Sam Keehn 1943-2023
Samuel Leroy “Sam” Keehn, 80, of Soldier, passed away Wednesday, July 5, 2023, at his home with family by his side.
He was born March 8, 1943, in Goff, the son of Frederick Henry Lawrence and Mary Belle (Holt) Keehn.
Sam graduated from Soldier High School in 1961. He proudly served in the United States Army from 1961 to 1964 in the 82nd Airborne Division. He was stationed in Japan where he completed the remainder of his military service.
Following his military service, Sam returned home and married his high school sweetheart, Beverly Jean “Jeannie” Tribble, on Oct. 17, 1964 in Soldier. They celebrated nearly 59 years of marriage.
Sam worked for more than 33 years at the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, retiring in 1998. He was a member of the Steel Worker’s Union.
Being handy, Sam built their home, sheds and playhouse (once grandchildren were on the scene). His personal interests over time included beekeeping, drawing and canning, among other activities. He was an avid gardener and fisherman. A long-time athlete, Sam transitioned to golf, the highlight of which was a hole-in-one. Sam and Jeannie traveled widely across the U.S., visiting their sons and enjoying trips with friends. They had especially fond memories of repeated trips to Gulf Coast beaches with family.
Sam’s faith in Christ was an integral part of his life. He was a member of Soldier Christian Church.
Survivors include his wife, Jeannie, of the home; two sons, Larry T. Keehn of Overland Park and Mark A. Keehn (Jada Kohlmeier) of Auburn, Ala.; two sisters, Donnalee Keehn Fields of Havensville and Mary Woltje (Charlie) of Topeka; three brothers, Fritz Keehn (Rosemarie Miller) of Soldier, Ernie Keehn (Lavon) of Wetmore and Richard Keehn of Idaho; two grandchildren, Gage and Mara; five bonus grandchildren, Cory (Alex), Micaela (Johnathan), Lilian, Sierra and Adeline (children of Gary and Megan Keehn); and three bonus great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick and Mary Belle Keehn; two sisters, Sue Randel and Peggy Dodson; and one brother, Ed Keehn.
Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 11 at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Inurnment will follow in Soldier Cemetery. Family will greet friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be given to the Alpha Christian Children’s Home, sent in care of Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com
(PAID OBITUARY)
