William Keyes

William Keyes of Jackson, CA, passed peacefully on Monday, September 15, 2014 at the age of 93. He was born in Fort Smith, AR on September 9, 1921 to the late Walter and Luddie Keyes. William grew up in Rosalie Tillis Children's Orphanage in Ft. Smith and at the age of 16 joined the Civilian Conservation Corps. While in the Corps. he helped build the Owyhee Dam in Oregon as a dynamiter. In November 1940 William joined the U.S. Army. During WWII he fought in Central Europe and was the advance group to liberate concentration camps that were being used for medical experiments. He was honorably discharged as a staff sergeant on April 3, 1945. William married Minnie Anna Dayton in 1946. He worked as a bartender at the National Hotel in Jackson, CA during the 50's. William began his 33 year career with youth authority at Preston School of Industry in Ione, CA and eventually the California Youth Authority in Chino, CA. He ended his career in New Brunswick, Canada as the Director of the Canadian Youth Authority, developing the next phase of their educational structure. William and Anna have made their home on Rollingwood Drive in Jackson since 1997. William is survived by his wife of 68 years, Anna Keyes of Jackson, CA; daughter, Jo Anne Utz (Rodney) of Jackson, CA; son, Donald Edward Keyes of Jackson, CA; and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by 8 brothers and sisters. At the family's request there will be no services. Memorial contributions may be made to American Legion Post 108, P.O. Box 480, Sutter Creek, CA 95685 or American Diabetes Association, 2720 Gateway Oaks Dr., Suite 110, Sacramento, CA 95833.