Raymond Walter Keesey

1948 - 2014

1948-2014 Raymond Walter Keesey, 66 Raymond Walter Keesey, 66, passed away at his home in Surprise, AZ, on Friday, 10/17/14. He was born in Chester, PA, on 3/13/48. Ray became a volunteer firefighter with the Garden City Fire Co. at age 16 and graduated from Nether Providence High School, Class of 1966. Ray enlisted for 4 years in the U.S. Marine Corps and completed basic training in Aug 1966 at Parris Island, SC, with Platoon 3038 and began a tour of duty in Vietnam in Sept 1967, along the DMZ. He fought in the Battle for Hue during the TET Offensive in Feb 1968 and was wounded on 2/24/68. He was awarded the Navy Achievement medal with combat "V" for valor and the Purple Heart. Ray began a career in law enforcement with the Newport News, VA, PD in 1970, joined the Nether Providence Township PD in 1973, and retired as a detective in 2003. Ray was an active member of the FOP, Delaware County Lodge #27; and a life member of the Gen. Smedley D. Butler detachment of the Marine Corps League, Military Order of the Purple Heart, DAV and VFW, Media, PA. Ray was predeceased by his father, William Keesey, in 1980, and by his brother, William G. Keesey, in 1993. He is survived by his wife, Judy, whom he married on 9/27/69; daughter Dawn (Kevin); son David (Tammy); grandchildren Brindon, David, Kacie, Quinn, Danica and Nathaniel; his mother, Hilda Keesey Pulcher; a brother, John (Elaine); sisters, Sarah Hunter (Larry); Hilda Sweeney (Bill); and Dorothy Gurnick; aunts, uncles, cousins, and many nieces, nephews and dear friends. Donations may be made to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28201. Nether Providence Township PD is hosting a dinner in Ray's memory at the Garden City Fire House at 6:00pm on Friday, 11/28/14. All family and friends are welcome.