Willie Keams |
| Posted 2009-08-01 by Sharla |
| Willie Keams (November 25, 1931 - June 3, 2009) Willie Keams, 77, of Dilcon, Arizona, passed away on Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona. He was born on November 25, 1931, in Dilcon, Arizona, the son of the late Alice Keams and Hosteen Tso. While attending school in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on May 16, 1951, he was drafted into the Army. He was honored to serve his country in the Korean War, and in the Army Reserves. Willie received an Honorable Discharge from the Armed Forces of the United States of America on October 26, 1956, and was awarded the Korean Service Medal, U.N. Service Medal, four Bronze Service Stars and two O/S bars. He appreciated and respected all veterans and members of the U.S. military. After returning from Korea, Willie met the love of his life, Rosie Curley, in Winslow, Arizona. With much joy, they were united in marriage on December 23, 1955. Only his passing from this world would separate him from his bride of 53 years. While living in McNary, Arizona, Willie and Rosie happily started their family. For over forty years, he enjoyed working as a knife grinder for Stone Forest Industries in McNary, and also in Flagstaff. After retiring from the sawmill in 1997, he worked another four years at the Walgreens Distribution Center in Flagstaff. His retirement was spent enjoying time with his wife and family, ranching, serving in the church, and studying his Bible. His family will always remember him as a gentle, kind, loving, faithful and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He gladly worked hard to provide and care for his wife and family, and do his best for the Lord. Willie gave his heart to Jesus, and was baptized on April 23, 2000 in Dilcon. When he entered heaven, he was reunited with his beloved sons, Christopher, Chuck and Timothy Keams. He will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Rosie Keams; two daughters, Joni Keams (Tim O'Connor) of Apopka, FL, Sandy Poolheco (Tony), Flagstaff, AZ; and three sons, James Keams (Laurie) of Bakersfield, CA; Norman Keams, Dilcon, AZ; Mark Keams (Michelle) of Greasewood, AZ, and his many grandchildren. A Private family viewing is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. MST, on Sunday, June 7, 2009 at Norvel Owens Mortuary, 914 E. Route 66, Flagstaff. A Memorial Service to honor his life will be held at Greenlaw Baptist Church, 3400 E. Lockett Road in Flagstaff on Monday, June 8, 2009, at 1:00 p.m. MST. After the Memorial Service, Willie will be laid to rest with Military Honors at Citizens Cemetery located in Flagstaff. A reception at Greenlaw Baptist Church will follow the graveside service. (Obit: Norvel Owens Mortuary, Flagstaff, Arizona) See Also: Find A Grave |
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