. Prayers for Jim and the girls.

Karen Roberson (Baytown, Texas)

Gloria Vasquez

March 27, 2014

I had the honor of working with Mr. and Mrs. Keal as a principal in GPISD. I admired Mrs. Keal's zest for life and passion for students. I will always remember her by the legacy she left behind and aspire to be as passionate as she was.

Mary Reyes

March 27, 2014

Fran always had that twinkle in her eyes that made me smile. She was an amazing administrator and I'm glad I had the opportunity to work with her at Havard. My prayers go out to the family.

Sharon Sellman

March 26, 2014

Fran made a huge impact on Galena Park ISD...RIP..

Kellly Hoxha

March 26, 2014

She was an amazing administrator and I learned so much from her. My prayers are with the family.

March 26, 2014

I knew Fran through my daughter Kristi Savage who worked for her at MacArthur Elementary for seven of her ten years there. Fran was an awesome leader and Christian lady. Our prayers are with her daughters and husband. Paul and Teri Savage

IN THE CARE OF

Grand View Funeral Home
Pasadena, TX
281-479-6076