Linda K Keeling

Linda Kay Keeling passed peacefully during the night of July 11th, at her residence in Northwest Hills. She was born in Kilgore, Texas, on February 27, 1941, the daughter of Frank Marion Keeling, Sr. and Eva Buse Keeling, both of who proceeded her in death. Also proceeding her was Frank Marion Keeling, Jr., her brother. Survivors include her two sons, William S. Perry, Jr. of Manvel, Texas, and Michael M. Perry of Abilene, Texas, as well as her brother J. Michael Keeling of Washington, DC. Her grandchildren Ellise Perry, Will Perry, William Sheridan Perry, Laura Watts, and great-grandchild Griffin David Perry survive her. Her former husbands, William S. Perry Sr. of Abilene, Texas, and John M. Barr of Austin, Texas, proceeded her in death.
She was a graduate of Kilgore High School, Baylor University, and took graduate courses at Abilene Christian University. Linda had impressive academic accomplishments and honors.
In high school, she was a champion debater who competed in regional and state debate contests. In addition, while in high school, her style and personality were major factors in being selected by attendees of the Texas Future Farmers of America conference as the Texas Future Farmers Texas State Sweetheart in
1958. This was highlighted by her photo and an article on the front page of the Ft. Worth Star-Telegram that included a memorable quote when asked the Star-Telegram reporter if she liked cows. Her response that gained notoriety was, "I do not know much about cows, but I do like cowboys!"
At Baylor, she was named one of the "Top" attendees during her first year for the Annual University Celebration.
Her 50 years in Austin included marketing for KLBJ-radio and the Austin American Statesman. She received a number of trade association awards during her career for excellence in sales.
In her years of retirement, she became a significant volunteer for the Capital City Village, which provides virtual shared activities for senior citizens. Linda primarily handled public relations and communications for the Village. The mid-July Village newsletter had several photos and loving tributes from other members regarding her contributions to Village's service to its members.
She also worked during her life as a volunteer in political campaigns and, on occasion, as a full-time staff assistant for a candidate for public office,
The memories of her life shared by so many in emails, texts, and phone calls to her survivors, from those who knew who in high school, college, from work, and her Village activities, and from all over our nation (from Maine, New York, and many locations in Texas) are all so positive, and all say memories of Linda Kay Keeling will be their hearts forever.
Services are open to the public, St. Johns United Methodist Church, in Austin, at 3:30 PM, July 30th, with a Kilgore City Cemetery graveside service at 2:00 PM, the 31st. Memorials in her honor may be made to the Capital City Village, 512-524-2709 or Capital City Village. Home, “DONATE NOW”.



Online condolences may be left at www.raderfuneralhome.com