William "Billy" Paul Keele

Tec5 William Paul “Billy” Keele, a proud American soldier and prisoner of war during World War II, will finally be laid to rest with full military honors after more than eight decades. His interment will take place at the Fort Smith National Cemetery on August 7, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

William Paul Keele was born on December 5, 1917, in Tennessee, the oldest child of Beuford Paul Keele and Marie Gertrude Shriver Keele. During his lifetime, William shared his childhood with his younger siblings, Thomas Robert Keele and Dorothy Irene Keele. He was later joined in family lineage by his half-siblings, Janet Kresen Canada and Richard Kresen, both born after William’s death.

William enlisted in the United States Army Quartermaster Corps on September 30, 1940, at Vancouver Barracks, Washington. He entered service as a Private and was later assigned to the 33rd Quartermaster Truck Regiment in the Philippine Islands during World War II.

In April 1942, following the fall of the Philippines, William and countless fellow American and Filipino soldiers were forced to surrender to Japanese forces. He endured the horrors of the infamous Bataan Death March, where prisoners of war were forced to march approximately 65 miles under brutal conditions with little food, water, or medical care. Those who survived the march faced continued suffering in prisoner of war camps.

William was later imprisoned at the Cabanatuan POW Camp. On July 16, 1942, at 11:25 a.m., he died while still in captivity. His death was recorded on a condensed milk can. William was buried in common grave 316 at the POW camp alongside fellow servicemen who gave their lives in service to their country.

In 1948, the remains from the common graves were transferred to Manila for identification efforts. After decades of waiting, Tec5 Keele will now receive the honorable burial long owed to him by a grateful nation.

For his courage, sacrifice, and faithful service, William received numerous honors posthumously, including the Purple Heart, Prisoner of War Medal, Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, Distinguished Unit Citation, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal.

William was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings Thomas Robert Keele, Dorothy Irene Keele Hocker Brown, and Richard Kresen.

He is survived by his sister, Janet Canada of Huntington, Arkansas, along with several nieces, nephews, and extended family members who continue to honor and remember his life, service, and sacrifice.