My Father-in-law John Keel what a Man. I knew Him for 38 years as I dated His Daughter and then married Her. When I first met John was in 1987 at their first Florida house on the Loxahatchee River, I was kind of scared of Him, I could tell He didn't put up with any B.S.. He was tall, lean and strong. I realized He was a lot like My Dad. He was sticked on Mel making Her do chores and homework but that's what made Mel the strong, smart Person She is. I never saw the inside of their first house on the river, I wasn't allowed in, I would go pick up Mel and wait in My car in the driveway until Mel made Her escape. Their second house I was allowed in as I gained His trust. He would make Mel mow the grass before She could go out with Me. John was one of those guys that could fix or build anything, He taught Mel how to work on cars out in the huge garage that He built. John was amazing landscape/hardscape designer and installer. John loved His Bobcat tractors, Ford trucks and Harley Davidsons. John, Mel and I would ride motorcycles together, one of His favorite places to ride was up to Top Dog Cafe in Stuart every Thursday evening known as Bike Night. We also went up to Bike week up in Daytona and His brother Jimmy would meet up with us, good times. I think we rode on the coldest night ever in Florida it was 27 degrees and camped in a tent, Jim allowed us to stay in the Hotel the second night in our sleeping bags on the floor, funny. I'm sure everyone knew John was always an hour late, so We would tell Him an hour earlier and He would almost be on time. John was the type of guy if you were His friend He would help you anyway He could, if you broke down Two Counties away, He would come get You. John was a Good Man and a Great Father. I am happy I knew Him; He will always be in My thoughts, heart and memories. 

John and his Nephew — with John Keel and Roger Foley

John and brothers Jim and Bill — with Jim Keel, John Keel and Bill Keel

I miss my Dad so much. I've been looking through old pictures all week, I'm so profoundly sad and will always miss seeing his blue eyes shine with happiness and love when he looked at me, I always felt his love, words were not necessary. I'm heartbroken, but I'm also comforted knowing his struggles are over and he's finally at peace. 

Melanie & Jon's high school graduation, South Fork High School

Melanie's 16th Birthday

A Dad photo bomb!

John was the very 1st,  Brother Figure, I had ever known.

I Adored Him.

Bless You, John.