A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, December 23, 2019 at St. Sebastian Catholic Church to honor the life of George Victor Keepes. Father Robert Zwilling conducted the Funeral Mass with Deacon Charlie Speaks and Father Bill Rowe assisting. Father Bill chose the First and Second Scripture Readings that exemplified Vic’s life. Bill Wright served as organist with Vesta Rigg serving as Cantor. The Responsorial Psalm was taken from Psalm 23. The opening hymn was “Jesus Christ Is Risen Today”. The placement of the Pall over Vic’s casket was done by his children, Vickie Kieffer, Daniel Keepes, Michael Keepes, Pamela Woodcock, Bruce Keepes, Kevin Keepes, Candyce Hadra, and Shaun Keepes. The Presentation of Gifts were brought forward by Vic’s siblings, Bernard Keepes, Eugene Keepes, Agnes Hockgeiger and Marilyn Harris. Servers for the Mass were Aaron Brown and Justin Berberich. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion were Shaun Keepes, Jason Brown and Vince Goodwin. The Church choir sang “Amazing Grace” during the Offertory” with “Let Us Break Bread Together” and “O, Lord, I Am Not Worthy during Holy Communion. The Song of Farewell was “I Am The Bread Of Life” with “Mine Eyes Have Seen The Glory” as the Closing Hymn. At the conclusion of the Funeral Mass, Kevin Keepes, Pam Woodcock, Chelsea Keepes and Chase Victor Keepes each shared treasured memories of their time with their dad or pap and talked about the many lives that Vic touched. The Committal Service was held at St. Sebastian Catholic Cemetery where Vic was laid to rest next to his beloved wife, Shirley Sue Keepes. Pallbearers were grandchildren, Nicholas Kieffer, Justin Keepes, Joe Keepes, Nathan Woodcock, Craig Keepes, Derek Prosise, Jake Hadra and Chase Victor Keepes. Honorary Pallbearers were Dr. Anadkat, Bernard Keepes and Eugene Keepes. Present at the Graveside Service were members of Scott Air Force Base Honor Guard who conducted the flag presentation. The Flag for Vic’s faithful service in the United States Air Force, was presented to his oldest son, Danny Keepes. Members of our local USAMV honor guard conducted a 21-Gun Salute and “Taps” was played by Bill Hudson. Mike Cunningham was also present at the graveside service and played “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes as the service concluded.
The entire George Victor Keepes family would like to thank the community for the tremendous outpouring of love and support during this most difficult time. We are going to miss our Dad and Pap. Go Cardinals!
