DONALD R. KEHOE

Donald R. “Yak” Kehoe, of Gouldsboro, formerly of Hanover Township, passed away, Sunday, June 10, 2018 in Allied Services, Scranton, surrounded by his family.

Born in Los Angeles, CA; March 15, 1948, he was the son of the late Walter and Ruth Yatko Kehoe.  Donald was a graduate of Hanover Area High School, Class of 1965 and served in the U.S. Army with the 2nd BN (ABN) 501st Infantry 101st Airborne Division, where he was wounded in action in the Republic of Vietnam on March 11, 1968.  He was the recipient of the Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge, Parachute Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and National Defense Service Medal.

Donald was a member of the VFW, 5207 Daleville, American Legion Post 274, Goldsboro, Royal Order of the Purple Heart, Disabled American Veterans and Combat Infantry Association.  Prior to retiring, Donald was employed by the Tobyhanna Army Depot for 33 years.  He was an avid Hunter, fisherman, Nascar fan and enjoyed camping.

In addition to his parents, Donald was preceded in death by his son, Michael Kehoe and step son, Donald Robinson.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Janet Harrison Kehoe; son, Ryan Kehoe; step daughter, Michelle Sterling; grandchildren, Jamie Shea, Tyler Robinson, Josh Sterling, Justin Sterling; one great grandchild, Caeleb Shea and brother, Dennis(Cindy) Kehoe.

Memorial visitation will be conducted on Thursday, June 14, 2018, from 4 to 7 pm at the Lehman Family Funeral Service, 689 Hazle Ave. Wilkes-Barre.

THE FINAL INSPECTION

The Paratrooper stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He knew his boots weren’t shining,
his Uniform worn, dirty, had no shiny brass.

“Step forward now, Trooper,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my Church have you been true?"

The Trooper squared his shoulders and said,
“No, Lord, I guess I have not.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can’t always be a saint.

I’ve had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I’ve been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny,
That wasn’t mine to keep…
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got just too steep

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear..
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I’ve wept unmanly tears.

I know I don’t deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.

If you’ve a place for me here, Lord,
It needn’t be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don’t, I’ll understand.”

There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the Paratrooper waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

“Step forward now, Airborne Trooper,
you’ve borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven’s streets,
You’ve done your time in Hell.”

Author Unknown
 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of DONALD R. KEHOE, please visit our floral store.