Paul Edward Keesling

PAUL EDWARD KEESLING, SR.
January 7, 1930 – December 5, 2019

Paul was born in Stanford, Kentucky, on the family farm, the fourth of five children. He lived in Lexington, KY, during his formative years and left to join the US Navy in 1947. Training and deployments over the course of his subsequent 20-year career took him to Alaska, Florida, Italy, Washington D.C., and California. Paul served aboard a number of aircraft carriers including: USS Midway, USS Randolph and USS Boxer. He was a Seabee and later a Mess Management Specialist. He oversaw meal preparation for a navy flight squadron and, when deployed, a multitude of aircraft carrier personnel as well. He retired from active duty as a First Class Petty Officer in 1966, making Escondido, CA, the family home.

Paul married Sallie Mae Catron in 1951 and they had three sons: Paul “Ed” Keesling Jr. (1952) now residing in Long Island, NY; David Keesling (1954) of Jamul, CA; and James Keesling (1958) of Flagstaff, AZ. Sallie passed away in 1996. Paul was also a grandfather and great grandfather.

Ever the hard worker, Paul took on long-haul trucking as his next career. He crisscrossed America delivering everything from produce to mobile homes to yachts. He formed his own company called Hush Puppy Enterprises, after his CB radio handle, and continued as an independent contractor until his second retirement in 1992. He and Sallie then enjoyed use of their RV and trips to Las Vegas where they both had some lucky times!

After Sallie’s passing, Paul downsized to a mobile home in San Marcos, CA, and remained there until 2016 when he joined son David and his wife Hope full time at their Jamul residence. He was an avid TV watcher and purchased a mere 75” flat screen for his enjoyment. He enjoyed viewing sporting events, car shows and races, and westerns.

Paul’s health had been compromised by COPD but he only truly began failing November of 2019. One month later, on December 5th, he drew last breath in the presence of his children. Paul will be dearly missed but we rejoice he is now safely home with his Savior. He had a great sense of humor and down-home approach to life. Though quiet by nature, those who got to know Paul always enjoyed him and “Hush Puppy” had a bit of a fan club wherever he sunk his roots.

Keep on truckin’, Paul, ‘till we see you again!