t is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Robert W. “Bob” Keale on January 31, 2025. Born on December 30, 1944, he was the beloved son of Martin and Helen Keale, twin brother to Marylynn Kaus and brother to Martin Keale.
He was the loving husband of Janice Keale and the proud and caring father of Christopher (Victoria) Keale and Annie (Mark) Wardenburg.
Bob cherished and adored his grandchildren, Ben Wardenburg, Jack Wardenburg, Liam Keale and his step-grandchildren, Eli Cotton and Sophia Cotton. They brought him great pride in his life, and he loved them with all his heart and soul.
He is survived by his sister, brother, children and grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife and his parents.
Bob was born in Hackensack, New Jersey and moved to Oklahoma while in high school. It was here that he met a friend who would set him up on a blind date with Janice, his future wife of 56 years. Bob graduated from college in Oklahoma and moved to St. Louis, MO. to start a life with Jan.
He had a successful, lifelong career as an insurance broker. A fitting career, because providing safety, security and protection wasn’t just an occupation for Bob. It was a part of who he was. He provided this as a husband, a father and a friend. He was someone you could always rely on – a safety net.
Bob was a kind, loving and loyal man. He could be a man of few words, but he had a gleam in his eyes that spoke volumes. He made you feel welcome and at ease. His presence was calm, poised and content – a feeling that spread to you when you were around him. And while often mild-mannered, Bob was very quick-witted and always good for a great laugh.
Bob will forever be missed, but his spirit lives on in the countless lives that he touched.
Rest in Peace.
Memorial Service at Kutis Affton Chapel 10151 Gravois Rd. 63123 on Saturday, February 15th at 12:00 p.m. Visitation 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. prior to service.
We are so very sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. How tragic that he and Jan left their earthly homes within weeks of each other! We are praying comfort and strength during this very difficult time for the entire family. Lot’s of memories keep popping up in my mind about the 2 of them. So glad they were at Michael’s birthday party in August. Was so good to see them again. They are now both together again in their new Heavenly home. Never to be separated again. Memory eternal!
We are so very sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. How hard it must be for all of his loved ones. We are friends of both and Jan and Bob my husband met Bob at OU and also met his future wife when they were dating. We lived in NJ but went on wonderful trips with the Keale over the years. Went to St. Louis and stayed with them traveling to Colorado. Jan, Bob and Chris met us in Colorado where we all enjoyed some time in Colorado. Our next stop on that trip was to Oklahoma where we visited Jan’s sister Judy and some of us went to Oklahoma and Colorado football game on October 4, 1975,
Though the years met at different places around the states went to see OU football games or just had watch party’s travel was excuses to get together.
We also enjoyed our trip to Paris with Jan and Bob and then taking the train
to London to meet Judy and Ray. We will always cherish our times together.
Thanks for all the memories and talking about our families, children, grandchildren. So blessed to have Jan and Bob in our lives.
They will always be in our prayers. Bless their beautiful children and grandchildren.
Happy that they are both together.
Love always,