Ernest L. Keily

Ernest L. Keily passed away peacefully on January 14, 2016 at the age of 88. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lucian and Loma Keily and his brother, Lee Keily. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Barbara Keily, his daughter Linda Cooper (Bill), son, Bradley Keily (Kim), stepson, Brian Schroeder (Paula), stepdaughter, Susan Hord (Steve), sister, Christine Vanderford, brother, Russell Keily, eight grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and numerous other family members. Ernest graduated from El Paso High School and Texas College of the Mines (UTEP) where he excelled in football and track. While in college, he was All-Border Conference for three years, Little All-American and co-captain of the football team. After graduating from college he played football for the Detroit Lions and Pittsburgh Steelers for a short time. He then went on to serve in the US Navy. He worked for Safeway Stores for 39 years as the El Paso Distribution Center and Trucking Manager. He enjoyed officiating high school football for over 19 years. In 1980 Ernest was inducted into the El Paso Athletic Hall of Fame. He was honored to be chosen to the 75th Anniversary Sun Bowl Team in 2008 and to the UTEP Centennial Team in 2014. He will be fondly remembered as a man of great integrity and humility. A Gathering of Remembrance will be held Saturday, January 23, 2016 at 1:30 pm at Sunset Funeral Home Northeast. A Memorial Service will be held, Saturday, January 23, 2016 at 2:00pm, Sunset Funeral Home Northeast, 4631 Hondo Pass. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor, to the Alzheimer’s Association, 4687 N. Mesa, Ste 200, El Paso, Texas 79912 or to Hospice of El Paso, 1575 Belvidere, El Paso, Texas, 79912. Services entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home Northeast. Please visit our online register book at www.sunsetfuneralhomes.net.