On December 12, 2018, our lives were changed forever when our beloved son, Derek Bryan Keeling, passed from this life into the arms of his loving Savior.
Derek became a Christian at the age of five and his faith never wavered.
He left behind his parents Roger and Sandi Keeling, sister Erin Stulgis and her husband Steve Stulgis, aunts, uncles and numerous cousins and friends.
Derek was a graduate of Winfield High School and attended Mars Hill College where he was a brother of Delta Kappa Theta, and graduated with honors from the University of Kentucky.
After graduating, Derek went straight to New York where he landed his first National Tour as Danny Zuko in Grease. He performed that role over 700 times, including on Broadway, with the last time being in Istanbul, Turkey.
Derek performed all over the United States in various leading roles, including The Fonz in “Happy Days”, Chad in “All Shook Up”, Skip in “Life Could Be a Dream”, and with the Philharmonic at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles with sold out shows.
One of his favorite roles was the National Tour of “Million Dollar Quartet” when he played Johnny Cash.
While touring he recorded some of his original songs at SUN Records in Memphis, TN. He later recorded his own album and included these songs. He wrote all of his own music and lyrics.
As per Derek’s wishes, we will have a party, a Celebration of Life, on Sunday, January 20, 2019, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the Valley Park Conference Center in Hurricane. Everyone welcome.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Musical Theatre Department at the University of Kentucky Scholarship Fund in Derek’s name.
In all of Derek’s great accomplishments for his short time on this earth, the one he will forever be known best for is a loving son, brother, cousin and friend. Forever loved, forever missed and always in our hearts.