Cody Keele
January 10, 1931 – April 8, 2016
Born to Ellis John and Earthel, Cody took his first breath in Ririe, Idaho. Coming from a large farming family, he learned about hard work early on. He enlisted in the Navy at 18 and experienced the Korean War first hand, serving proudly from the deck of the Bremerton.
At 24, he married the love of his life, Barbara Grover, then followed his father’s footsteps into the harsh life as a dry farmer. Eventually moving to Terreton, Idaho, they raised five wonderful children and added livestock to their way of life. With a talent for mechanics and an understanding of potatoes, Cody eventually went on to be a mechanical engineer. In high demand, he took on challenges such as a potato processing plant in Prince Edward Island, Canada, McCain Foods in Creston, British Columbia, Carnation in Moses Lake, and later Lamb-Weston in Connell where the family spent 20-plus years in Othello. He retired in 1996.
Cody then put his extra energy into his garden, landscaping, barbecues by the pool and most of all the grandkids. They loved being around Grandpa. He still would squeeze their toes, steal their nose, do numerous outdoor activities, and revel in getting the kids to believe anything he told them. A favorite was his exuberant reading of “Skunk, Rabbit and the Scary Rock.”
Cody and Barbara added a home in Tucson, Ariz. and enjoyed wintering there. Eventually they downsized and settled in Moses Lake. His passing was quick and peaceful, the best way for a man of such strength, who was so loved by his family.
He leaves behind his wife, Barbara; their beloved companion, Snowy; children Dana Andrade (Kahele), Jay Keele (Elizebeth), Christy Harless, Robin Rutty (Tim), and Calli Pruitt (Tim); grandkids Jessica (Don), Paige (Stephanie), Matthew, Alyx, McKenna, Taylor and Cole and great-granddaughter Madison. Other important family members include Nevaeh, Sierra, Glen Williams and sister Shirley. Cody was preceded in death by both parents, three brothers and a sister. Kayser’s Chapel of Memories is taking care of Cody’s final needs. The family will be holding a private service.