Bernard L. “BL” Keepes, 86, of Mount Carmel, Illinois, passed away Tuesday, October 25, 2022, at Oakview Nursing and Rehab with his loving family by his side. He was born on January 7, 1936, in rural Wabash County, Illinois, the son of Leo Phillip and Edith Clara (Tennis) Keepes.
Bernard faithfully served his country in the United States Marines during the Korean War. He was a proud oil well producer and operator and was employed by M & S Oil Well Cementing. For more than twenty years, Bernard enjoyed working alongside his brother in his business, John L. Keepes Construction. He was the manager at the K of C Hall for many years and was instrumental in building the new building. Bernard was a caring father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. Bernard followed the Keepes family tradition of being an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, and he also enjoyed following Illini Basketball. Bernard enjoyed getting together with his siblings for their monthly lunch date. He was a life-long member of St. Sebastian Catholic Church and a Fourth-Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. Bernard’s presence will be dearly missed by his family and friends.
Bernard leaves behind two sons, Randy Keepes and wife Christine, Kerry Keepes; two daughters, Misty Keepes, Tammy Keepes and significant other, Jeff McGhee; grandchildren, Cannon (Tony) Miller, Reagan (Noah) Strockbine, Logan Jones, Jordan Keepes, Derek (Jordan Mehringer) Sutton, Leiston Keepes, Raven (Jordan) Gillihan, Rashandra Hurt, Autumn Keepes, Jaxsun Keepes, Philemon Jongen; great-grandchildren, Aveah, and Adley Miller with another on the way in 2023, Scottie Strockbine, Declan, Damon and Hudson Gillihan, Hadley Hurt, one brother, Eugene (Judy) Keepes; sisters, Agnes Hockgeiger, Marilyn Harris, and sister-in-law, Helen Keepes; many loved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Bernard was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Alish Perez; brothers Norman and Howard Keepes, John L. Keepes and wife, Phyllis, Victor Keepes and wife Shirley; sister Bertha Mae Kieffer and husband, Louis; brothers- in-law, Richard Hockgeiger and John Harris.
The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the staff at Oakview Nursing and Rehab for the loving care given to Bernard and the kindness extended to his family.
Family and friends are invited to gather for a Visitation from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Friday, October 28, 2022, at St. Sebastian Catholic Church.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1:00 p.m., Friday, October 28, 2022, at St. Sebastian Catholic Church with Father Robert Zwilling officiating. Burial will follow at St. Sebastian Cemetery with Full Military Honors.
Memorial contributions may be made in Bernard’s memory to St. Sebastian Catholic Church. Envelopes will be at the Church 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 Bernard’s tribute wall, purchase flowers and leave condolences for the Keepes family, please visit www.keepesfuneralhome.com
