William Howard Keebaugh

William Howard Keebaugh was born Jan. 23, 1956, in Bremerton Wash., to Gene and Evagene (Jones) Keebaugh. Bill died June 18, 2021, at his home in Bremerton due to heart failure.

Bill was raised around the U.S., as his father made the Navy his career, and he graduated from East High School in 1974. After high school, Bill joined the Navy, where he served more than a dozen years as a diesel engineer, keeping ships' engines running. After leaving the Navy, Bill went to work at PSNS as a logistics management specialist for 25 years. He kept working, despite a catastrophic work accident in 2001 that caused severe spine damage, retiring only last year due to failing health.

He had many hobbies, including gunsmithing, photography, and music (he could play just about any instrument he picked up), and he loved motorcycles, especially Harley Davidsons. Bill had a huge heart and was quick to help others. He would let his hair grow out, cutting it only once a year, so he could donate it to an organization that makes wigs for people with cancer. He also often volunteered to fix friends' cars.

Bill found love in life with Norma, and they were together more than 25 years, getting married on Jan. 9, 2021. He is survived by Norma; his father; sister, Lynn; two children and two stepchildren; and 12 grandchildren, including Tim Johnson, who performed CPR on Bill, trying to save his life. He was preceded in death by his mother.

A memorial will be held at a later date for family and close friends.