Bernie Keegan

Bernie Keegan, age 85, retired Executive Director of Plant Services at St. Joseph Medical Center and well-known scuba diving instructor, passed away, Monday, August 8, 2011. Visitation 10 AM – 5 PM Wednesday, Culbertson-Smith Mortuary, 115 S. Seneca. Rosary 7 PM Wednesday, Funeral Mass 10 AM Thursday, both at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 861 N. Socora. Bernie was born March 17, 1926 in St. Louis, MO. At the age of 17 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, and was awarded the Air Medal of Honor, World War II Victory Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross for his combat missions in flying weather reconnaissance for the atomic bomb. It was in the Navy where he acquired his other passion in life – scuba diving. He became a scuba diving instructor sharing his diving experiences all over the world. Bernie was director of Material and Plant Services at St. Joseph Medical Center for 30 years. He retired in 1989, and pursued his love for the ocean in many trips of diving and teaching. As one past student said, “Bernie’s legacy will never end. The love he had for diving was reflected in his teaching of others and as they enjoy the sport, and some who became instructors continue the sport, he will live in our hearts forever.” Survivors: wife, Hila; son, Duane (Gail) Cook; grandchildren, Chase Cook, Paige Cook, and Travis Eck; brother-in-law, Alan Malaby, all of Wichita; 2 brothers; 1 sister; several nieces and nephews and many friends. Memorial donations to: The Alzheimer’s Association, 347 S. Laura, Wichita, KS 67211. Culbertson-Smith Mortuary in charge of arrangements.