Mildred Ann Keel

Mildred Ann Keel, age 88, resident of Coweta, OK, passed away on Friday evening, January 9, 2026, in Broken Arrow, OK. She was born on June 23, 1937, in Broken Arrow, OK, to William Frederick “Fred” Borneman and Doris Barr Borneman.

Mildred was raised on the family farm east of Coweta in the Lone Star School community, along with her two older sisters. She attended Lone Star School and later graduated from Coweta High School in 1954 as class valedictorian.

On June 1, 1956, Mildred was united in marriage to Harold Alvin Keel at the home of her parents. During the early years of their marriage, they lived in El Paso, TX, while Harold served in the military, before moving to Tulsa, OK, where all three of their children were born. In 1972, shortly after the birth of their youngest child, the family returned to the Borneman family farm, where Mildred would spend the remainder of her life.

Mildred was a faithful member of Lone Star Baptist Church from childhood, having accepted the Lord as her Savior at a young age. She devoted countless hours in service to her church, serving in many roles over the years, including church secretary and treasurer. She taught preschool Sunday school classes in her younger years and later taught a ladies’ class until recently, when she graciously passed the responsibility on to another member. Mildred lived her faith daily and taught her children that serving God meant doing whatever work He placed before you.

Before starting her family, Mildred worked in clerical positions. Once her children were born, she devoted herself fully to her role as a homemaker. She lovingly made clothes for her children, tended a large garden, and spent many seasons canning, freezing, and preserving food to provide for her family year-round. She generously shared the fruits of her labor with family, friends, and neighbors. For many years, she also raised chickens, ensuring fresh eggs were always available. Mildred remained a farm girl at heart throughout her life.

In her quieter moments, Mildred enjoyed working crossword puzzles, babysitting her grandchildren, watching birds at her feeders, and especially staying connected with family and friends through long telephone conversations.

Mildred is survived by her beloved husband of 69 years, Harold Keel; her children, Brenda Livesay and husband Steve of Porter, OK, Calvin Keel and wife Jodie of Coweta, OK, and Marsha Chasteen and husband Carl of Coweta, OK; her grandchildren, Melanie Merritt, Brian Livesay, Cambrie Keel, Annie Keel, and Joel Keel; three great-grandchildren; her sister, Peggy Borneman of Tulsa, OK; as well as numerous brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and a host of treasured friends and neighbors.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Freda Krumsiek.

Mildred will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her servant’s heart, her devotion to family, and the quiet strength with which she lived her life.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at Brown’s Funeral Service in Coweta, OK, with the family present to receive friends from 4:00 - 6:00 PM. Funeral services celebrating Mildred’s life will be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at Lone Star Baptist Church in Coweta, OK, with Rev. Sam Davis officiating. Pallbearers will be Brian Livesay, Joel Keel, John Keel, Ralph Keel, Allen Harrison, and Clint Keel. Mildred will be laid to rest at Vernon Cemetery in Coweta, OK.

Family and friends are invited to share memories online at www.brownfamilycares.com. The family of Mildred Ann Keel entrusted her care and services to Brown’s Funeral & Cremation Service, 210 S. Broadway, Coweta, OK 74429, 918-486-5515.