Mr. Franklin Eugene Keel, age 91, of Slocomb, Alabama, passed away peacefully on June 23, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on November 17, 1934, in Fadette, Alabama, Franklin was the son of the late Clayton Oliver Keel and Onice Wynell Johnson Keel. He spent his career in the construction industry, where he worked his way up to superintendent through years of hard work and dedication. Franklin was respected for his strong work ethic, dependability, and the pride he took in providing for his family.
Franklin proudly served his country in the United States Army for three years. He carried that same spirit of service, integrity, and commitment throughout his life. He was an avid farmer with a green thumb and a love for the outdoors. He enjoyed tending his crops and caring for his chickens, cattle, and hogs. Farming was more than a livelihood to him—it was a way of life that brought him great satisfaction and pride.
Mr. Keel was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Donnie Faye Keel; his daughter-in-law, Anita Schonberg; his parents, Clayton O. Keel and Onice W. Johnson Keel; his sisters, Jannette Norton, Sue Rehanek, and Myrle Maddox; and his brothers, Billy Keel, John Keel, and Leon Keel.
He leaves behind a family who loved him dearly, including his sons, Andy Keel (Vicki) of Slocomb, Alabama, Anthony Earl Keel of Slocomb, Alabama, and Allen Douglas Keel (Vicky) of Slocomb, Alabama; his daughters, Angelia Carol Outlaw (Jeff) of Slocomb, Alabama, and Anita Kay Hatfield (Kendal) of Ozark, Alabama; his sister, Martha Elder of Slocomb, Alabama; seven grandchildren, Matthew Keel (Ashley), Maegan Keel, Kelly Keyton (Justin), Randall Yates (Siobhan), Jake Keel (Carly), Hailey Clark (Eric), and Jonathan Keel; and eight great-grandchildren, Landon Keel, Reece McMullen, Jeremiah McMullen, Miranda Yates, Katie McKinnon, Kennedy Clark, Jada Keyton, and Harper Williams.
He is also survived by special friends Diana Holland, Rob Elliot, and Jeremy Brown.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Fowler Funeral Home Chapel, 965 Woodland Drive, Dothan, Alabama, with Rev. Larry Register officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.
Serving as pallbearers will be Tyler Marcus, Jake Keel, Eric Clark, Jeremy Brown, Stephen Weldon, and Tim Tindall.
Burial will follow in Fadette Pentecostal Ministries Cemetery, 5161 AL Highway 103, Slocomb, Alabama 36375.
Franklin will be remembered as a hardworking man who loved his family, valued friendship, and lived a life marked by dedication and perseverance. His memory will be treasured by all who knew and loved him.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of Keahey-Williams Funeral Home of Graceville.
