Benjamin Charles Keely

Obituary for Benjamin Charles Keely
March 27, 1989 – June 9, 2018


Benjamin is the seventh of nine born of Wayne and Carolyn Keely. He has three older sisters and is the fourth of six sons. Benji Boy, was the delight of his parent’s life as he was a birth unexpected in later life and was named for being ‘the son of my right hand’.
Benj loved animals and had an affinity for wounded and unwanted ‘things’ from frogs to kittens to ferrets to rabbits; he cared well for God’s creatures. He loved the outdoors whether it was camping, hunting, fishing or just ‘hanging out’ in God’s creation.
As a child Benjamin was very pensive and seldom said very much, but when he spoke it was worth hearing. He grew up in a large family and was brought up in church from birth. Benjamin received Christ as his Savior at an early age and was always aware of God’s presence in his life.
Benjamin was home schooled until the seventh grade when he transferred to Claremore Public School. He graduated high school with the class of 2007 and from Northeastern Vo-Tech with his electrical certificate. Benjamin worked in Spokane, WA as an electrician apprentice the summer of his junior year and moved to Spokane after graduating to complete his apprenticeship. Over the next five years he earned the title of Foreman electrician. He excelled in his field of labor.
In May 2008, he and the love of his life, Christina Bates of Broken Arrow, OK, married at Rehoboth Baptist Church and began their lives together in Spokane before moving to Maui, HI where he continued his skilled labor. In December 2013 Benjamin and Christina purchased a home on the Big Island of Hawaii and began working for American Electric of Oahu, HI.
Benjamin and Christina began their family with the adoption of a daughter, Grace Marie in September 2014 and continued their family with a son, Everett Charles Keely born November 10, 2017. Benjamin and Christina are members of Grace Baptist Church, Hilo, HI.
Saturday evening June 9, 2018 at Kona, HI, while fishing, Benjamin lost his life here on earth in a boating accident, He was 29 years old being received into Glory: II Corinthians 5:8
Benjamin is survived by his wife of ten years, Christina, daughter, Grace, son, Everett Charles. Parents: Wayne and Carolyn Keely, Siblings: Jeanie Ross, Mickey Keely, Charlaine Atzbach, Susie Atzbach, Daniel Keely, Joel Keely, Samuel Keely and Nathaniel Keely, numerous nieces and nephews, and countless friends.
Services for Benjamin will be held 11:00 am Tuesday June 19 at Rehoboth Baptist Church 2450 King Rd. Claremore, OK 74019. In lieu of flowers; cards or donations for his family will be received at the service.
MMS-Payne Funeral Home has been entrusted with the final arrangements.