Hal B. Keeler, 95, peacefully passed away at his residence on Tuesday, January 30, 2024 where he had lived for the past 60 years.
He is survived by his three children Nasa Speer (Bill), Dirk Keeler (Jeannie) and Tya Taylor (Clay); twelve grandchildren Garilee Speer Ogden, Shay Speer Charles, Dane Speer, Garan Keeler, Truitt Keeler, Codi Keeler Dutson, Taylor Keeler Moore, Sam Taylor, Keeler Taylor, Chase Taylor and Caden Taylor. He had 22 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. Hal was preceded in death by his grandson, Ky Speer and his wife of 67 years, Joyce Keeler.
Hal moved to the Deming area from Columbus with his family in 1939. He began farming with his father after he graduated high school. He owned and operated his own farm in his early 20’s. Later, he set a world record with Dekalb Seed Company as the first person to harvest more than 200 bushels per acre in the grain sorghum business.
Hal said, “Success is a matter of determination, not a matter of opportunity.” In their younger years, Hal and his brother, James Keeler also ran a partnership farming operation and swine finishing unit. Hal married Joyce P. Truitt in 1950 and raised their three children in Luna County. Their home became a true family gathering place to celebrate many holidays, birthdays, reunions, and weddings. Hal was extremely innovative and never afraid to try anything. He worked with his son, Dirk, in their sub-surface drip irrigation business. Being a forerunner in conservation they converted over 10,000 acres to drip irrigation in New Mexico and surrounding states. Mr. Keeler built a produce shed and ran it with the help of his daughter, Nasa. His son-in-law Bill Speer, farmed with Hal for 20 years. Hal served in many capacities on the boards of Luna Cotton Co-Op, First New Mexico Bank, Mimbres Memorial Hospital, Farm Bureau, Columbus Electric Co-Op, and Tri-State Electric (Denver, CO). His first and foremost love was his faith in Jesus Christ and his Heavenly Father. Hal was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served as Branch President, Bishop, High Council Member, Stake Presidency Counselor, and was made the first Stake President charged with organizing the Silver City, NM Stake. He stayed busy until his death, actively and happily engaged in the service of others.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1000 W. Florida St, Deming, NM. There will be a viewing at the church from 9 to 10 o’clock in the morning. The funeral service will begin at 10, followed by interment at Mountain View Cemetery. The public is invited to attend.
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