Wendell C. Keetch

Wendell C. KeetchCorpus Christi, TXWendell C. Keetch passed away on Saturday, November 8, 2014 at the age of 96. He was born on October 12, 1918 in Blevins, Texas to John Charles and Mattie Bell Keetch. After graduating from Bruceville-Eddy High School in 1936, Wendell attended Baylor University and then he enlisted with the U.S. Air Force (143rd Infantry, 36th Division). While on furlough in 1942 prior to being deployed to the Philippines, he met his soon-to-be loving wife, Jayne Frances Calvert. They married within 4 days of meeting at the Waco USO and spent 50 years together. Wendell and Jayne moved to Corpus Christi, Texas after their first son was born. Wendell joined the family car business, Keetch Motor Co. After a brief return to active duty in 1951, Wendell lived the remainder of his life in Corpus Christi, Texas.As an active and contributing citizen of the Coastal Bend, Wendell became involved and accomplished in several local organizations. He served as president of the Corpus Christi Civitan Club, Board of Trustees Member and President of Flour Bluff Independent School District, and Chairman for the Flour Bluff Democratic Party. He participated for several years in Kiwanis and received recognition for his 65 years of service as a Mason. As a devout follower of Christ, Mr. Keetch became a member of South Shore Christian Church in 1958. He received several awards for his service, devotion and contribution to the church's growth and was granted the distinguished Elder Emeritus honor.Many friends and business associates knew Wendell as WC Keetch, and he earned a solid reputation as a successful businessman. He worked several years at Citizens State Bank and then reestablished the family car sales business as Keetch Motors in 1980. During his leisure time, he enjoyed fishing and watching the Dallas Cowboys. His family affectionately called him 'Pa' and 'Papa', and he developed deep, special and personal connections with everyone who knew him. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten for his humor, wisdom, kindness and generosity.He was preceded in death by his wife, Jayne Keetch; his parents, John Charles and Mattie Bell; his brothers, Emory Wesley and John Albert; his son-in-law, Jeffery Levy; and his longtime companion and best friend, Ms. Bettie Nelson. Wendell Keetch is survived by all four of his children, Phillip Byron Keetch (Kathy) of San Antonio, Texas, Karen Grossman (Maurice) of Corpus Christi, Texas, John Daniel Keetch (Helen) of Corpus Christi, Texas, and Amy Annette Levy of Leander, Texas. Other survivors include many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 14, 2014 at Seaside Funeral Home Chapel with a Funeral Service to be held at 11:00 a.m. that same morning. Interment will follow at Seaside Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Phillip Keetch, Dan Keetch, Richard Smith, Dan Keetch, Jr., Christopher Stanitz, and Mike Lingenfelder. The WC Keetch family wishes to extend sincere heartfelt gratitude to National Nursing and Mr. Keetch's comforting caretakers: Laurie Walker, Alisha Gipson and Amanda Koester. In lieu of flowers, please direct any gifts of Mr. Keetch's memory to the South Shore Christian Church Scholarship Fund.To view tribute, please visit www.seasidefuneral.com.