Thomas Griffiths Keesee

Thomas Griffiths Keesee, age 83, of New Albany, OH, died peacefully at home surrounded with family on October 5, 2012. He was born December 31, 1928 in Columbus, OH to the late Catherine (Griffiths) and Everett Lenwood Keesee.

The 1946 North High School Graduate worked as a bee keeper for Deer Creek Honey Farms of London, OH until entering the Navy on October 11, 1950. Discharged April 9, 1954 as a Hospital Corpsman Second Class, he served aboard the USS Muliphen.

On July 12, 1953 he married Marjorie C. Doran of New Albany, OH while home on leave. He and his war bride recently celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary.

He also worked at White Westinghouse in management before obtaining New Albany's Eagles Villa Pizza in 1971 and Johnstown's Villa Pizza in 1973 where he was called "Boss" by hundreds of employees over the last 41 years. Active in community, he was a member of the New Albany Lion's Club, New Albany Country Club, 32 Degree Mason (Triangle Lodge), Faith Life Church Veteran's Group, had coached Little League Baseball and participated on many early New Albany planning committees. Member of Franklin United Brethren Church for many years but presently worshiped at his son Gary's Faith Life Church. He was known for his quick witted sense of humor, giving and a respected businessman,

He is survived by brother, Everett (Mike) Keesee; wife, Marjorie Keesee; sons, Gary (Drenda) Keesee and Dennis (Teresa) Keesee; daughters, Krista (Rick) Eldridge and Rhonda (Eric) Adams; 17 grandchildren, Kasey, Ryan, Randall, Roland, Rodney, Kara, Amy, Timothy, Gary Thomas, Pollyanne, Kirsten, Corey, Rachel, Megan, Elias, Jacob and Tirzah; one new great-grandchild, Journey.

Funeral service at the Faith Life Church, 2407 Beech Rd, Johnstown, OH with Pastor Gary Keesee officiating. Internment at Maplewood Cemetery.