C. Brett Keister

C. Brett Keister EAST BERLIN C. Brett Keister, 57, died Monday morning, September 5, 2005, at his residence. This proud veteran of the United States Army was decorated just last month by The Order of the Silver Rose for his service during the Vietnam War. Keister served as State Council Representative of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 542 Harrisburg. He was a member of the Vietnam Veterans Post 76 Harrisburg, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7530 Lower Allen, as well as the Dillsburg American Legion. He was active in all groups as a leader and speaker for all veterans. Born in Harrisburg, he graduated from Central Dauphin High School, class of 1966, before joining the U.S. Army and serving in the 119th Assault Helicopter Company, 52nd Combat Aviation Battalion, 1st Aviation Brigade. He completed his service with an honorable discharge from the armed forces in May 1974. He worked for the Department of Defense Logistics in Mechanicsburg and prior to that for IBM. He took pride in his love of sports and children, serving as a little league baseball and soccer coach for many youths in the Camp Hill area. He loved baseball especially, cheering for his beloved Philadelphia Phillies, and as recently as July was on the diamond playing in his family's annual summer baseball game at the Doubleday Farm near Carlisle. He is survived by his son, Donald of Camp Hill; his wife, Cathy of East Berlin; his mother, Elizabeth Martin; a brother, Jeffrey Keister of Harrisburg; an aunt and uncle, Linda and Harold Keister of Enola; and his extended family. He was preceded in death by his father, Donald. A viewing is scheduled for 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Neill Funeral Home, 3401 Market St., Camp Hill. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, followed by the burial at Fort Indiantown Gap in Annville. The family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Vietnam Veterans Association Chapter 542, 8000 Derry St., Harrisburg, PA 17111.