CHRISTOPHER – Eddie Dean Keeling, age 76, of Christopher, passed away at 12:45 p.m. Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at the Select Specialty Hospital of Evansville, Indiana.

Eddie was born on May 9, 1948, in Herrin, Illinois, the son of George Keeling and Mary (Foley) Keeling. He married Karin L. (Kane) Engel on September 10, 1983, and she survives.

Mr. Keeling was a former over the road truck driver with E.B. Brown Trucking. He also formerly worked as a metal decorator.

Eddie was a U.S. Army veteran, having served his country during the Vietnam War. He was a member of the Benton American Legion Post #280 where he served with the Honor Guard.

He enjoyed television, especially watching westerns and war movies. One of his all-time favorite westerns was Gunsmoke.

Surviving is his loving wife of 41 years, Karin L. Keeling of Christopher, Illinois; three children, Victoria Daniels and husband, Jacob, of Goose Lake, Illinois, Daniel Engel of Chicago, Illinois, and Anthony Engel and wife, Megan, of Plainfield, Illinois; granddaughters, Lennox and Spencer Daniels, and Stephanie Chaidez and husband, Johann; a grandson, Gavin Engel; a great-grandchild, Adrian Chaidez.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, George Keeling; and a sister, Alice Keeling.

His wishes were to be cremated.

Celebration of Life services will be held starting at 2 p.m. Saturday, October 12, 2024, at the Benton American Legion Post #280, located at 311 S. Main St. in Benton, with Chaplain Liam Mungovan officiating. Military Honors will be observed and provided by the Benton American Legion Post #280 and the V.F.W. Post #2671.

The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Benton American Legion Post #280.

To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Eddie, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.