Robert Duane Keeder, '63
Robert Duane Keeder, '63, passed away on April 11, 2025 in Columbia, South Carolina. Lifetime Member, Former President, BTNAA.
Robert D. Keeder of West Columbia, departed this earthly world peacefully on Friday, April 11, 2025. He was born in Jackson, Michigan on May 18, 1945, son of the late Keith and Beulah Keeder.
He graduated from Boys Town in 1963. While at Boys Town he was a member of the Boys Town Choir and toured nationally as well as being an altar boy and a member of the Knights of the Altar. Upon completion, he then moved to Rock Hill, SC where he was accepted to the Rock Hill Oratory, a religious order founded by St. Philip Neri. Robert was introduced to seminary life and became part of the giving community in Rock Hill prior to moving to Columbia, SC.
Robert served two terms as President and three terms as Vice President of the Boys Town National Alumni Association and along with Joe Ortega, was the impetus behind the creation of the Lifetime Membership Program for the BTNAA. He hosted the first Mini-Convention in Columbia, South Carolina and was a regular attendee at Biennial Reunions at Boys Town. He was recognized with the Father Flanagan Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1989. Robert was inducted into the Boys Town National Alumni Association's Hall of History in 2017.
Once in Columbia, he had a chance encounter at a local high school football game which led him to an opportunity to become a part of the well-known graphic arts company, Colite Industries. He was with the company 32 years and a national sales representative dealing in large advertising signs which still adorn professional football stadiums and banks, among others, throughout the country today. He maintained his connection with Boys Town serving as the Region 5 representative on the Boys Town National Alumni Association (BTNAA), also serving two terms as president. He hosted the 1st alumni convention attended by more than 60 brothers and sisters in Columbia. Robert was a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Peter's Catholic Church. He quickly was coined "The Turkey Man" for his Thanksgiving meals. It was his vision that began a ministry of feeding the homeless, born from his deep belief that everyone should have somewhere to go, especially during the holidays. He struck up a partnership with the local First Baptist church of Columbia and approached the President of The University of South Carolina for permission to use the coliseum to host the dinners. This tradition was done for many years at the coliseum and continues to this day to be held at The Basilica of St. Peter. Robert loved the poor and exemplified true selflessness and dedication to help all people with no hope or home to go to during the holiday seasons. In addition to his dinner efforts, Robert started a Bingo program in his church for senior citizens and he volunteered to wash clothes for the homeless once a week; Clean of Heart, operated by the local Catholic Charities office.
He enjoyed supporting his Gamecocks, spending time at Edisto Beach, and a good pool party with family and friends. He was a member of The Basilica of St. Peter and remained a lifetime member of BTNAA.
He was pre-deceased in death by his brother, Jerry Keeder. He is survived by his long-term companion Danny Belk. As well as two brothers Dennis and David Keeder of Jackson, Michigan. He is also survived by his extended family, Pam and Charles Corley (Austin, Alli, Hannah Rose), Mike Hite, Kim and Richard LaBauve, and Mandy McManus as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
We want to thank everyone for all the prayers, phone calls, visits and text during this difficult time. Also, a big thank you to Sharon & Christi (caregivers), Christopher RN, Christina CNA for their wonderful care of our loved one Robert.
A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, April 24, 2025 at The Basilica of St. Peter, 1529 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC 29201 at 10:00 AM with a Reception immediately following the service. Memorials can be made in his memory to St. Vincent de Paul Society, 1529 Assembly Street Columbia, SC 29201.
He graduated from Boys Town in 1963. While at Boys Town he was a member of the Boys Town Choir and toured nationally as well as being an altar boy and a member of the Knights of the Altar. Upon completion, he then moved to Rock Hill, SC where he was accepted to the Rock Hill Oratory, a religious order founded by St. Philip Neri. Robert was introduced to seminary life and became part of the giving community in Rock Hill prior to moving to Columbia, SC.
Robert served two terms as President and three terms as Vice President of the Boys Town National Alumni Association and along with Joe Ortega, was the impetus behind the creation of the Lifetime Membership Program for the BTNAA. He hosted the first Mini-Convention in Columbia, South Carolina and was a regular attendee at Biennial Reunions at Boys Town. He was recognized with the Father Flanagan Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1989. Robert was inducted into the Boys Town National Alumni Association's Hall of History in 2017.
Once in Columbia, he had a chance encounter at a local high school football game which led him to an opportunity to become a part of the well-known graphic arts company, Colite Industries. He was with the company 32 years and a national sales representative dealing in large advertising signs which still adorn professional football stadiums and banks, among others, throughout the country today. He maintained his connection with Boys Town serving as the Region 5 representative on the Boys Town National Alumni Association (BTNAA), also serving two terms as president. He hosted the 1st alumni convention attended by more than 60 brothers and sisters in Columbia. Robert was a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Peter's Catholic Church. He quickly was coined "The Turkey Man" for his Thanksgiving meals. It was his vision that began a ministry of feeding the homeless, born from his deep belief that everyone should have somewhere to go, especially during the holidays. He struck up a partnership with the local First Baptist church of Columbia and approached the President of The University of South Carolina for permission to use the coliseum to host the dinners. This tradition was done for many years at the coliseum and continues to this day to be held at The Basilica of St. Peter. Robert loved the poor and exemplified true selflessness and dedication to help all people with no hope or home to go to during the holiday seasons. In addition to his dinner efforts, Robert started a Bingo program in his church for senior citizens and he volunteered to wash clothes for the homeless once a week; Clean of Heart, operated by the local Catholic Charities office.
He enjoyed supporting his Gamecocks, spending time at Edisto Beach, and a good pool party with family and friends. He was a member of The Basilica of St. Peter and remained a lifetime member of BTNAA.
He was pre-deceased in death by his brother, Jerry Keeder. He is survived by his long-term companion Danny Belk. As well as two brothers Dennis and David Keeder of Jackson, Michigan. He is also survived by his extended family, Pam and Charles Corley (Austin, Alli, Hannah Rose), Mike Hite, Kim and Richard LaBauve, and Mandy McManus as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
We want to thank everyone for all the prayers, phone calls, visits and text during this difficult time. Also, a big thank you to Sharon & Christi (caregivers), Christopher RN, Christina CNA for their wonderful care of our loved one Robert.
A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, April 24, 2025 at The Basilica of St. Peter, 1529 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC 29201 at 10:00 AM with a Reception immediately following the service. Memorials can be made in his memory to St. Vincent de Paul Society, 1529 Assembly Street Columbia, SC 29201.
News report on Robert's passing: View