John A. Keesee, a longtime Lewis County resident, passed away Sept. 7, 2024, after a period of declining health.
John was born Dec. 1, 1939, to William and Helen Oliver Keesee in Buchanan, Botetourt County, Virginia. On Aug. 14, 1973, John married Thelma Hedrick Moretto in El Paso, Texas. John and Thelma moved to Lewis County, Washington, sometime in the early 1980s. John was once a talented musician and craftsman who built his own guitars and banjos. John and Thelma held bluegrass festivals at their former home in Centralia before arthritis robbed him of his ability to play. Thelma preceded John in death on Aug. 11, 2021. John is survived by seven children from previous marriages.
John’s son, Bill Keesee, and his family would like to thank his devoted friends Craig “Bub” Ritzman and Keith “Porky” Toliver, the staff at Providence Centralia Hospital, the Lewis County Sheriff's Office, the local EMS and the people of Pe Ell. John was a proud Army veteran and member of Pe Ell VFW.
Per his request, there will be no funeral or calling hours.
