Walter
Walter Keck Jr.
d. June 25, 2018
Deputy Chief Walter H. ‘Mr. D'Iberville' Keck, age 75, passed away on June 25, 2018.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Eva Keck.
He is survived by his wife, Sarah of D'Iberville; children, Alison Craig (Chris) of Long Beach, Amanda Keck of Nebraska, and Jennifer Keck of Biloxi; sister, Gertrude Keck of Hazleton, PA; and grandchildren, Caelyn, Madelyn, Alyssa, Gavin, Katelynn, and Connor.
He joined the United States Air Force in 1961. Throughout his 27-year military career, he rose through the ranks to Master Sergeant before retiring in 1988. He then began working with the Harrison Country Sheriff's Department in 1989 and was instrumental in assisting City of D'Iberville leaders on creating their police department, nearly 10 years later. Mayor Rusty Quave first swore Keck in as police captain and later as deputy chief of police in 2012. Keck retired in May 2014 with over 28 years of law enforcement service; however, he returned to his duties as deputy chief in 2017 to serve the ‘Gateway City' just a little while longer. Congressman Steven Palazzo spoke to the House of Representatives to honor Keck's 55+ years of public service through congressional record.
He was known as ‘Mr. D'Iberville' and ‘Barney Fife' to his coworkers and citizens. He never met a stranger, and he was never a stranger to local law enforcement. Patrolling streets and taking pictures in Car 54 with the nickname ‘Barney Fife' in honor of the Don Knots character on The Andy Griffith Show was part of his role. And, he often issued "cruising citations" filled with coupons from local establishments.
"He loved this City and police department, it's citizens and visitors alike," said Chief Payne.
He was a life member at the VFW Post 6731, a charter member of the Fraternal Oder of Eagles, a member of the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 332, and a member of The American Legion.
The family requests memorial donations be made to Gulf Coast Law Enforcement Feed the Needy, 2220 15 th Street, Gulfport, MS 39501.
The visitation for family and friends will be held on Sunday, July 1, 2018 at RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 13872 Lemoyne Blvd. at Washington Ave, West Jackson County, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The funeral ceremony will be held on Monday, July 2, 2018 at the D'Iberville Community Club, 10452 Lamey Bridge Road, D'Iberville from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM. A graveside service with full military honors will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery. A reception at the D'Iberville Community Club will follow burial at 1:30 PM.
RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 13872 Lemoyne Blvd. at Washington Ave, West Jackson County is serving the family.
An online obituary may be viewed and condolences and photos shared at www.riemannfamily.com.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Eva Keck.
He is survived by his wife, Sarah of D'Iberville; children, Alison Craig (Chris) of Long Beach, Amanda Keck of Nebraska, and Jennifer Keck of Biloxi; sister, Gertrude Keck of Hazleton, PA; and grandchildren, Caelyn, Madelyn, Alyssa, Gavin, Katelynn, and Connor.
He joined the United States Air Force in 1961. Throughout his 27-year military career, he rose through the ranks to Master Sergeant before retiring in 1988. He then began working with the Harrison Country Sheriff's Department in 1989 and was instrumental in assisting City of D'Iberville leaders on creating their police department, nearly 10 years later. Mayor Rusty Quave first swore Keck in as police captain and later as deputy chief of police in 2012. Keck retired in May 2014 with over 28 years of law enforcement service; however, he returned to his duties as deputy chief in 2017 to serve the ‘Gateway City' just a little while longer. Congressman Steven Palazzo spoke to the House of Representatives to honor Keck's 55+ years of public service through congressional record.
He was known as ‘Mr. D'Iberville' and ‘Barney Fife' to his coworkers and citizens. He never met a stranger, and he was never a stranger to local law enforcement. Patrolling streets and taking pictures in Car 54 with the nickname ‘Barney Fife' in honor of the Don Knots character on The Andy Griffith Show was part of his role. And, he often issued "cruising citations" filled with coupons from local establishments.
"He loved this City and police department, it's citizens and visitors alike," said Chief Payne.
He was a life member at the VFW Post 6731, a charter member of the Fraternal Oder of Eagles, a member of the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 332, and a member of The American Legion.
The family requests memorial donations be made to Gulf Coast Law Enforcement Feed the Needy, 2220 15 th Street, Gulfport, MS 39501.
The visitation for family and friends will be held on Sunday, July 1, 2018 at RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 13872 Lemoyne Blvd. at Washington Ave, West Jackson County, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The funeral ceremony will be held on Monday, July 2, 2018 at the D'Iberville Community Club, 10452 Lamey Bridge Road, D'Iberville from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM. A graveside service with full military honors will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery. A reception at the D'Iberville Community Club will follow burial at 1:30 PM.
RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 13872 Lemoyne Blvd. at Washington Ave, West Jackson County is serving the family.
An online obituary may be viewed and condolences and photos shared at www.riemannfamily.com.
Celebration of Life Reception
D'Iberville Community Club 10452 Lamey Bridge Road D'Iberville, MS 39540 Beginning at 1:30 p.m.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Walter Keck Jr., please visit our flower store.
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