Obituary of Joe K. Keithley

Joe Kenneth Keithley born January 23rd 1925 died May 28th 2013 he was 88 years old. Joe was born to Neal and Josie Keithley in Cromwell Oklahoma. Joe was the 2nd of seven children, Neil, Joe, MaryJane, Betty, Bob, Tom and Nancy he is survived by sister Betty of Mount Vernon Washington brother Bob of Everett Washington and brother Tom of Rathdrum Idaho. Joe grew up in Caney Kansas flying kites and getting into mischief. He was sent to boarding school where he learned cadet training which served him well later when Joe enlisted in the US Army during World War II and served the European theater. Joe had 9 children. His first wife Lola birthed daughter's Carol and Billy. Joe's second wife Bertha birthed Latricia and Betty Jo. Joe's third wife Lucy Birthed Joe Jr, Joy, John, Julie and James. Joe is survived by his children Carol, Latricia, Joe Jr, John, Julie and James. Joe married his third wife Lucy on Sept 1st 1953. Joe was a logger his whole life logging from California all the way to the tip of Alaska. Joe packed up his chainsaw and wife moving to Southeast Alaska there he started his own company logging the remote Aleutian Islands. He was proud to tell the story of the biggest tree he ever fell. It was a Sitka spruce measuring 17 feet 9 inches that was across not around. Joe and Lucy celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary Sept 1st of 2003 renewing their vows. Joe was widowed on August ninth 2007 at which time he moved to the Saint Maries Area. Joe lived near Emida beside his daughter Julie and her husband Eric Hamann and daughters. Joe was welcomed to the small community with open arms and hearts. Joe was a member of the Senior Companion program and was cared for by Hilda Dean. Hilda was a godsend taking Joe to town 3 days a week. Joe's hobbies varied throughout his long life. He liked to mechanic on cars and was into demolition derbies and stock car racing. He also enjoyed collecting aluminum cans and recycling them. He had big rabbit hunting adventures in the San Juan Islands of Washington. Joe love to fish however his favorite thing was dancing, he like to 2 step and waltz but the Jitterbug was a little too fast for him. He enjoyed going down to Drifters Cafe especially when they had live music. A celebration of his life will be held at Drifters Cafe in Emida Idaho on June 15th from 6 to 8 pm hope to see you all there. visit his online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.hodgefuneralhome.com Read Joe Keithley's Obituary and Guestbook on www.hodgefuneralhome.com.