CHARLES E. KEELER
Charles E. "Chuck" Keeler, age 78, passed away Friday morning, June 11, 2010, with his beloved wife and three daughters by his side. Chuck or "Chief" as he was known by his many friends, colleagues and acquaintances was born the eldest of four children to Charles and Bridget Keeler on Sept. 1, 1931, in Boston.
After 23 years in the U.S. Air Force, Chuck retired as a chief master sergeant, with distinguished honors. He served in the Special Operations/Air Commando Special Forces. Among his decorations are the Joint Service Commendation Medal and the Air Force Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster for Meritorious Service. He received Air Force awards for service in Detachment 2 Alpha/Bien Hoe, SVN 1962; Detachment 6/Udon, Thailand/Vientaine in 1964 and 1965. He participated in 14 combat support missions over extremely hazardous jungle terrain while fully exposed to ground fire from the Viet Cong Communist guerrillas. In Detachment 6 "Waterpump" in Udorn Thailand/Vientiane, Laos, Sgt. Keeler served as the Operations NCOIC and was designated the 1st Sergeant, putting time in across the Mekong River. Sgt. Keeler was assigned to Jungle Jim 1st Air Commando Wing out of Hurlburt Field, Special Operations Headquarters, from 1962 thru 1965.
After leaving Hurlburt, he was NOCIC of the Command Post at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas. He then served as the Emergency Actions NCO at the National Military Command Center (NMCC) located at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., where he worked directly with several presidents of the United States, Secretary of Defense, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. During this tour Chief Keeler was awarded the Joint Chiefs of Staff Special Identification Badge and Commendation Medal. Chief Keeler is a charter member (No. 33) of the Air Commando's Association and served as the president to the organization for over seven years.
Following his Air Force retirement, Chuck completed his education by attaining an associate's degree in law enforcement; a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and a master's degree in public administration. He also graduated from the National Academy of Polygraphist (ACP). Chuck worked as a full time student and police officer with the Fort Walton Beach Police Department. He made his way up the ranks from patrolman/sergeant/detective/chief investigator and polygraphist to the Chief of Police, serving the City of Fort Walton Beach for 12 years. After retiring from the Police Department he accepted the position of City Manager for the City of Fort Walton Beach, where he served in this capacity for six years.
Since his third retirement Chuck has kept active as the President of the Air Commando Association, along with other civic volunteer work. He and his wife Kitty are parishioners at St. Mary's Catholic Church and stay busy caring for their home in Mary Esther, Fla., and visiting with their large family.
Chuck is survived by his loving wife, Catherine "Kitty" Keeler; siblings: Gertrude Keeler, and Anne and Bill Adams; daughters, Pamela Keeler-Burns, Susan Keeler-Haught and Carol Keeler-Ridenour; and grandchildren, Catherine "Katie" and Cody Ledevina, Colleen Marshall, Andrew "Drew" Haught, Kelsea Keeler Haught, Jamie Sears and Charles "Charlie" Haught.
Chuck was preceded in death by his mother and father, Charles and Bridget Keeler; his brother, Robert Keeler; and two sons-in-law, John Haught and Bud Hart.
A viewing will be held on Monday, June 14, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Emerald Coast Funeral Home, immediately followed by a family sponsored wake for all of his good friends and fellow warriors at their home located at 163 Scottsdale Drive in Mary Esther.