James R. Keeney, 72

CAMDEN - James R. Keeney of Camden died Sunday, March 4, 2007, in the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Elsmere. He was 72.

Mr. Keeney was born March 2, 1934, in Frederick, Md., son of Fern Hood Smith of Keymar, Md. and the late Reverdy Eli Keeney.

He retired in 1977 as a technical sergeant with the U.S. Air Force with 23 years of service to his nation. After his service career he was employed as a cook with Morale, Welfare and Recreation, Dover.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his stepmother, Frances Keeney.

He is survived by his wife, Marianna Bussard Keeney; his mother, Fern Hood Smith of Keymar, Md.; his stepfather, John Smith of Keymar; two daughters and two sons-in-law, Clara and Michael Szczechura of Laytonsville, Md. and Sarah and Dennis Malivuk of Camden; four grandchildren, Theresa Colwell of Laytonsville; Dennis Wilcutts II of Camden, Daniel Szczechura and Sarah Kate Szczechura, both of Laytonsville; a sister and a brother-in-law, Judy and Edwin Upchurch of Brunswick; two foster sons, Ricky Pleasanton and Ronnie Pleasanton, both of Dover; and several nieces and nephews

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday in Donald B. Thompson Funeral Home, 31 E. Main St., Middletown.

Services will be 11 a.m. Thursday in Zion Lutheran Church, Middletown, where friends may call one hour earlier.

Burial will be in Zion Lutheran cemetery, Middletown.

Memorial contributions may be made to aid wounded soldiers families to the Fisher House, 1401 Rockville Pike, Suite 600, Rockville, MD 20852.