John Keese, Sr.

John Keese Sr., 99, of Trenton, New Jersey, transitioned peacefully after a brief illness on Friday, March 14, 2025, at Beebe Healthcare Hospital in Lewes, Delaware, while temporarily residing with his daughter and her husband.

Born in Starr, South Carolina, John was one of nine siblings to Stewart and Annie (Moore) Keese. He attended New Deal School and worked farming and producing cotton, amongst other jobs. Seeking new opportunities, John enlisted in the U.S. Navy. After his service, he moved to New Jersey with his new bride, Sudie.

In New Jersey, John began his career at Neapara Rubber Refinery on East State Street in Trenton. He later worked at Kingston Nurseries in Princeton, New Jersey, balancing both jobs with dedication and hard work. A proud Navy veteran, John retired after a lifetime of service, including working two full-time jobs. He was also a member of the Mason Society.

John cherished time with his wife and their seven children, often taking family trips to the beaches and casinos of Atlantic City. Family vacations were spent traveling "back down home" to Starr and Anderson, South Carolina, to visit beloved parents and extended family. He kept his used luxury cars in pristine condition for the journey. On weekends, when he wasn’t working, John could be found sitting on the porch, laughing and telling jokes with his best friend and brother-in-law, Boyce Gillard.

A man of many talents, John never hesitated to tackle his “honey-do list” before calling in a professional. From building a back porch and patio addition to fixing leaks in the roof, there was rarely a need to outsource a handyman.

John was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sudie M. (Saddler) Keese; his sons, John Keese Jr. (Cheryl) and Stanley A. Keese (Roxie); his parents, Stewart and Annie Keese; and his siblings, Clyde, Robert, Frank, Raymond, and Rufus Keese, as well as Isetta Gillard, Iola Grover, and Ruth Berry.

He leaves behind a loving legacy through his children: Doris Whitaker (the late Robert), Linda Kelly (Stephan), Judy Keese, Beverly Keese-Kelley (Roscoe), and Timothy Keese. He is also survived by 22 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral service will be 11am Thursday, March 27, 2025 at Shiloh Baptist Church, 340 Rev. S. Howard Woodson Jr Way, Trenton, NJ 08618.  Calling hours will be 9am until time of service. Interment will be at Greenwood Cemetery, Hamilton, NJ. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John Keese, Sr., please visit our floral store.