FORT FAIRFIELD – Percy J. Keegan, 80, beloved husband of Gladys (Hayes) Keegan, passed away peacefully Tuesday evening, July 27, 2010, surrounded by his loving family at a Presque Isle health care facility, after an extended illness. He was born June 11, 1930, in Presque Isle, the son of James and Queenie V. (Fitzherbert) Keegan. Percy attended Easton, Fort Fairfield and Old Orchard Beach schools and served in the Maine National Guard from 1947 to 1956. He married Gladys P. Hayes March 2, 1951, and was employed by M.C. Locke Co., Fort Fairfield, for 20 years, and later Fort Fairfield SAD 20 school system as a bus driver for 22 years, retiring in 1996. Percy greatly enjoyed driving a school bus and never forgot any of the children he had met through the years. He especially loved the field trips, sporting events, choirs and band trips with the children. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and impeccably maintained his home and property. He cherished the game of cribbage and his Saturday night card games, however his greatest joy was his family. Percy was a member of Perth-Andover Elks Lodge, where he held the title of past exalted ruler, and he enjoyed attending Caribou Calvary Baptist Church and Presque Isle Wesleyan Church. In addition to his parents, Percy was predeceased by three brothers, Albert, Richard and Harold Keegan; and two sisters, Jane Cahalane and Beulah Dorsey. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Gladys H. Keegan of Fort Fairfield; two sons and daughters-in-law, Stephen and Kandy Keegan of South Berwick, and Dale and Lisa Keegan of Fort Fairfield; six grandchildren, Sarah Allard and her husband, Josh, of Sandford, Tyler Bernaiche and Scott Bernaiche, both of Fort Fairfield, Kaelyn Coutune of North Berwick, Keiza Bernaiche of Fort Fairfield and Darby Keegan of Fort Fairfield, from whom Percy gained awareness and became a strong supporter of Down syndrome research. He also leaves behind two great-grandchildren, Ethan and Bryce Allard of Sanford; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members. Friends may call 7-9 p.m. Friday, July 30, at Giberson-Dorsey Funeral Home, 144 Main St., Fort Fairfield, where a funeral service will be conducted 4 p.m. Saturday, July 31, with the Rev. Randy Bond officiating. Interment will take place at Riverside Cemetery, Fort Fairfield. A time of continued fellowship with refreshments will be held after the interment service at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Paul Lockhart Post No. 6187, Presque Isle Street, Fort Fairfield. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may contribute in memory of Mr. Keegan to Maine Down Syndrome Network, P.O. Box 705, Windham, ME 04062. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. <
PERCY J. KEEGAN
