Paul Stephen “Red” McKeller, 68, of Midland, passed away on Monday, July 13, 2015. Memorial services will be held at 1:00 PM Friday, July 17, 2015 at the First United Methodist Church in Midland with Dr. Tim Walker, officiating.Red was born on September 26, 1946 to Morris and Johnnie McKeller in Atlanta, Texas. He graduated from Linden-Kildare High School in 1965 and entered Kilgore Junior College in 1965 and began earning his certification as an athletic trainer at Rice University. Red served as athletic trainer for the 1966 Kilgore Junior College National Championship Football Team. In 1967, Red earned a scholarship to the University of North Texas where he was appointed Head Student Trainer for the \Mean Green\ Eagle football team. There, he was part of the 1967 Missouri Valley Conference Championship football team. Red was among the first ever certified and licensed athletic trainers in Texas in 1972 and became the first athletic trainer at Longview High School from 1972 to 1973. Red was recruited by Odessa Permian High School in 1973, where he served as Head Athletic Trainer until 1977. In 1975, Red was awarded the Sam Ketchum Award from the Southwest Texas Trainers Association in Waco, TX. Red was inducted into the Kilgore College Hall of Fame in 2011 for his part in the 1966 Championship football team there.For the past 30 years, Red has been the owner and operator of Texas Refreshments Corporation in Midland. Red was known by all as a motivator and could light up any room he came into. He had a knack for fixing almost anything he put his hands on and was an example of what hard work and determination can accomplish in life. He believed in always helping others when he could and was one who \never met a stranger\. Red always had a story to share with those around him. He loved a morning cup of coffee and taking his dogs out for their early morning run each day. Red's life was always full of activity. He ran marathons and triathlons, overcame a struggle with cancer, and made acquaintances with politicians, musicians, and athletes across the country. He cherished spending time with his sons and grandsons. His absence will be felt by many and the world will unfortunately be a little bit quieter without his presence.Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Bonnie McKeller; sons, Rhett McKeller and wife Elise of McKinney and Michael McKeller and wife, Betsy of Midland; grandsons Everett, Aidan, and Meyer McKeller, and sister, Pennie McKeller of Tyler, TX.He is preceded in death by his son, Stephen McKeller; father, Morris McKeller, mother, Johnnie McKeller, and sister, Susan McKeller.The family suggests memorials be made to First United Methodist Church, 300 N. Main St., Midland, TX, 79701 or to the McKeller Scholarship Fund at Kilgore College, 1100 Broadway, Kilgore TX 75662.Honorary pallbearers will be members of the 1966 National Junior College Football Team from Kilgore College.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com,
