Lt. Col. USAF (Ret.) Robert Emmett Keegan, son of Emmett and Hazel Keegan, and named in the memory of the 17th Irish nationalist leader, reported for duty in heaven on June 22, 2009.

Bob was born the eldest of three sons in Washington, Penn., on Dec. 1, 1921. He grew up in Washington, Penn., and attended Washington and Jefferson College. He graduated with a bachelor of science in chemistry and received his degree early in exchange for his service in the Army Air Corps in 1943. Trained as a navigator and bombardier, he flew 35 combat missions over Europe in the B-24 Liberator and became a highly decorated veteran of WWII. He received the Silver Star for gallantry in combat and the Purple Heart for wounds received during combat missions.

Bob remained in the Air Force after the conclusion of WWII. He received his master’s degree in nuclear chemistry from Carnegie-Mellon University and he became a weapons specialist for the United States Air Force. One of the highlights of his military career occurred in the early 1960s, when Bob briefed President Kennedy regarding special weapons technology at New Mexico’s Kirtland Air Force Base. Following his retirement as a Lieutenant Colonel from the U.S. Air Force, Bob worked for Litton Industries and later at GTE in product research and development. During this time, Bob and his wife Jess lived in California, Maryland and Massachusetts. When Bob retired for the second time in the early 1990s, he and his wife moved to Corrales, New Mexico, where they were involved in military organizations and historical preservation.

Bob was an original member of the New Mexico Honor Guard, which rendered military honors for deceased Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Sandoval County Historical Society and other military and service organizations.

Bob was known by many residents of Corrales as the “tax man,” as he helped numerous individuals with their income tax preparation free of charge. Tax preparation was just one of many examples of Bob’s kind and generous spirit. Bob was an exemplary father and grandfather, and enriched the lives of all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Jess Keegan of Corrales; son, Robert E. Keegan II of Houston; nephew, Peter Keegan of Albuquerque; stepsons, Sam W. Bowman III of St. Charles, Mo., James E. Bowman of Frederick, Md., and Stephen K. Bowman of Corrales; and six grandchildren.

Bob Keegan excelled in service to his country and never ceased to add an ingredient of humor to any situation. He was dedicated to his family and by his very nature consistently helpful to others. He will be deeply missed by friends and family alike, and his memory perpetually cherished by all who knew and loved Bob Keegan.

The family expresses their gratitude for the compassion and care Bob received from Lovelace Hospice Care. Condolences may be made to his family at danielsfuneral.com.