Kenton, Mark and Tyler Keele have a special bond. Not only are they grandfather, father and son, the trio loves to play music, especially at senior centers and nursing homes.
“I started with my Dad 20 years ago,” Mark said. He was happy when his own son, Tyler, joined the group.
The three men enjoy singing together along with the playing various instruments. Mark’s wife, Rickie, sings some numbers with them, and Tim Parks, a friend, provides bass.
They enjoy going to the Friendship Circle Center and the Waters of Covington in Covington, Ind., the Woodland Manor Nursing Center in Attica, Ind., and various churches.
“We started doing this about six years ago,” Mark said. “Years ago my Dad and grandma and grandpa were in a group called the Rhythm Rangers.”
In memory of Mark’s grandparents, the Keele family wears red shirts when they sing.
“We sing country and gospel,” said Rickie.
The Keeles do this for the love of music and for helping others.
“When they come up and pat you on the arm, that’s the only thanks we want,” Mark said. The group does not charge for its appearances at senior centers and nursing homes.
Music has always been a part of the Keele family at their Perrysville, Ind., home. Mark began playing banjo when he was 13 years old. He then advanced to mandolin, piano and keyboard. He and his wife now live in Tilton.
“He didn’t sing until later,” said his mother, Janis, who coordinates the group’s appearances.
Kenton plays the banjo, mandolin, fiddle and guitar.
At a recent appearance at the Friendship Circle Center, the Keele family entertained the lunch crowd and those who stayed after the meal.
Tyler, the youngest link of the Keele trio, was not with his father and grandfather at a recent appearance at the Friendship Circle Center, because of a doctor’s appointment. He began playing with his father and grandfather nine years ago, when he was 16.
This is the second time the Keeles have featured three generations. Mark and his father played earlier with Kenton’s father.
“I like the music; it’s a little gospel, a little ’50s and ’60s,” said Betty Bergeron of Covington, who danced with her husband after lunch.
The Keeles’ cousin, Delores Hollowell, joined them, dressed as an Indian, and mingled with the crowd.
“They volunteer here once a month,” said Jane Bowers, executive director of the Friendship Circle Center. “The people here love having them. They play so many instruments. They will do anything from ’50’s and ’60s to bluegrass to hymns.”
Music is a way of life.
“Whenever they get together, it is automatic to play music,” said Janis.
Mark really enjoys the time with his father and son.
“I cherish every day I can play music with my Dad and my son,” he said.
Local News
Related Photos
-
Matt Huber
Discussion
Keele family finds joy entertaining
- Local News
-
-
Spirit of the West
Museum workers run out of adjectives when describing the “Spirit of the West” quilt exhibit, which opens Friday. “It’s mind boggling,” Sue Richer, director of the Vermilion County Museum, said as she admired the quilts. “It amazes me. They’re works of art, the way they’re put together.”
-
County looks at power deal
Vermilion County Board committee members will discuss a contract letting Integrys extend electric savings to residents now.
-
Six to retire from Danville High
Six longtime District 118 employees said goodbye to Danville High School at the end of the school year.
-
Teacher’s aide retires after 33 years
Jan Kovacic meets the students at Covington Elementary School when they arrive in the morning, and she is the last one they see in the afternoon when getting on a bus or in a car.
-
Fountain OKs nurse position
Fountain County Council members approved restructuring changes Tuesday in the Fountain-Warren Health Department.
-
United Way close to goal
The United Way of Danville Area is in the home stretch of its annual campaign and wants residents’ help in reaching that goal.
- City rummage sale nears
- Home tour helps museum
- Police, Fire Reports
-
Teacher weaves life skills in with lessons
KaSandra Mitchell’s fifth-graders probably think all the cooking and sewing they do in class is a lot of fun.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Sister Says She Reported Brother in Patz Killing
Patz Suspect's Sister: I Went to Police in 1980s
Diplomatic Expulsions Follow Fresh Syria Report
15 Dead in Northern Italy's 5.8-magnitude Quake
Angry Birds Spreading Their Wings
Witness Describes Fla. Face-chewing Attack
Man Falls Off Crane, Dies After Police Standoff
Russia Condemns Ally Syria Over Massacre of 108
Dairy Farm Uses Chiropractor to Help Cows
Unexpected Smog in Pristine National Parks
Air Canada Plane Makes Emergency Landing
New Ticks Spread Across Southeast, Diseases Rise
Bring Your Own Tech Programs Charge Up Students
Pope's Butler Vows to Help Vatican Investigation
Mother of Allegedly Abused Girl Denies Claims
Raw Video: 19 Dead in Qatar Shopping Mall Fire
Service Dogs Help Wash. Soldiers Battling PTSD
Raw Video: Heckler Bursts in on Blair Testimony
Japan Farmers Plant, Seek Radiation-free Rice
Couple doesn’t let tropical storm ruin their big day
Tori Bares Baby Bump in Monokini
Even Fla. Police Shocked by Face-Mauling Attack
Letterman on Family Life Post-Scandal
Evans: Serena in shock
Pregnant Reese Wears LBD
Volcano covers Colombian cities in ash
Meet the Crew and Good Ship 'Prometheus'
Los Angeles Bar Bans Bachelorettes
Hamster Plays Dead
Beyonce Shows Off 60 Pound Weight Loss at Concert
Drunk Women Breaking Into Houses: A New Trend?
LeAnn Rimes Rocks Short Shorts
Raw Video: Cop Shoots Man Eating Another's Face
Gordon Ramsay Carried Off Field
Man Dies Getting Lap Dance
Kim Kardashian Claims Items Stolen from Her Luggage
Bear cools off in Calif. family's pool
Ep. 3: Chopped Desserts
Air Force dad surprises family at baseball game
