Dates
Alan Paul Keenum was born August 10, 1945, in Littlefield, Texas, to Austin James Keenum and Edith Dove Seiber Keenum.
Born into a farming family, Alan’s early years took him from Littlefield to Cotton Center before his family finally settled in the place that would always hold a special place in his heart—Hale Center, Texas. Hale Center became home, and no matter how many places his life and military career would eventually take him, his West Texas roots remained an important part of who he was.
After graduating from Hale Center High School, Alan attended West Texas State for two years before choosing a path that would shape much of his life. In April 1967, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, beginning a distinguished military career that would span 30 years.
Alan rose through the enlisted ranks to achieve the rank of Chief Master Sergeant (CMSgt), the highest enlisted rank in the United States Air Force. Throughout his career, he served at duty stations in Texas, Colorado, Vietnam, Korea, Turkey, and Germany. His service took him around the world, but Texas was always home.
Among the achievements of which Alan was most proud was serving as Wing Senior Enlisted Advisor at Reese Air Force Base, Texas, a position that reflected the leadership, professionalism, experience, and dedication he had demonstrated throughout his career.
His final duty assignment was with the 64th Flying Training Wing at Reese Air Force Base. When Reese AFB closed, Alan was entrusted with a responsibility that was both symbolic and fitting for a man who had devoted three decades of his life to the Air Force: he was tasked with being the last military member to walk off the base at its closing.
Over the course of his military career, Alan received numerous service medals, commendations, awards, and recognitions honoring his many years of dedicated service to his country.
Retirement from the Air Force did not mean retirement from working. Alan briefly worked for the United States Postal Service before transitioning to military contract work with Lighthouse for the Blind. He later returned to federal service, spending the final ten years of his working career in U.S. Civil Service at Goodfellow Air Force Base, appropriately returning to the logistics career field in which he had begun his military career many years before.
Alan was a man who was happiest when he was doing, building, repairing, learning, traveling, or figuring out how something worked. If something was broken, chances were Alan could fix it—and if there was something he didn't know how to fix, he was probably going to figure it out.
He loved playing ping pong, classic automobiles and motorcycles, Lawn-Boy lawnmowers, history, science, Route 66, watching the neighborhood Blue Jays from his yard, and traveling the United States by road. He enjoyed seeing the country from behind the wheel, where the journey itself could be every bit as important as the destination.
There were also a few things Alan believed made almost any day better: a Dr Pepper and something sweet. Preferably, plenty of both.
Those who knew Alan will remember far more than his accomplishments and career. They will remember a man who was extraordinarily generous with his time, knowledge, and abilities. He was kindhearted and always willing to lend a hand to someone who needed help. Whether it meant repairing something, building something, solving a problem, or simply showing up when someone needed him, Alan could be counted on. Alan believed very strongly in showing up on time. In fact, according to Alan, if you were on time, you were already late.
Along with his discipline and strong work ethic came a wonderful sense of humor. Alan was hilariously funny, a natural jokester, and someone who thoroughly enjoyed playing tricks on others. He could make people laugh, and there was often a mischievous streak behind the smile that let those who knew him well understand that he might already be planning his next prank.
Of all the chapters in Alan’s life, one of the most meaningful came when he reconnected with his high school sweetheart, Linda Beth Stephens. After life had taken them on separate journeys, their paths found their way back to one another. Alan and Linda were married on November 26, 2010. Their story was a beautiful reminder that sometimes love simply waits for the right time to find its way home.
Alan lived a life marked by service—to his country, to his work, to his family, and to the people around him. He was a proud Airman, a Chief Master Sergeant, a problem solver, a builder and fixer, a history and science enthusiast, a road-trip traveler, a lover of old cars and motorcycles, a devoted husband, and a man who could find both usefulness and fascination in something as simple as a Lawn-Boy lawnmower.
Alan was preceded in death by his father, Austin James “A.J.” Keenum; his mother, Edith Dove Seiber Keenum; his sister, Patsy Graca; his brother-in-law, Smokey Mayfield; and his sister, Mary Mayfield and his childhood best friend and soul brother, Mike Tiner.
Alan is survived by the love of his life and wife, Linda Stephens Keenum; his beloved brother, Tom Keenum and wife Betty; his precious daughters, Deborah Keenum Elkins and husband Brian; and, Amanda Keenum; and his beloved grand-dog Walter. He was very proud of his precious daughters and all of their accomplishments.
Alan is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and extended family members.
A celebration of life is planned for September 12, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Paul Presbyterian Church located at 11 N. Park St., San Angelo, Texas. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice.