Robert V. Keck Sr. 'Papa'

Robert V. Keck Sr. "Papa" was born January 20, 1919 in Fort Wayne, Indiana to Vern and Florence Keck. He passed away Sunday, July 14, 2013 from complications due to a fall, causing a major hip fracture. At 94 (and a half as he loved telling everyone) years old, his frail frame could not deal with the stresses his body was going through and he let go to be with Jesus while surrounded by 5 generations of loved ones.

He enlisted in the US Army at the age of 22, serving with the 704th Tank Destroyer Battalion during the Second World War. He often loved talking with his family about his military and life experiences. He was very proud of all his family members who also served and continue to serve in the Military.

He soon started a family having 5 children, Robert V. Keck Jr. Nancy Peterson, Mary Keck, all of Fort Wayne, IN Paul Keck and Patrick Keck both of Moses Lake, WA. And 5 step- daughters Darcy, Pamela, Medley, Debra and Jody.

After many years, he met up again with his childhood sweetheart, Lois E. Grieb. Getting married on February 11, 1979 in Moses Lake, WA. acquiring 6 more children. Carla Hamilton of Moses Lake, Craig and Franca Grieb of Milton-Freewater, OR, Thomas and Kathleen Grieb of Spokane, WA, Lisa and Steve Doerr of Moses Lake, Julie and Chuck Carvo of Moses Lake and Jason Grieb of Spokane, WA and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Papa worked for U&I Sugar when he first came to Moses Lake, then retiring from Basic American Foods in 1987. Not a man who could be idle, he continued to work in the janitorial field at Super 1 and American Janitorial Services In Moses Lake until he finally decided it was time to relax. He loved camping with his grandchildren, tinkering in his shop, working on his cars and making his yard and flower gardens beautiful for his beloved wife. He was often referred to as "Mr.Fixit" because Papa could fix just about anything. But was best known as "Papa" to most everyone he knew and he never met a stranger and always had a smile.

He is preceded in death by his parents Vern and Florence Keck, his sister Helen Marcile, a brother William Keck, a brother Vernon Keck, Wife Donna Jean, Step-daughter Darcy, a son-in-law Roland "Skip" Hamilton, a daughter-in-law Cally Grace Manor Grieb, and 4 grandchildren Gordon Bishop, Danielle Keck, Angelica "Angie" Doerr and Daniel Grieb.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at the Moses Lake Coumadin Lab, the Moses Lake Clinic, Basin Foot & Ankle, Dr. Ben Murrell for his care, patience and understanding. We especially want to thank the Nursing Staff who took excellent care of Papa in his final hours at Samaritan Hospital and for their compassion towards our mother and our family. As well as Dr. Wright. Dr. Soliman, Dr. Naoom and Dr.Canfield

A celebration of his life will be at 11 Am on Saturday July 20, 2013 at The Moses Lake Alliance Church at 1100 N Grape Drive, Moses Lake, WA. Arrangements are in care of Susan Freeman of Pioneer Memorial Services, Moses Lake. We will have an open mic and would love to hear how Papa effected your life, any stories or anecdotes you would like to share with us will be welcomed. We know Papa was well loved by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers Please make a donation in his name to Honor him to the GuardiansofFreedomproject.org. A service group who provides necessities to our Wounded Troops in Afghanistan.

"Keep it under a 100, Papa"