Alvin Alton "Big Al" Keesee

Alvin Alton (Big Al) Keesee, 78, of Abilene passed away at Hendrick Medical Center on Saturday, June 15, 2024 following a brief struggle with cancer. Al was born in Brownfield, TX on August 13, 1945. His parents were Alvin Keesee and Virginia Dair Gilbreath. Al met Nita Houlihan, his wife of 51 years, in the spring of 1972 and together they built a life of joy and a home for their two children whom he loved with all of his heart. Al attended Wylie Elementary, Lincoln Junior High, and Abilene High School. He lived most of his life in Abilene – not including his service in the US Army. True to his adventurous spirit, he was a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division earning the distinction of Sharpshooter. As a member of this rapid deployment team, Al was in the Dominican Republic shortly after the Cuban Missile Crisis working with locals to maintain phone communication lines – which were constantly being sabotaged by communist rebels. “All The Way!” He would come full circle later in his career, retiring from Abilene ISD in 2017 as a cable technician in the technology department. His work life also included bridge construction, boat rigging, auto painting and mechanic, construction, maintenance, and technology. Al loved learning new things and was a kind, thoughtful communicator. If he met you, you were his friend. Hobbies included fishing, rving, collecting nutcrackers, and storytelling. A celebration of his life will be held Tuesday, June 25 at Piersall Funeral Directors, 733 Butternut. Visitation will be at 10:30 followed by his service at 11:30. Graveside services with military honors will be at 1:00 at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery, 7457 W Lake Road. His children are Amanda Sellers and her partner Tony Poor as well as Jeff Keesee and his partner Crystal Johnson. Al’s grandchildren are Dylan Bowlin, Jackson Keesee, and Brittney Poor. His dog Buddy was his devoted companion. Al was big brother to six siblings; Carlotta Bowden and husband Jerry, Truman Keesee (dec) and wife Agnes, David Keesee (dec) and wife Sharon, Robert Keesee (dec), Roma Templeton, and Darlene Foster and husband Mark. Pallbearers will be Jeff Keesee, Amanda Sellers, Crystal Johnson, Tony Poor, Tyrone Douglas, Jason Foster, Jason Murphy, and Jacob Stamm. Grandsons Dylan and Jackson will be Honorary Pallbearers. Al’s favorite charity was Meals on Wheels. Condolences may be offered to the family online at www.pbfuneraldirectors.com.