Everett Lenwood Keesee

Everett Lenwood Keesee Everett Lenwood "Mike" Keesee passed away on Friday March 28, 2014, at age 90. Mike is survived by his three children; Michal Keesee, of Fortuna Ca., Richard Keesee of Gates, Or., and Marriane Keesee and her wife, Lynn Hartley, of Trinity Center, Ca. He is also survived by four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Mr. Keesee is a veteran of World War II, where he served as a B-17 pilot. He grew up in Columbus, Ohio, the elder son of Catherine and Everett L. Keesee, Sr. He later relocated to California, where he had married and started a family before going overseas. Mike was a long-time resident of Fortuna, California, where he moved after retiring from a career in law enforcement in Southern California. A prominent gun and knife expert, he wrote for Guns and Ammo Magazine and other sportsmen's periodicals. After retirement, he and his late wife, Dian, were active members of the Fortuna Garden Club. He was also a member of the North Coast Vintage Aviation Society, active in the Fortuna VFW, and served for a time as the range-master at the Fortuna Pistol Club. During his service in WWII he was taken as a prisoner of war after his plane was shot down. For his bravery and heroism he earned several medals, including a Prisoner of War Medal, a Purple Heart, an Air Medal, and a Distinguished Unit Citation. He will be remembered for his humor, his courage, and the love he had for his family. Internment with military honors will be held at Ocean View Cemetery, 3975 Broadway,Eureka, Friday, April 25, 2014, at 2:30 p.m. with a reception following. For further information, please contact Michal Keesee at (707)726-0114. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made in his name to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO BOX 758517, Topeka, KS 66675, or to Hospice of Humboldt, online at http://www.hospiceofhumboldt.org. Please sign the guestbook at www.times-standard.com and click on obituaries.