Dennis Ernesto Anthony Keesee

DENNIS ERNESTO ANTONY KEESEE, 90, departed this physical life on June 28, 2022, in the presence of his wife and loving family members. Dennis is survived by his loving wife Norma Jean Herbst of Glendora CA.

Born on October 4, 1931, in Los Angeles, California, to Houston Logan Keesee and Irma Lastenia De Los Dolores Bermudez Lacayo, Dennis was the older brother to Mignon Helen Keesee who preceded him in death. Attending first grade at the 24th Street Elementary School he then went to St. Paul’s Catholic School for second through eighth grades, finally graduating from Loyola High School in 1949. Dennis went to Los Angeles City College through December 1950, eventually graduating in 1964 with a bachelor’s degree in General Education from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. After joining the United States Air Force in December 1951, he was accepted into Officer Candidate School graduating as a 2nd Lieutenant in December 1956. He rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and served with honor and distinction for 28 years before retiring in July 1978.

Not yet ready to retire completely, he began work at the aerospace firm TRW and retiring from that work in November 1992. Following that career, Dennis continued to work briefly as a real estate appraiser; then served 18 months on the Orange County Grand Jury, January 1996 to July 1997; then sporadically for the Census Bureau 1999-2001. His census area encompassed southern Orange County and worked as an enumerator, crew leader and enumerator supervisor, He also worked as a clerk in 2000 in the primary elections and then as an inspector supervisor in the 2002, 2004, and 2006 national elections and as inspector supervisor at all local and start elections.

Norma and Dennis were teenagers when they met and became friends. That enduring friendship became the spark that led them to marry in 1964. He was a devoted and loving husband for 57 years and cherished each moment with her.

He also leaves to cherish his memories five children: Guy, Michael, Nicole, Mitch and Krista and their families which include seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren with one on the way as well as a multitude of nieces, nephews and other extended family members. Dennis was an extremely dedicated and supportive husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend to many. Dennis loved his family and felt its history needed to be preserved. He therefore traveled thousands of miles and spent many years compiling a much cherished, three volume, 1252-page, genealogical history of the Keesee and Bermudez Lacayo Families. In his younger years, he was an avid tennis player and remained unbeatable (by family members). Dennis loved his pet Dalmatians and no dogs had it better.

Later in life, Dennis enjoyed watching sports, traveling with family and/or friends and taking care of his home. He was a member of the St. Dorothy Church, contributed to many charities and his faith in God was unshakable. He always extended kindness and had the uncanny knack of making others feel important and appreciated. He lived his life to the fullest, had a great time doing it and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

The family is grateful for the excellent care Dennis received by healthcare staff of the Emanate Health Foothill Presbyterian Hospital in Glendora and Kindred Hospital San Gabriel Valley in West Covina. A funeral mass will be held at St. Dorothy’s Catholic Church at 10:30am on August 17, 2022, and burial will be at Riverside National Cemetery at 11:15am on August 18, 2022. Memorials in his name can be made to your local Wounded Warrior Project Chapter or other veteran organizations.