Kenneth Melton Vertrees Keesee – AUHS Class of 1946 – Sept. 6, 1928 – Jan. 24, 2015
Kenneth M. Vertress Keesee, 86, of Anaheim, a member of AUHS Class of 1946, passed away at home with his devoted wife, loving family and his faithful dogs by his side, on Jan. 24, 2015. Ken was born in Santa Maria, California, to Kenneth and Opal Vertrees on Sept. 6, 1928. His mother died when he was 18 months old and he was taken to Anaheim where he was raised by his maternal grandparents, Etta and Ira Keesee.
He was drafted into the army during the Korean War and served in Japan. When he came home from the service, he resumed his position in his grandfather’s business which was Keesee Tank, established in 1914. During that time, he married Marilyn Litz and they adopted five children.
Upon the passing of his grandfather, Ken took over the company. Through his many years in the tank industry he was well respected for his honesty and generosity, and he was proud to hand over the reins to his daughter and grandson in 2014.
Ken had a colorful and full life including driving his car in the Baja 1000 with his brother Richard. He had an extensive Model T Ford collection and Museum in Anaheim. He and his cars were featured in the movie industry.
As a young man he loved to hunt and fish where the Anaheim Stadium is now located. Ken loved his “Anaheim” Angels and bought season tickets during the first year they were in Anaheim and continued until present time. He spent several years serving as chairman of the Anaheim Utilities Commission.
In 1988, he married the love of his life, Joyce Beyers and welcomed her three children into his family that he loved as his own. He and his wife spent many happy hours enjoying the Angels and traveling by train all over the United States. Ken also enjoyed an active community life, keeping close company with his high school buddies. As a young man, he joined the Fullerton Idlers Car Club, and continued to meet with members for lunch each month until his passing. He was a member of the Brea Baptist Church, and enjoyed extending his Christian faith on a social and business level, never ignoring those in need. Ken was loved and admired by all those who knew him.
Ken Keesee is preceded in death by his parents and grandparents and one son, Michael Keesee and one daughter, Sharon Beyers.
He is survived my his loving wife, Joyce Keesee; his children: Robert (Katherine) Keesee; Coriene Flaming; Jeffrey (Robyn) Keesee; Jennifer (Mike) Gistlinck; James (Kris) Beyers; and Rochelle (John) Guyer. He is also survived by his brothers, Richard Vertrees, Robert Vertrees and Ronald Vertrees; sister, Rosalie Evans; along with 21 grandchildren; 1 great grandchild; and doggies, Butterscotch and Ginger. He leaves a legacy of love and wisdom to his wife, family, and friends. He was loved deeply and will be missed by those closest to him.
There will be a memorial service honoring Kenneth Keesee at Hilgenfeld Mortuary, 120 E. Broadway, Anaheim, Feb. 27, 2015 at 11 a.m.
Ken with his Colonist classmates
Published in Orange County Register on Jan. 30, 2015
