Donald "Rich" Keckler II Mr.
August 31, 1947 ~ May 20, 2015
Born in:
Washington, DC
Resided in:
Dacula, GA
Donald “Rich” Keckler, II, 67, passed away May 22, 2015 after a courageous 3 year battle with a rare bone cancer. Born August 31, 1947 in Washington, D.C., Rich served in the United States Air Force Reserves from 1967-1987, as first sergeant at the 459th TACT Hospital, Andrews Air Force Base. His civilian job was a regional sales manager for a large graphic arts manufacturer.
Rich is preceded in death by his parents, Donald Richard Keckler and Doris Jennings. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Gail (DeGrasse) Keckler; daughters and sons-in-law, Tracey and Rick Halama, Kari and Scott McIntyre; and his 4 grandchildren, Blake and Ellie McIntyre and Mairin and Maci Halama, who were his pride and joy. Rich is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Steve and Jane Keckler-Walkersville, MD; sisters and brothers-in-law, Patricia and Terry Foley and Linda and David Stickerod-Powell, WY; and cousin, Suzanne Keckler Dungan-Granada, MS. Rich loved his family and was blessed by a multitude of sisters/brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and friends.
Throughout his life, Rich enjoyed coaching his daughters’ and grandchildren’s soccer teams and traveling to Hilton Head and Disney World. He was an avid fan of the Washington Redskins, Atlanta Falcons, Auburn Tigers and Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets.
Family will receive friends Monday, May 25 from 2:00-4:00pm and 6:00-8:00pm at Wages and Sons, Gwinnett Chapel, 1031 Lawrenceville Hwy, Lawrenceville, GA 30046. A funeral mass will be held Tuesday, May 26 at 11:00am at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 6439 Spout Springs Rd, Flowery Branch, GA 30542.
In lieu of flowers, you may consider a donation to the Emory Winship Cancer Center, 1365 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30322.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.wagesandsons.com.
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Praying for you, Gail and your family! I know he is missed in your earthly home but rejoicing there is no sickness or pain in his heavenly home! His Blessings, Shirley
I will miss my friend, mentor, and guide, who taught me to always put your family first.
Rich could not say enough about how proud he was of Gail, Tracy, and Kari (his Girls) their husbands, and his grandchildren.
Keck taught me to focus on what’s most important, taking care of your family, friends, and living a good honest life. He helped to set my path in many business ventures and my personal life’s journey.
Rich will truly be missed by the many friends and family members he touched throughout his life.
We are very sorry for your loss. Rich was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. Our love and prayers are with you and your family.
Joe and Francine Root
Our deepest sympathy to Rich’s beloved family. Rich was a very special husband, dad, grandfather, and to us, a very dear friend. We will never forget the good times we shared over the last 35 years, beginning at St Mary’s, Piscataway, MD. He was one of the best and will be missed by all who lives he touched. RIP, Rich, you were an inspiration to everyone that knew you. God bless you, Gail, Tracey, Kari, and your families. May you find comfort in your wonderful memories of such a great man.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Gail, Tracey, and Kari. Rich was a great man and I’m thankful to have known him. My love to you all!
We are so very sorry for your loss. We are thinking of you all and wishing comfort and peace for your family. Our condolences, Chebli, Laura, Anthony, and Patricia.
Tracey and family,
I was very saddened to hear of you loved ones passing. I will keep all of you in my prayers.
Tracy,
I was very sad to learn of your fathers passing. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Jim and I were very sorry to hear about Richard. I remember him and Steve both so fondly from our Peary High school days.
May God hold you all in HIS hands as you go through this difficult time.
Revelation 21:4 And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.
I was thinking about Rich today, and I was so sorry to see that he lost his battle with cancer earlier this year. He was our sales representative for our company awards, and he was always pleasant and professional. When he shared with me about his cancer after his diagnosis, I was amazed by his courage and positive attitude. I am thinking of and praying for his loved ones and coworkers today as I remember what a great guy he was.