Franklyn Keeling

Franklyn Jay Keeling, 71, of Overland Park, passed away on May 19, 2015 at Kansas City Hospice House.

Born to Guy and Grace Keeling February 7, 1944 in St. Petersburg, FL, Frank Keeling settled in Upstate New York as a child. He grew up and graduated from high school in Gorham, NY in 1962.

Frank married his high school sweetheart, Judy Bigham, in 1964 and they were just able to celebrate their 51st anniversary together in their home with their sons.

In trying to find his way with school and initially in business, Frank attended several different universities and worked at several companies including Eastman Kodak Company and Brede Tool in Rochester, NY. He ultimately found his niche while developing a tools sales division at Iversen Lumber in Gorham, NY.

As a Territorial Sales man at Wedge Company he found his true life's passion selling diamond tools for construction. In 1977 he moved to Target Products, Inc. where he served in many sales and management positions that lead to his family's move to Kansas City, KS.

In 1983, Frank co-founded Magnum Diamond and Machinery. He owned and built the company with his two sons until it was sold to Electrolux in 2000. Magnum was merged with Demus USA where Frank served as President until 2002.

Feeling restless, and with a mind that never stops, Frank then started Precision Tractor with his sons Pat and Jeff. They continued with the company until 2008 at which time he retired. Frank continued to keep up his relationships with friends in the industry and attended trade shows up until recently in 2015.

Frank was a world traveler, visiting the majority of Europe, Australia, The Philippines, and Mexico. He was a student of history which was highlighted by a D-Day tour through Europe. Sports were another hobby and he regularly attended Chiefs games as well as one Super Bowl (NOT THE Chiefs!!) He was an avid outdoorsman and Formula One racing enthusiast once attending the Italian Grand Prix. He was also able to attend numerous Indy 500 races.

With all this success, Frank had a lot of joy with his family (and all of their successes!). He and Judy had two successful sons – Pat and Jeff. Both sons have followed in his footsteps in construction, sales and share his love of the industry. They have two beautiful and successful daughter-in-laws Cathy (Pat) and Connie (Jeff) as well as 7 joyous grandchildren – Christy, Emily, Brandon (Pat) and Aubrye, Lawson, Donovan, Darby (Jeff). He enjoyed spending time with all of them, sharing in their sports, hobbies, family vacations and holidays.

Frank was a loved and respected man in business and by his friends and family. He influenced many lives with his work in the construction industry and with relationships with his family and friends. He has left his legacy and will be greatly missed by all!

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Heart to Heart International, 13250 W. 98th St. Lenexa, Kansas 66215