Donald Keeney

Patty Ritchie

May 20, 2015

Sergeant

Sergeant Donald Keeney

Award: Honoring Our Veterans

Year: 2015

United States Marine Corps

Leaving high school early to fight for our freedom, Donald Keeney proudly joined the United States Marine Corps. He honorably served our country in the 3rd Amphibian Marine division from January 29, 1943 to December 2, 1945, when he was honorably discharged as a Sergeant, also qualified as an Expert M-1 Rifle and Amphtrac mechanic. 

Mr. Keeney served in the Pacific, including tours in Guam and Iwo Jima. After returning from the War, he continued to dedicate his time and unwaveringly served his community in many ways, including as a trustee of the Granby School District, Justice of the Peace in the Town of Granby for 16 years, and Mayor and Trustee of the Village of Fair Haven. 

After raising his family, Mr. Keeney went back to school, earning his high school diploma from the Fulton City School District. His entire family attended the ceremony and celebrated his success. A dedicated family man, Mr. Keeney married his high school sweetheart, and the couple has been married for 69 years. They have four children, nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. 

While he has accomplished many things, it is often said that one of Mr. Keeney’s greatest achievements is teaching his family what it means to serve one’s country and be a proud American.