Royce Bearl Keck

Royce Bearl Keck, 78, of Levelland, passed away peacefully on July 21, 2024. He was born in San Angelo, TX on June 17, 1946 to Bearl and Allie Estalene (Dunnam) Keck.

Royce moved to Arkansas as a child, where he developed many fond memories and a life-long bond to his family there. He attended a Methodist college in Pennsylvania where he received a degree in Christian Education. He often told stories of the people and events of these years. Seeing the Vietnam War draft as eminent, he enlisted in the Army’s Military Police. Royce would be stationed in Okinawa, Japan with his K-9 dog Ace. Royce loved to share stories of his time on the island, often recounting the places they went, the rules of the time, and the people around him. After returning home, Royce joined the Department of Public Safety becoming a Texas State Trooper.  Royce worked for the DPS for 28 years, retiring in 1999. He enjoyed his job and the camaraderie of his peers. In his retirement, he had several rental properties that he would maintain. In his free time over the years, he enjoyed raising birds, fishing, especially for carp, spending time with his family, and trying to never miss an episode of his favorite soap opera.

He was blessed with two sons, Robert and David Keck. He married Catherine Duke on March 1, 1980. They have one daughter, Chelsea. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bearl and Estalene Keck, and his sister, Cheryl VanZandt.

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 44 years, Catherine; children, Robert Keck, David Keck (Shonda), and Chelsea Pigg (Mark); grandchildren, Christopher (Veronica) Keck, and Kate, Tanner, and Kallie Pigg; and great-grandchildren, Marie and Jaxxon Keck.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Calvary Baptist Church in Lubbock, TX on Saturday, July 27th at 11 AM. An ash scattering ceremony will be held at Keck Creek in Arkansas at a later date.