James Dewey Keels
January 12, 1930 ~ January 28, 2016 (age 86) 86 Years OldShare using:
James Dewey Keels of Rio Grande, formerly of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away Thursday, January 28, 2016 at age 86. Born January 12, 1930 in Blackfork, Ohio, he was the son of the late G. Dewey Keels and Huldah A. Howell. After his service in the United States Army, he attended the University of Cincinnati studying Business Law. Keels was employed with the United States Postal Service, retiring as Postal Area Manager with thirty seven years of service.
Keels was elected Councilman and was the First Black Mayor in the Village of Woodlawn, serving two terms. As Mayor, Keels developed a 50 acre park, constructed a new Municipal Building, Police Station, Fire House and Swimming Pool. He was elected the First Black State Treasurer and 2nd Vice President Ohio Mayors Association, Executive Vice President National Alliance Federal Employees and was the First Black Chairman Cincinnati Postal Credit Committee. Keels was instrumental in designing the Village of Woodlawn flag which continues to be displayed in the Village.
Community and civic involvement includes Member and Deacon New Hope Baptist Church, President Gallia Economic Development Association, Member Gallia-Meigs Community Action, Minority Representative Ohio Valley Regional Development Commission, Woodlawn Youth Association, Post Commander John R. Fox #631 American Legion, Commissioned Kentucky Colonel (twice), Ohio Rural Development Partnership, and Member of the Midwest Saponi Nation serving as Chief for nineteen years.
Recognition includes Who’s Who in Government, Profile of Black Mayors in America, Who’s Who in Ohio, Who’s Who in Black America, Who’s Who in Government, Profile of Black Mayors in America and Honor Commendation for Outstanding Community Service by the Ohio State Senate.
He is survived by his wife Dorothy Wilmore Keels, daughter Tawana Keels, son Colonel (Ret) James D. (Tara) Keels, Jr., stepson Kendall A. Gault, grandchildren, step-grandchildren, sister Gladys D. Grant, brothers, Lloyd E. Keels, Russell E. (Annette) Keels, Raymond K. Howell, and a host of family, relatives and friends. James is preceded in death by brother-in-law, Charles “Foxy” Grant.
Visitation Monday, February 15, 2016 10:00 a.m. Thompson, Hall and Jordan Funeral Home, 11400 Winton Rd. Forest Park, Ohio 45240 followed by funeral services at 11:00 am. Interment with military honors, Vine Street Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the James D. Keels Memorial Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 446, Mason, OH 45040 or at any Fifth Third Bank. Arrangements by Thompson, Hall and Jordan Funeral Homes. Please sign registry at www.thompsonhalljordan.com
