John H.W. Keithley, 75, Topeka, a native of Beagle, died Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2003, at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Topeka.

He was born Nov. 12, 1928, in Beagle, the son of Leonard Otis and Nora Adeline Fisher Keithley. He attended Beagle Grade School, was a 1946 graduate of Osawatomie High School and graduated in 1951 with honors from Ottawa University.

After earning a master's degree from Pittsburg State University, he was drafted into the U.S. Air Force and commissioned a second lieutenant in 1954. During his military career, he served as the medical evacuation commander at the USA 7 Hospital in Weisbaden, Germany. He retired at the rank of major.

He and Flora Virginia Holmes were married in 1953. Their marriage ended in divorce in 1974.

He and Yu Kyong of Seoul, Korea, were married in 1977. She preceded him in death.

Mr. Keithley was a talented musician. He played trumpet in a local jazz band as well as the Arab Shrine Band. He had taught secondary-level science at Alma School and retired from St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center in Topeka, as well as from the military.

Others preceding him in death include a grandson, Nicholas Madison, who died in 1982.

Surviving are a daughter, F.V. Elizabeth Miller, a son, John H.C.L. Keithley, and four grandchildren.

The funeral was today (Monday) at Davidson Funeral Home in Topeka. Graveside services, with military honors, also were today at the Mound Creek Cemetery southwest of Beagle.

Memorials may be made to the John Keithley Grandchildren Education Fund or to Alzheimer's Association in care of the funeral home, 1035 N. Kansas, Topeka, KS 66608.