Thomas Keesler Sr.

Thomas James Keesler Sr., 72, The Lord called Tom home on January 13, 2013 surrounded by the love of his family, after a short, but courageous battle with cancer. Tom proudly served his country as a Senior Chief Petty Officer in the US Navy where he served for 26 years. He went on to establish his own crane company upon military retirement. He was a faithful member of St. Ann Catholic Church where he served on many ministries and councils including being co-coordinator of Our Daily Bread Food Pantry. He was a member of the American Legion Post #284 and Moose Lodge #1472. Born on April 4, 1940 in Kane, Pennsylvania, he was preceded in death by parents, John J. and Avis Nogar Keesler and his brother, John J. Keesler Jr. Left to celebrate his life, he was the beloved husband of 49 years to Evelyn Alcorn Keesler; cherished Father of Thomas J. Keesler Jr. and wife, Maria, John J. Keesler, Lisa Doughtie and husband, James and Dawn Helton and husband, Kevin; second father to Michael A. Bliss and wife, Tina; devoted grandpa of 11 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; brother, Paul R. Keesler; sisters, Carole and Connie Walker; a host of nieces, nephews and friends. A funeral mass will be held at 9:00 a.m. Thursday, January 17, 2013 in St. Ann Catholic Church, 17111 Jefferson Davis Highway, Colonial Heights, Virginia 23834 with Father Lou Ruoff, Celebrant. Interment will follow in St. Ann Catholic Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Ann Catholic Church c/o Our Daily Bread Food Pantry.