George Victor “Vic” Keepes, 85, of Mount Carmel, Illinois, passed away Thursday, December 19, 2019 at home. He was born September 24, 1934 in rural Wabash County Illinois, the son of Leo Philip and Edith Clara (Tennis) Keepes. He married Shirley Sue Williams on April 16, 1955 at St. Sebastian Catholic Church and she preceded him in death on April 10, 1980. Vic was dedicated to his family while always keeping Shirley close to his heart. He always shared fond memories of her and made sure to keep her memory alive in the family.

Vic was a proud United States Air Force retiree where the family travelled the world to Japan, England, Germany and Thailand. He proudly served his Country for twenty-one years before retiring with the rank of Master Sergeant on May 30, 1975 at Scott Air Force Base. After his military career, Vic and Shirley moved their family back home to Mount Carmel and Vic began another career as the Engineer of Maintenance at Wabash General Hospital. Vic was a smiling familiar face throughout the halls of the hospital for twenty-five years. He was always ready to lend a helping hand and could find a solution to whatever problem presented itself. Vic was proud of his work at Wabash General Hospital and made many good friends there. Everyone at WGH knew and loved Vic. Vic was also very proud of his work at Keepes Funeral Home where he enjoyed greeting and visiting with many families. In his, spare time Vic enjoyed gardening. He always had a bountiful harvest and loved sharing with his family and friends. Everyone who knew Vic knew he was a huge fan of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team and attended as many games as he possibly could. He enjoyed the games the most when any of his children or grandchildren were able to go along. Vic was lovingly given the name “Pap” when his first grandchild was born and every grandchild and great-grandchild in the family knew their “Pap” loved them. Vic was a lifelong member of St. Sebastian Catholic Church and extremely proud of his Catholic faith. He served on the parish council and was very involved in the church’s activities and caring for the building and grounds. He often served as a Lector during the Mass Celebration. Vic was a member of the Knights of Columbus - Fourth Degree, the American Legion, VFW, Air Force Sergeants Association and the American Military Society. Everyone who knew Vic, loved him and he will be dearly missed by many.

Vic will forever be remembered by his eight children, Vickie (Scott) Kieffer, Daniel (Kim) Keepes, Michael Keepes, Pamela (George) Woodcock, Bruce (Sandra) Keepes, Kevin (Carla) Keepes, Candyce (Kevin) Hadra, and Shaun (Kim) Keepes; twenty-four grandchildren, Brooke (Kyle) Loucks, Nicholas (Jenna) Kieffer, Travis (Trisha) Kieffer, Justin (Rocksan) Keepes, Erin Keepes, Joe Keepes, Zach (Audra) Keepes, Nathan

(Amy) Woodcock, Hannah (Jon) Jent, Jordan Woodcock, Mackenzie (Sebastian) Price, Craig (Jamie) Keepes, Chelsea Keepes, Kyle Keepes, Derek (Megan) Prosise, Tyler Prosise, Madyson Keepes, Rachel Strockbine, Shelbe (Jennifer) Hadra, Jake Hadra, Cortney (Chandler Madden) White, Chase Victor Keepes, Emma Keepes, and Lily Keepes; twenty seven great-grandchildren; brothers; Bernard Keepes and Eugene (Judy) Keepes; sisters, Agnes Hockgeiger, and Marilyn Harris; sister-in-law, Helen Keepes and many loved nieces and nephews.

Vic was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Shirley; brothers, Norman, Howard, and John L. Keepes; sister, Bertha Mae Kieffer; brothers-in-law, Louis Kieffer, Richard Hockgeiger and John Harris; sister in law, Phyllis Keepes.

Family and friends are invited to gather for a Visitation from 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., Sunday, December 22, 2019 in the Chapel of Keepes Funeral Home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m., Monday, December 23, 2019 at St. Sebastian Catholic Church, 4921 N 1400 Blvd. Mt. Carmel, IL with Father Robert Zwilling officiating. Burial will follow at St. Sebastian Cemetery where he will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife Shirley.

Memorial contributions may be made in Vic’s memory to St. Sebastian Catholic Church or the Wabash General Hospital Foundation. Envelopes will be at the funeral home or can be mailed to Keepes Funeral Home, 1500 North Cherry Street, Mount Carmel, IL 62863.

Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements. To view Vic’s tribute wall, purchase flowers and leave condolences for the Keepes family, please visit www.keepesfuneralhome.com