Bixby Soldier Passes Away In Texas

A soldier from Bixby who was based at Fort Hood has died.

Staff Sergeant Jeffrey Dallas Keas, 44, died from a terminal illness on July 5, 2013 according to the funeral home.

Sgt. Keas entered active duty service in July 2007 as an air defense enhanced early warning operator. He was assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion, Warrior Transition Brigade, Fort Hood, since November 2012.

Keas deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from March 2009 to February 2010.

Keas' awards and decorations include three Army Commendation Medals, two Army Achievement Medals, two Army Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal with campaign star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon and the Driver and Mechanic Badge.

He worked for many years at Kimberly-Clark and at the age of 38 enlisted in the Army after his son, Jeffrey, joined the Marines in 2005.

He's survived by his wife and two sons and many other family members.

Services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 11, 2013 in the Downtown Church of Christ, 15802 S. Memorial, Bixby.

Interment will follow at 2 p.m. in the Ft. Gibson National Cemetery with full military honors.