Bernard M. Keas

Bernard McCarron Keas, 68, died suddenly at home Dec. 5, 2010, in Idaho Falls.

Bernard, born in Peoria, Ill., on Nov. 25, 1942, was the seventh of nine children born to Henry (Harry) Edward and Elizabeth Margaret (McCarron) Keas. He graduated high school in Crawford, Neb., in 1961 and enlisted in the U.S. Marines. During his time in the Marines, he served two tours in Vietnam, attained the rank of sergeant and was awarded the Purple Heart.

After his time in the service, he went to Edgemont, S.D., to work as a sheriff's deputy. From Edgemont, he went on to work as a patrolman in Crawford, later serving as the chief of police. He moved to Idaho Falls in the late '70s and went to work for the Department of Energy in the Warning Communications Center. He received two presidential commendations for work that was vital to our national security. Later, he worked for SMC Physical Security.

Bernard loved to write and had written a number of short stories. He was a member of Idaho Falls Writer's League.

He had studied judo since the early '60s and held the rank of black belt (Shodan) and was an instructor for the YMCA Judo Club. Over the years, Bernard participated in a number of tournaments around the country. He placed third in the 1987 nationals tournament. He especially enjoyed teaching the kids at the Y and seeing how Judo helped to develop them.

Bowling was another of his favorite pastimes. He went to many national tournaments and placed well throughout the years. He was very disappointed not to be able to attend nationals this past spring.

Bernard was a very generous man. Over the years, he gifted subscriptions of Nebraska Life to many of his siblings. He made sure that the family reunions were funded, and he sent monies to aid disaster funds in the Phillipines.

Two sisters, Catherine Anne Reynolds and Rose Erin Wood, and one brother, Charles Edward, preceded him in death.

He is survived by five siblings, his sisters, Mary Patricia Fitch of Indianapolis, Ind., Nancy Cecelia Shimek of Estes Park, Colo., M. Emilie Keas of Berkeley, Calif., and Sheila Marie Velazco of Morelia, Mexico; a brother Philip (Anna) of Clifton, Colo.; 22 nieces and nephews; and numerous great-nieces and nephews.

He will be sorely missed.

A memorial services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 8, at Buck-Miller-Hann Funeral Home, 825 E. 17th St. in Idaho Falls.

Online condolences for the family may be left at www.buckmillerhann.com.