David W. Keck

July 24, 1951 - June 17, 2011
SOUTH BEND - David W. Keck, 59, of South Bend, passed away Friday, June 17, 2011, in Memorial Hospital, South Bend. He was born on July 24, 1951, in South Bend, to William Sr. and Lillian (Hisick) Keck. On March 19, 1992, he married Debra Harbaugh, who survives. Also surviving are his son, David (Dana) Keck of Rocky Mount, NC; his daughter, Ashley Keck, at home; his mother, Lillian (William Granning) Keck; two sisters, Cindy (Steve) Coffinger and Jody (Rod) Rush; two brothers, Robert (Katie) Keck and Bryan Keck; three stepchildren, Tom (Erin) Martin, Leah (Keith) Oden and Danny Martin Jr.; eight grandchildren, David Keck III, Rose Keck, McKenzie, Tristan and Camden Martin, and Chase, Emily and Colton Oden; and numerous nieces and nephews. Dave was preceded in death by his father, William Sr.; and by three brothers, Gerald, William Jr. and Timothy. Mr. Keck retired from the Steel Warehouse and Teamsters in 2001, after 30 years of service as a truck driver. He was a parishioner of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, South Bend. After retirement, Dave volunteered his time and became known as "The Parking Lot Cop," watching over the dismissal at the parish school. Dave loved his family, friends, NASCAR, and the American Legion. He was a member of and held office with the Sons of The American Legion, Squadron 284, in South Bend. He was also active with the SAL 3rd District and State Detachment. He served as St. Joseph County Vice Commander and 3rd District Commander. He co-chaired the State Child Welfare Project, and was dedicated to the Homeless Veterans Project. Along with Legion friends, Dave helped form the annual Westside Legions (Post #284 and 357) Toys for Tots Drive. He was a proud member of the Post #284 Honor Guard. A memorial Mass for Dave will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday in St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, South Bend, where friends may visit for one hour prior to the Mass. Kaniewski Funeral Homes, South Bend, is handling the arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 3526 St. Johns Way, South Bend, IN 46628. To send online condolences, please visit www.kaniewski.com.