John Francis Keegan, 60, of Irmo, unexpectedly passed away on Monday, July 4, 2022. Born in Fort Hood, Texas, on April 17, 1962, he was the only son of Evelyn Hersey and the late Ambrose John Keegan.

John's mission on this earth was to be the "hands, feet and the voice" of Christ. He was funny, compassionate, loving and a supportive husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend and co-worker. When he met you for the first time, you would know that he was genuine and a man like no other. He always made you feel like you were his best friend. John had a servant's heart; he cared for others and would give anyone the shirt off his back. His motto was "The only thing in life really worth doing is what we do for others."

There was no doubt that he treasured and loved his wife Deborah Paulson Keegan. The couple wedded on March 17, 1984, at Fort Hood, Texas and enjoyed a fulfilling, loving marriage of 38 years together. Still too short of time to really enjoy his growing family. In addition to his wife and mother, he is survived by his sons, Casey Keegan (Chelsea) and Joshua Keegan; daughter, Rachel Jones (Andrew); granddaughters, Emilia Keegan and Alexandria Keegan; and sisters, Carla Keegan, Dawn Dombroski, and Leslie Allen and their respective families.

John was a jack of all trades; he was an expert woodworker creating pens, artwork and furniture. John received his real estate and broker license and opened MarketOne Reality with a friend in Oklahoma. He also worked in hotel management before moving to South Carolina. He enjoyed supporting his Army wife in every way until her retirement after 20 years. John recently retired as the Director of Marketing and Business and Community Development for FMWR (Fort Jackson) after devoting over 25 years of service to soldiers and families.

A celebration of life for John will be held at 7 o'clock on Tuesday, July 12th, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia, SC. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 5 o'clock. A Catholic Mass will be held at 11:30 o'clock on Wednesday, July 13th, at Transfiguration Catholic Church, 9720 Wilson Blvd, Blythewood, SC. Final commendation and farewell prayers will follow at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Road, Columbia, SC. The family requests you dress casual for all events.

For those who are unable to attend on Tuesday, a livestream will be available at the time of the service on ShivesFuneralHome.com. Please visit Transfiguration Catholic Church in Blythewood on Youtube or Facebook to view a livestream of the mass.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude's Children Hospital, www.stjude.org .