Donald KECK

1926 - 2017

KECK, Donald Frederick Age 90, went to be with the Lord on July 9, 2017. He was at his home in Hamilton, OH surrounded by family. He was a beloved brother, husband, dad, grandfather, great-grandfather and man of God. Don was born November 17th, 1926 in Pottstown, Pennsylvania to Elmer C. and Louise (Zwald) Keck. He joined the army in 1944 and attended VMI. He attended Penn State University and graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He married Jean Elizabeth Belman in 1949 just before joining General Electric in Lynn, MA. He enjoyed a very rewarding 43 year career with GE, and spent most of his years in the military and commercial jet engine businesses. He was inducted into the GE Aviation Propulsion Hall of Fame. Don was a founding member of the Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Fairfield, and a longtime member of Zion Lutheran Church in Hamilton. He was a Scoutmaster with Troop 960 in Fairfield for many years, he was awarded the Lamb award (Lutherans in scouting) and he was awarded a lifetime leadership award by the Dan Beard Council (greater Cincinnati area). He was a founding member of the Rolling Hills Country Club, a founding member of the Fairfield YMCA, and was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Fairfield. He was also an avid supporter of his Penn State Nittany Lions. Don enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He was a loving and caring father, and was a beloved Pop-Pop to all of his grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. He had a great sense of humor and was full of wisdom that he shared freely with all who would listen. His sons and their families were shown how to be strong and independent, and to live life to the fullest and not be afraid of new experiences. Don was preceded in death by his mother and father, his brother Dave Keck and his granddaughter Tabatha Johnson. He is survived by his wife Jean, sons Jerry (Linda), Fred (Joyce), Don (Ruth), and Dave (Cheryl); and grandsons Jeff, Daren, Mason, Brian, Cameron, Aaron and Tanner; and granddaughters Carrie, Althea and Emma; and great grandsons Nolan, Max, TJ, Hunter; and great granddaughters Madison, Anna, Zoe, Kaia and Halle. Don is also survived by his sister Betty Yocom. A visitation and service will be held at Zion Lutheran Church at 212 S. Front St, Hamilton, OH on Saturday, July 15, 2017. Visitation is from 9-11am, and a celebration of life service will be held immediately afterwards from 11am-12noon. Pastor Joseph L. Schrock will be officiating. A luncheon will be served following the service. There will be a private interment at Oak Hill Cemetery in Springdale, OH. A military honor guard will be present. In lieu of flowers donations can made to the Alzheimer's Association, the Boy Scouts of America or Zion Lutheran Church's Education Fund. Zettler Funeral Home is serving the family. Online register book is available at www.zettlerfuneralhome.com