Bill L. Keckler
August 25, 1924 ~ July 1, 2011
Keckler, Bill L., 86, passed away Friday, July 1, 2011. A visitation with the family present will be Tuesday, July 5, 2011, 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm, Downing Lahey East Mortuary. Funeral service will be11:00 am Wednesday, July 6, 2011 at Pilgrim, Congregational Church. Bill was born August 25, 1924 in Council Grove, Ks. He married Dorothy Clark in 1944. After serving our country as a Corporal in the Marines, he joined the Wichita Fire Department. He retired as a District Chief after serving 29 years. He coached his son in sports, followed his daughters to twirling competitions, trained firemen and coached semi pro baseball. He was active at Pilgrim Congregational Church and loved WSU baseball and basketball. He and Dorothy were active in the church and community and raised three children. He is preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy and daughter Nancy. He leaves behind daughter Pat (Arnold) Wiese and son Bill (Debbe) Keckler. He and Dorothy had 7 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Memorial established with Pilgrim Congregational Church, 6000 E. Harry, Wichita, KS. 67218 Tributes may be sent to the family via www.dlwichita.com
Visitation with family Tuesday, July 5, 2011 from 6:00 ~ 7:30 P.M. at Downing Lahey Mortuary. Funeral Service 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, July 6, 2011 at the Pilgrim Congregational Church 6000 E. Harry. Wichita KS. Interment following at the Old Mission Cemetery.
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Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
Bill & Debbe: I just wanted to express my sincere sympathies to you and your extended family in the loss of Bill Sr. I had the pleasure of meeting your dad a few years ago at the East YMCA in their coffe room. Over time we talked and started connecting the dots and realized that he was indeed Bill’s dad. I told him that Chris and I had know you two years ago and he was always was so proud of his family and especially appreciative of going to WSU basketball and baseball games with his son. Bill was a fiendly and wise gentleman and role model that I always looked forward to seeing. I know the coffe crew will miss him dearly. Our prayers are with you at this difficult time. Phil & Chris Mader
I had the pleasure of working with Bill on the WFD. He gave great guidence to many of us and will truely be missed.
I have known Bill’s son, since I met him during Gray-Y basketball in 7th grade, and played against him at Curtis vs. Roosevelt for 3 years, then, onto Southeast vs. East. I met his dad, Bill Keckler, in 1972, when I became a Wichita Firefighter. Chief Keckler was a mentor to me, was an outstanding district chief, and I learned a lot from him until his retirement. At fire dept. get togethers, reunions, Chief Keckler always remembered me, and I will always remember him. To Bill and Debby Keckler, my prayers are with you and the family. Sincerely, Gary Curmode
bill sorry for the lose of your dad if I can be of any help I am in the phone book.
Our membership wishes to extend our deepest sympathy to the Bill Keckler family. ‘Once a Marine always a Marine’. SEMPER FI. Air Capital Detachment Marine Corps League