John Carl Kees ’62

John Carl Kees ’62 passed away at home on January 27 surrounded by his family. Born in Nanty-Glo, Pennsylvania, on December 14, 1940, John lived a life marked by service, faith, and commitment to those he loved. John graduated from Dartmouth with a degree in engineering earned on an academic scholarship. He served in the U.S. Navy on submarines and destroyers. He was serving on the USS Bugara, docked in Bremerton, Washington, when he met Pamela Helene Southerland and the two soon married. They raised four children, instilling in them the values of faith and compassion. After his naval service, John pursued a M.Div. from Methodist Theological School in Ohio, graduating in 1969, while Pam taught kindergarten. After his first appointment at Grace Church in Tacoma, Washington, John went on to serve as a minister with the United Methodist Church in the Western Pennsylvania Conference for 30 years. In 1981 he earned a D.Div. from Drew University, further deepening his theological insight. He faithfully led congregations at Homestead Park, Pitcairn, Crafton, and West Middlesex, the latter of which he served from 1986 until his retirement in 2006, when he and Pam moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, to be closer to family. He embraced his role as a full-time grandfather to seven grandchildren with the same enthusiasm he brought to his previous endeavors. John is survived by Pamela, three of their four children, seven grandchildren, and one great-granddaughter.