Thomas Joseph Kees

Thomas Joseph Kees, 86, passed unexpectedly on December 26, 2025, at his home. He was born in Germantown, Pa, on January 01, 1939, the son of the late John Charles and Margaret Luckenbill Kees, Sr.
Tom is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years Aretha Champ Kees whom he married on September 26, 1970, in Charleston, West Virginia, and by his beloved son and daughter-in-law Darrell William Kees and Barbara from Monongah. Also he is survived by eleven grandchildren Tiffany, Ashley, Joseph, Robbie, Drew, Britney, Matthew, Brittany, Darryl, Heaven-Leigh, and Emma; 15 great grandchildren Legend, Snowden, Jayde, Kayli, Courtny, Ilena, Atreus, Chase, Lillian, Wyatt, Loyal, Alan, Evan and Onyx; five great great grandchildren Layla, Nichole, Wyatt, Emmeline, and Lorek.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a beloved son Harry Allen Kees, a grandson Shayne William Kees, brothers John Charles Kees, Jr. and Francis "Frank" Kees; sisters Rita Hinson, Margaret "Peggy" McTague and Agnes McCarver.
Tom received a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Mary's Seminary in Connecticut in June of 1961 and a Master of Education degree from Duquesne University in August of 1970. He taught science at Pleasant Valley Elementary School and then Language Arts at East Park and later at East Fairmont Junior High School. He retired from teaching in May of 1999. Tom was also a skilled carpenter and home builder. He designed and built his home, doing most of the work himself. He was also an excellent storyteller.
Tom was a Roman Catholic by faith. In 1988, Tom began beekeeping, a hobby which he enjoyed immensely. He served as President of both the Marion County Beekeepers Association and the West Virginia State Beekeepers Association (WVBA) of which he was a Life member. In 2002, he and his wife were Beekeeper of the Year. In 2018, they received the WVBA Lifetime Achievement Award.
Having survived prostate cancer with which he was diagnosed in 2011, he was a member of Sharing and Caring, a cancer support group. He was a lifetime member of the Eastern Apicultural Society (EAS). Also, he was a member of the American Association of Retired People and the National Audubon Society.
Friends and family can call at Carpenter and Ford Funeral Home, 209 Merchant Street, on Friday from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, January 03, 2026, with Pastor Shawn Champ officiating. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Marion County Beekeepers Association, c/o Debbie Hockenberry, Treasurer, 194 Bridge Street, Fairmont, WV 26554 or the Carter Center at 453 John Lewis Freedom Parkway NE, Atlanta, GA 30307-1406.
Online memories and condolences may be share at www.carpenterandford.com
Carpenter and Ford Funeral Home is honored to serve the Kees Family.