John Maury Keedy

John Maury Keedy, 87, of Battle Creek died peacefully on Monday, August 29, 2016, after a long battle with heart disease and dementia. John was born August 16, 1929 in Battle Creek, Michigan to David C. and Hazelle Marie (Wilson) Keedy. He grew up in Battle Creek and was a 1947 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School. John honorably served his country in the U.S. Navy on the USS Charles R. Ware during the Korean War. He was employed by the Defense Department for 30 years. John was on the team that established the logistical data center at the Battle Creek Federal Center. He was recognized as one of the DLSC pioneers when he retired in 1989. John married the former Winifred E. Thomas on June 6, 1953 at First United Methodist Church of Battle Creek. Surviving are Winnie, his wife of 63 years; a daughter, Robin (Doug) Pierman of Canton, MI; two sons, Jeffery Keedy of Los Angeles, CA, Dr. David (Angie) Keedy of Lexington, KY; and three grandchildren, Christopher Keedy, Alexandra Keedy, and Caitlin Pierman. John was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Zelda Massaro, and an aunt, Reba Lankford Erard. After retiring he and Winnie lived in Inverness, FL and Danville, KY for 25 years until returning to Battle Creek in 2013. John was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and the Battle Creek Masonic Lodge #12 F & AM. He will be remembered as a doting husband, loving father, and jolly grandpa. John was always quick with a joke and never met a stranger. A memorial service will be officiated by Rev. Dr. Jeffery Carlson at the First Presbyterian Church 11:00 a.m. Thursday, September 1, 2016. John's family will receive friends in the church parlor following services, where refreshments will be served. Interment with military honors by the Ft. Custer and the U.S. Navy Honor Guards will be held 1:30 pm. Thursday at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Arrangements are by Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. Donations and personal messages for the family may be placed at http://act.alz.org/goto/jkeedy.