Thomas "Tom" J. Keck

Thomas "Tom" J. Keck, 80, of Bartlesville, Oklahoma formerly of Cherryvale, Kansas passed away Thursday, December 27, 2018 in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.

Thomas Joe Keck was born February 2, 1938 in Independence, Kansas the son of Merle C. Keck and Cleo Frances (Ray) Keck. He grew up in Independence and graduated from Independence High School in 1954. He also attended Independence Community College.

On February 9, 1968 he was united in marriage to F. Kay Savage and to this union brought three children, Kathy, Dawn and Theron.

He enlisted with the United States Marine Corp and served from 1961 until honorably discharged in 1963.

Tom worked as a machinist for 30 plus years at Lehigh Cement Plant in Independence and retired in the late 1990’s. After retirement he worked as a bus driver for eight years in Cherryvale.

He enjoyed going hunting, fishing and was an avid gun collector. He will be remembered as always lending a helping hand and was an excellent husband, Dad, “PaPaw” and “Pap.”

Tom was a member of the Carson Lodge in Elk City, Kansas, VFW Post #1186, Mirza Shrine, American Legion Post #139, Marine Corp League, Elk City Eastern Star and New Hope Christian Church in Cherryvale.

Survivors include his wife Kay of the home, children, Kathy Kelley of Independence, Kansas, Dawn Surber of Belleville, Kansas, Theron Pope of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, sister, Linda DeTienne of Independence, Kansas, brother, Fred Keck of Cherryvale, Kansas, 4 grandsons, Benjamin Kelley of New York, New York, Cody Robertson of Thornton, Colorado, John Pope of Skiatook, Oklahoma, Jay Surber of Belleville, Kansas and 5 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a great granddaughter.

Celebration of Life Memorial Services will be held 11:00 A.M. Saturday, January 12, 2019 at Wickham Family Funeral Home, 216 East 4th, Cherryvale, Kansas.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 A.M. until service time Saturday at the funeral home.

Inurnment will follow the service at Mound Valley Cemetery in Mound Valley, Kansas.

Memorial remembrances are suggested to Comforting Hands Hospice or to a local Veterans Association and they may be left or mailed to the funeral home.