Paul T. Keeling

Paul T. Keeling, passed away peacefully on June 4, 2025, at the age of 93 at Parkview Nursing and Rehabilitation in Paducah. He was born on October 30, 1931, in Paducah, Kentucky to the late Rueben P. and Katherine E. Rives Keeling. 

A proud graduate of Lone Oak High School, Paul's commitment to education continued at Paducah Junior College, where he not only excelled academically but also left a lasting legacy on the baseball field. His love for the game was evident as a player/coach leading his team to the National Finals. Paul's professional life was as remarkable as his time on the diamond. After serving his country in the United States Air Force, he embarked on a 42-year career as a Railroad Carman. His tenure with Illinois Central, Illinois Central Gulf, and Paducah & Louisville Railway was distinguished by his leadership as a former president and officer for the Local. 

Beyond his professional achievements, Paul's athletic prowess continued as he played professional baseball for the 1949 Paducah Chiefs, the 1950 Vincennes Citizens, and the 1951 Independence Yankees. His talent eventually led him to play AAA baseball within the New York Yankees organization.

An avid University of Kentucky fan, Paul's enthusiasm for sports was only matched by his love for the great outdoors. He found solace and joy in camping, hunting, fishing, and boating activities, often sharing these experiences with friends and family who cherished his company. Paul's sense of humor was as vast as the Kentucky skies he so loved. Known for his joke-telling, he had an uncanny ability to light up a room and bring laughter to any occasion. His stories and jokes will be fondly remembered and sorely missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Paul is survived by his three children, Tina Keeling of Memphis, TN, Ronnie (Linda) Keeling of Hayesville, NC and Mike (Carol Ann) Keeling of Paducah; his six step-children, Tana Bloom of Paducah, Steve (Jeannie) Neihoff, Randall Neihoff, Terry (Angela) Neihoff, Gary Neihoff and Alfred Neihoff all of Paducah; one brother, Rueben Keeling of Paducah; six grandchildren, Chris, Todd, Matt, Chloe, Mike and Alex; 13 step-grandchildren, Justin, Alisa, Jessica, Jeremy, Jonas, Anna, Sam, Micah, Joy, Daniel, Kayla, Michelle and Samantha; dozens of great-grandchildren along with several nieces and nephews.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 30 years, Ruby “Pearl” Keeling; four siblings, Wayne Keeling, Terry Keeling, Phyllis Whiteside, and Steven Keeling; three step-grandchildren, Todd Neihoff, Garret Neihoff and Gerrid Neihoff.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 PM Saturday, June 7, 2025 at the Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Lone Oak. Burial will be at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens of Paducah. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM-1:00 PM Saturday, June 7, 2025 at the Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Lone Oak.

Expression of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Paducah Chiefs Baseball Club, 1939 N 8th Street, Paducah, KY 42001.

Share a memory or leave a message for the family at www.milnerandorr.com