October 24, 1927 – November 21, 2021

Reverend Donald Boynton Keepers, age 94, passed away on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, at Pomona Valley Hospital, California. Don is survived by his children: John and John’s spouse, daughter-in-law, Amy Ernst; Darrell and Darrell’s spouse, daughter-in-law, Lisa Keepers; and Katie Keepers Meehan – son-in-law, John Meehan; five grandchildren: Derek and spouse, granddaughter-in-law Kelly Keepers; Darren and Darren’s spouse, daughter-in-law Kym Keepers; Kalin Booker, Brian Booker, and Claire Keepers; and one great-grandchild, Getch, son of Derek and Kelly. Don’s wife of 56 years, Doreen Morey Keepers, died in 2009. Dad missed her very much, and he is reunited with Mom, where he always wanted to be.

A third-generation minister from the Keepers lineage, Don was Associate Minister and Minister of Education at Pilgrim Congregational Church from 1966-1978, and would frequently guest as a preacher or leader of services throughout his retirement, at Pilgrim. Dad was well-known for his philosophical sermons. Many Congregationalists may recall Don’s “brown paper bag” children’s sermons; Dad would hide a prop or object in the bag as a symbol for the lesson.

Prior to moving to California in 1966, Don was minister for two Advent Christian parishes, his first at Lynwood, Washington, and then at Medford, Oregon.

Don received his Bachelor’s degree, English, Theology, Philosophy, and then a Master’s Degree of Divinity, from Aurora College (now Aurora University), Illinois in 1956. Dad was very active as an Alumni supporter of AU, being a “legacy alumnus,” following in the footsteps of his parents and many other family members. Dad was a great athlete, lettering in basketball and tennis.

In 1978, Don was hired by his friend Jack Todd, owner of Todd Memorial Chapel, Pomona, and Dad would subsequently become one of Todd’s funeral directors until retiring in 1992.

Don was very active in the Pomona community: president for the local Lions Club; Ted Greene Little League coach and Board member; Summer Church Camp Director and chaplain; candidate for Pomona School Board – just to mention a few activities of his.

With roots in Western Washington State, including West Seattle, Don was born in Bellingham, WA, and his first home was in Sumas, WA, and Don was a huge fan of both the Seattle Mariners and the Seahawks, and since moving to California in 1966, the Dodgers.

The game of Bridge was a favorite pastime. Dad’s most notorious opening bid after three passes? “Three No-trump,” traditionally called a “close-out” bid. (A trick he learned many years ago from the late Pastor Emeritus of Pilgrim Church, Ray Waser…)

Todd Memorial Chapel will be handling services, and a memorial service is scheduled to be held at Pilgrim Congregational Church, with a Naval Honor Guard to honor Don’s military service both at the end of World War II and during the Korean War, where he was assigned as Pharmacist’s Mate, Seaplane Tender AV-14 Kenneth Whiting .

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Pilgrim Congregational Church’s Music Program.
The memorial service will be held Sunday, December 19th, 2021, at 1:00 pm, Pilgrim Congregational Church, Pomona. Reception at Pilgrim to follow the sanctuary ceremony.

Published on December 5, 2021