John Francis Keegan passed away peacefully on June 27th, 2023 after a full life of love and service to others.
John was born in Pittsburg, KS on Sept. 28th, 1927, the second of five children to Francis and Mary Keegan. The family relocated to Yuma in 1930 when Francis got a job at the San Carlos Hotel. John spent the majority of his life in Yuma. He graduated from Yuma High School and was a proud Yuma Criminal his entire life. He attended Arizona State University, and then transferred to Arizona Normal School (NAU) where he was a standout pitcher for the Lumberjacks.
He met the love of his life, Maureen, while on Christmas break from college. Together they began to build a family and life together. After graduation John was called to service in the Korean Conflict, then returned to Yuma to begin his teaching career. He served as a PE teacher at 4th Avenue Jr. High before becoming the long-time shop teacher at Gila Vista Jr. High. After completing a contract as Asst. Principal at Woodard Jr. High, he enjoyed being the Principal at O.C. Johnson elementary school for years. John ended his long career in education as an Asst. Superintendent for Yuma Elementary School District #1.
Until the time of his passing, John’s life was one of faith, family and service. As a member of Immaculate Conception Parish, he served a variety of roles. Being a Eucharistic Minister fulfilled his desire to serve his faith community, as he was able to bring communion to disabled and homebound parishioners, including his wife and a daughter.
John was an avid fan of his children’s and grandchildren’s sports and activities, attending nearly all contests, home and away. He loved going to Yuma Catholic games and watching his grandchildren participate. He continuously kept friends and family abreast of current activities with pictures and newspaper stories. His family was always his greatest source of pride. He also enjoyed hunting with his boys and always looked forward to the next hunt camp. The strength and support of his daughters gave him great joy to the last minutes of his life.
After God and family, John was passionate about bowling. When he was a young teacher, he moonlighted at Joe Hunt's Bowling Alley most nights. He shared his love of the game with his family, signing his kids up for league bowling and regularly took all of us to the lanes for a family event. He enjoyed competing in league play and national tournaments well into his early 90’s. He rolled multiple 300 games over the years and established life-long friendships with fellow bowlers.
Dad, we are so proud to be “one of John Keegan’s kids” and love the example you provided to all of us. Your example of living your faith through ongoing service to family and community will live on in those you have touched. We will do our best to carry on your legacy.
His parents, Francis and Mary, and sisters Eileen Sterling and Gertrude Winn preceded him in death. Brothers William and Patrick, children Katharine Richards, Peter (Laura) Keegan, Patrick (Marie) Keegan, Teresa (Bill) Fox, Lorraine (Rocky) Rico, Paul (Susan) Keegan, Francis (Colleen) Keegan and Mary Keegan as well as 22 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren survive him.
Visitation services will be held on Wednesday, July 12, 2023 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, with a rosary at 7:00 pm. A funeral mass at Immaculate Conception Church will begin at 10:30 am on July 13, 2023 with graveside services following at Desert Lawn Memorial Park.
Pallbearers will be grandsons: Jason Lopez, Kurt Keegan, Kyle Keegan, Scott Fox, Jordan Keegan and Danny Lambert.
Honorary Pallbearers include: Keven Keegan, Matt Berry, Marc Berry and John Lambert
