Tilton, N.H.-----Henry J. Keeler, Jr., 63, of the N. H. Veterans Home, died Tuesday, April 26, 2011 from complications of multiple sclerosis.
Mr. Keeler was born in Lawrence, Mass. January 24, 1948. He attended the local schools in Lawrence and Methuen, Mass. and graduated from Wilmington High School in Wilmington, Mass. After graduation, he joined the U.S. Air Force, serving four years and a tour in Vietnam, then went on to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps where he served for six years with a tour in Vietnam with the 1st Recon Battalion 1st Marine Division from 1970 to 197l, where he earned the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with V for Valor, Republic of Vietnam Service Medal with 8 Battle Stars, National Defense Service Medal, Military Medal Vietnam Campaign, Air Force and Marine Corps Good Conduct Medals, the Marine Corps Combat Action Ribbon and the Armed Forces Gallantry Cross Medal.
Mr. Keeler is survived by his parents, Henry J. and Mary (Spirdione) Keeler, of Raymond, N.H.; two brothers, Bruce Keeler of Chichester, N.H. and Bryan Keeler of Canterbury, N.H.; nephews, Bruce Keeler, Jr. of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Jason Keeler of Pembroke, N.H., Bryan Kydd Keeler of Canterbury, N.H.; a niece, Melyssa Kydd Keeler, of Canterbury, N.H.; several uncles, aunts and cousins and his former wife, Mona Light, and her four children and their families.
A Graveside Service, for family and friends, will be held on Monday, May 2, 2011 at 11:00AM at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Highway Rte 3, Boscawen, N.H.
For those who wish, the family suggests that memorial donations be made to the New Hampshire Veterans Home – Activities Fund, 139 Winter Street, Tilton, NH 03276.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N.H. is assisting the family. For more information and to view an online memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.