Frederick James Keegan

Frederick James Keegan (81) was called to his last formation on September 6, 2025, in Hampstead, NC surrounded by his family.

A memorial service will be held on September 25th, 2025, at 1:00 pm at the Infant of Prague Church in Jacksonville, NC. His final resting place will be at Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery with Military Honors following the memorial service.

Fred was born on December 30th, 1943, to the late John H. Keegan, Sr., and Elizabeth Daly Keegan. He is proceeded in death by his brother, John H. Keegan, Jr., and sisters, Margaret "Peggy" Webster and Mary Beth (Bethy) Condon.

He enlisted as a private in the United States Marine Corps in June 1963 and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in October 1995. During his time of service, he saw action during his two tours in Vietnam and leading his command into the Gulf War I.

Fred married his lovely wife Joan Nicholson on December 12th, 1972, in Dunedin, New Zealand, after meeting her 3 weeks prior during leave from the Vietnam war to visit his brother John. It was then that he met Joan and the rest was history.

In his later years, Fred retired from Onslow County Government in 2006. He was active in his local and state Veterans Affairs where he served as an Officer. He was also a proud and active member of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter #16, and of the VFW, post 9133. He was a loving father and husband and enjoyed spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Joan Keegan; his daughter, Fiona J. Keegan; and his sons, Christopher J. Keegan, along with Christopher's fiancée, Laura, their son, Angus Mitchell (2), and Jordan Craig (18) from a previous marriage. He is also survived by Deputy Sgt. Timothy Keegan and his wife, Leslie, along with their children, Braidyn Riley (15) and Hudson Andrew (11).

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Fisher House of Camp Lejeune for Wounded Warriors.