Louis O.D. Kealer, Sr. 101, died Sunday, July 25, 2021, at Wood Lawn Nursing Home in Batesville, Arkansas.
He was born Aug. 12, 1919, to Fred P. Kealer and Barbara Ann (Bluerock) Kealer in Batesville, Arkansas.
Living his younger years in Batesville, he enlisted in the U.S. Army during WWII, serving in the Philippines dredging out the canals for the U.S. ships to bring supplies in. Upon discharge from the Army, he began his career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He began working on the riverboats at Lock #1 on the White River in Batesville.
After 50 years of dedicated service with the Corps, he retired as Resident Manager over Nimrod Lake and Blue Mountain Lake.
He was honored to be in the Gallery of Distinguished Employees of the Little Rock District. His portrait hangs there today.
On Dec. 3, 1936, he married his high school sweetheart, Doris Ruth Cox. After 54 years of marriage, she passed away. They had one son, Louis O.D. Kealer, Jr.
He was a faithful member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Batesville. He was a strong Christian man.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Doris Ruth Cox; an infant daughter and son; two brothers, Fred P. Kealer, Jr., and George Bartlett Kealer, Sr.; two sisters, Rose Dozier, and Anna Mae McSpadden.
He will be greatly missed by his survivors; one son, Louis O.D. Kealer, Jr. and wife, Phyllis of Bryant, Arkansas; two granddaughters, Kim Meaders (Mike) of Bryant; Lisa Carver(Don) of Little Rock; four great-grandchildren, Dillon and Jacob Meaders, Madeline and Van Carver; many nieces, nephews, and friends.
A graveside service will be at 10:00 a.m.Wednesday, July 28, 2021, at Oaklawn Cemetery in Batesville, officiated by Reverend Jim McDonald, Rector, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.
Pallbearers are Dillon Meaders, Jacob Meaders, Mike Meaders, Don Carver, Van Carver, and Danny Dozier. Honorary pallbearers are Scott McSpadden, Allen McSpadden, Tim Dozier, George Kealer, Jr., Jim Kaneaster, Patricia Ann, and James Owens.
A special thank you to the staff and nurses at Wood Lawn Nursing Home and Eagle Mountain Assisted Living.
In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 2255, Batesville, AR. 72503.
