Aug. 7, 1932 – Feb. 27, 2014
Clifford Eugene Keegan, 81, of Sweet Home, died Feb. 27, 2014 of a stroke at the Samaritan Evergreen Hospice House.
He was born Aug. 7, 1932 in Galesburg, Ill. to Clifford Andrew and Edna Susan (Higgins) Keegan.
He served in the United States Air Force from 1951 through 1955 and in the inactive reserves until 1960, reaching the rank of staff sergeant. After his discharge he attended St. Louis University and earned a bachelor of science degree in radiology technique.
Following graduation in 1959, he married and taught anatomy, physiology and radiology technique at the University of Kansas Medical Center.
Mr. Keegan moved to Portland in 1960, worked briefly in radiology and then found more challenge and opportunity as an insurance agent. He sold life insurance for a time and then purchased an independent insurance agency. He later sold the agency and moved to San Diego in 1987 to escape the rain. He taught Bible study classes in San Diego and in Sweet Home since his return to Oregon in 2001.
He was a member of the Elks and Lions Clubs and the National Rifle Association. His hobbies were boating, bowling, camping with family, reading and apologetics.
Mr. Keegan is survived by his wife of 54 years, Pauline Keegan of Sweet Home; two sons: Kevin Keegan of Molalla and Brian Keegan of Monterey, Calif.; daughter Tara Dixson of Albany; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Jack.
A Rosary and Funeral Mass were held March 3 at St. Helens Catholic Church in Sweet Home. A graveside service with military honors followed at Gilliland Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made in Mr. Keegan’s name to Samaritan Evergreen Hospice, 4600 Evergreen Place, S.E., Albany, Oregon 97322.
Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.