Howard Robert Keirs

Marine, Navy veteran enjoyed woodworking. Howard Robert Keirs, 59, of Washington, died Tuesday, January 26, 2010, in his home. He was born January 30, 1950, in Washington, a son of Howard M. and Margaret Buchanan Keirs. Mr. Keirs was a 1967 graduate of Trinity High School. He was a machinist at Star Mould. On June 29, 1967, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He completed the Special Identification Techniques Course in November 1969, and from June 24, 1970, until May 29, 1971, he served in Vietnam with Company L, Marine Support Battalion. For his service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with one star, Vietnam Campaign Medal with device, Good Conduct Medal and Expert Badge-Rifle. He was discharged June 9, 1971, with a rank of corporal. He re-enlisted in the Marines and was honorably discharged June 15, 1973. On July 29, 1977, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served until his honorable discharge June 26, 1979, with a rank of machinery repairman, third class. Mr. Keirs was Protestant. He was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars and Disabled American Veterans. Mr. Keirs enjoyed woodworking and his cat, Patches. Surviving are two sons, Robert Baleshiski of Vermont and Brandon Keirs; a daughter, Nicole Keirs of Scenery Hill; a brother, Ronald Keirs of Claysville; a sister, Mona (Dick) Wilson of Washington; seven grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. Friends will be received from 4 to 8 p.m., the time of services, Thursday, January 28, in William G. Neal Funeral Homes Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington. A service for Howard Robert Keirs, 59, of Washington, who died Tuesday, January 26, 2010, will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, February 17th, in National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Bridgeville. Those wishing to attend should meet at the cemetery at 10:45 a.m. Military rites will be accorded by Edwin Scott Linton American Legion Post 175.