Charles "Sarge" Wilson Keesee

Retired U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major Charles Wilson Keesee (Sarge) age 86, of Beckley WV, went to his eternal rest on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at CAMC Memorial Hospital in Charleston, WV.

He was born in Eccles, WV on March 22, 1939, as the 3rd of 5 children to Richard Keesee Sr. and Geneva (Wozniak) Keesee.

Charles graduated, Magna Cum Laude, from Mark Twain High School in Stotesbury, WV in 1957. After graduation Charles joined the Army Air Corps and then proceeded to the Army for a total combined career of 30 years. He retired with the highest NCO rank of Command Sergeant Major. He was devoted to his military life, immersing himself in all that it represents. During his service, Charles received the following prestigious decorations: A Bronze Star Medal, Four Meritorious Service Medals, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal- Eight Awards, Army Service Medal, Overseas Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Four Campaign Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon with Numbers, Korean Defense Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Meritorious Unit Citation, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, and Air Assault Wings. He retired with the highest NCO rank of Command Sergeant Major. Charles spent his remaining years in patriotic support of all the Military Branches. He supported veteran clubs. Included in his service was a stint as Vice Commander for the American Legion for the State of West Virginia. His duty to the flag and country was highly respected by his family. All three of his sons followed him in military service. Charles was a member of the Rizpah Shriners.

He returned to his West Virginia roots a few years after retiring. Family became his priority. Spending time with siblings and cousins became very important to him. He enforced his sister Victoria's wishes, doing all he could to facilitate his family reunion duties. He cherished the times that his sister Delores (Cookie) came and stayed with him. He was proud of his brothers Richard (Dick) and Gary. He felt the heaviness of being the last of his siblings. Charles had a close relationship with his niece and nephews. It was a joy to him that Benny, Christy and Richard still live in the area. His biggest regret in life was not building the same relationship with his children when they were young. When you realize your time on earth is short the important things in life come into focus. He came to understand that you could be a man who commanded respect and still show love.

Charles was a member of the Stanaford Missionary Baptist Church in Stanaford, WV.  Due to his failing health, he was unable to go as often as he liked but Charles missed his church family when he couldn't get there to worship.  He was loved by his church family and will be remembered for his joy and fellowship. He would like to invite all looking for a church home to consider this bible believing house of worship.

Charles was not a stick and ball or hunting and fishing kind of man. HE WAS A PRANKSTER!  Charley could tell a story that reeled you in just to crack a joke. Having learned the canine language from his "pony" Major, it was nothing for him to bark at someone, most often unsuspecting kids! The looks he got would crack him up.

He departed this world but left his sense of humor behind for all to share. Starting with his surviving children: Chuck Keesee of Indianapolis, IN, Mike (Tina) Keesee of Ludington, MI, Brenda (Cory) Lodge of Peru, IN, and Greg Keesee of Indianapolis. Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services will be held at 2 P.M. on Friday, January 23, 2026, at the Amos E. Quesenberry Peace Chapel of Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home in Beckley, WV, with Pastor George Wood officiating.  Friends may visit with family from 12 PM until service time on Friday at the funeral home. Charles will be laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Park following his service.

Private online condolences and other expressions of sympathy may be directed to the family via our guestbook at www.roseandquesenberry.net .

Arrangements are by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, 1901 South Kanawha Street, Beckley, WV.