Joseph Rodney Keck

Joseph Rodney Keck passed away in Dallas, TX on October 24, 2024 after a short illness. Joe, affectionately known as “Papa Joe” lived a beautiful life. He was born in Rantoul, IL and was raised in the Alvordton/Pioneer area of Ohio. Joe graduated from North Central High School, Pioneer, Ohio in 1970. He was the first number from his town to be drafted and served two years in the Army.  

A word to describe how Joe lived and approached life is steadfast - that of strong devotion or loyalty to a person, belief or cause. 

Joe was steadfast in his love for his family. His early years were spent in loving marriage to wife JoAnn, raising their sons and welcoming grandchildren together prior to her passing. Life brought him another love in his wife Yvonne, he welcomed her son Eduardo, and they had nearly 20 years of partnership and love together. Joe and Yvonne watched in pride as the family continued to grow and enjoyed the role of doting grandparents very much. In 2023, Joe and Yvonne moved to Fate, Texas to enjoy retirement and their grandchildren. Joe was a wonderful son, brother, and uncle, staying close to his family in Ohio, Arizona and Georgia and being an active participant in the lives of his nieces and nephews. 

Joe was steadfast in his love for those he worked with, training up many young craftsmen in his trade of hotel renovations. Whether through his own company or leading jobs, Joe was incredibly knowledgeable, could tackle any challenge, and looked for opportunities to impart his knowledge and experience to those on his team. His contributions to his industry cannot be underestimated and many will experience success and be able to provide for their families based on Joe’s investment. Joe also spent nine years as a volunteer to the Orchard Heights Community, supporting Yvonne in her role bringing activities, fun and enrichment to the residents. 

Joe was steadfast in his faith, living as a devout Christian and modeled kindness and grace as Jesus did. He was a caring and patient man, always available to listen and offer wisdom. Joe was a member of several churches throughout his life, including First Baptist Church of Ocoee, St. Paul’s Presbyterian (now Quest Church), and most recently Generations Church in Rockwall, Texas.  

Finally, Joe was a renaissance man – enjoying a wide range of interests and passions, from hunting deer and alligators, fishing for salmon, kayaking on Lake Louisa, spending time on the family farm, working on cars and helping family with renovation projects. He enjoyed traveling off the beaten path and favorite places for him to visit included fishing with Travis in Michigan or Culebra, PR. One cannot remember Joe without thinking about his cooking, especially his brisket which was literally the best and made use of an unexpected ingredient (coffee grounds). He always had a sparkle to his eye and a smile that showed he was ready for fun and loved life. His family will desperately miss him. 

His survivors include: his wife, Yvonne Keck, mother, Donna Keck, sons Jason Wright (Gina) and Joshua Alan Wright (Vanessa), stepson Eduardo Miranda (Charli), daughter in law Rachel Bracken, grandchildren Julian, Madison, Joseph, Henry, Bella, Zari, Shia, Joshua, sisters Diane “Chels” Bair (Paul), Karen Riser (Dennis McNeer), sister in law Chris Keck, nieces and nephews Erin Mitchell (Michael), AJ Riser (Amanda), Amber Riley, Amy Keck, Abbie Keck and many more family members who greatly miss Joe. 

He was predeceased by his beloved wife JoAnn Summerlin Keck, father Joseph Robert Keck, brother Timothy Keck, and son Jonathan Wright. 

His family invites you to celebrate Joe’s life at Quest Church at 11:30 AM November 9, 2024 following a private graveside service. Quest Church is located at 1450 Citrus Oaks Ave, Gotha, FL 34734.