No public services will be held at this time.
Mr. Keays was born Dec. 20, 1950, in Grand Rapids, Mich.
He came to Alaska in 1958, and grew up in the Fairbanks area. He served in the U. S. Army and was honorably discharged.
He had been employed with the Department of Defense at Elmendorf Air Force Base, from which he retired in 1995.
His family wrote, “He was a kind and loving husband and father. He always had a smile for everyone and was willing to help anyone who needed anything.
“He loved his family more than anything and fought so hard to live. He always put his family's happiness before his own. He was a courageous father whose presence made those around him feel safe.”
Survivors are his wife, Carrie Keays of Wasilla; sons, Shannondoa Keays of Wasilla and Jimmy Keays of Anchorage; mother, Veronica Keays of Anchorage; brothers, Richard Keays of Idaho, David Keays of Anchorage and Duane Keays of Wasilla; sister-in-law, Marge Keays of Idaho; grandson, Justin Keays of Anchorage; granddaughters, Shyla Keays of Anchorage and Nina Keays of Anchorage; daughters-in-law, Kristina Keays of Anchorage and Genevieve Keays of Anchorage.
He was preceded in death by his father, Dannon R. Keays.
Memorial donations may be made to Take the Lead, P.O. Box 6353, Watertown, NY 13601.
Arrangements are with Valley Funeral Home & Crematory in Wasilla.
Source: Frontiersman, 3 February 2006
