He was born on May 28, 1960, in Barnesville to the late Walter “Ralph” and Marlie “Lodena” Christman of Jerusalem, Ohio.

Keel was a 1978 graduate of Beallsville High School and a 1978 graduate of Swiss Hills. He owned and operated Hair Impressions in Barnesville for years and worked as a barber instructor at the Belmont Correctional Institute. His wife, three daughters, and six grandchildren were the light of his life. In addition to spending time with his family and his pugs, Maggie and Dexter. Keel enjoyed fishing in Canada and Georgia, gardening, and working in his wood shop.

Keel was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws, Byron “Woody” and Joyce Brownfield of Barnesville; and his pugs, Sam and Philip.

Keel is survived by his wife of 29 years, Penny (Brownfield) Christman, of Barnesville; daughters, Meredith Maloney (Allison Underwood) of Galloway, Ohio, Hannah (Jason) Hatcher of Barnesville, and Mallory Christman of Los Angeles, California; grandchildren Parker, Avery, and Jude Maloney of Galloway, and Liam, Carter, and Ella Hatcher of Barnesville; brother Todd (Robin) Christman of Jerusalem; several nieces and nephews; and aunts Betty Mercer, Leota Mercer, Carolyn Christman, and Peggy McLaughlin.

Keel’s family would like to express gratitude to Dr. Himalaya Patcha of Ohio Hills Health Services; the oncology, cardiology, vascular, nephrology, and endocrinology teams at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center for their care and support; Stonerise Hospice; and to their special neighbors, Betty Moore and Kirk Greer.

Visitation will be held on Monday, November 20, 2023, from 3-7 p.m. at Campbell-Plumly- Milburn Funeral Home, 319 N. Chestnut Street, Barnesville, Ohio. Services will be held on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at 11 a.m. with Pastor Jeff Wise and Pastor Van Fisher officiating. Burial will follow at Crestview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Keel’s memory to Stonerise Hospice, the Barnesville First United Methodist Church, Beallsville Rally for Life, or to a charity of your choosing.