Patrick Francis “Pat” Keyes, 98, passed away at home on September 5, 2025. Born in Nashville, TN, Pat graduated from Litton High School and joined the Navy immediately after graduation in June 1945. He was assigned to the USS Bunker Hill where he participated in “Operation Magic Carpet” transporting American servicemen home from the Pacific after World War II. He spent the rest of his active duty decommissioning the ship in Bremerton, WA. Discharged in 1946 he enrolled at Vanderbilt University and received a BE in chemical engineering in 1950. Pat was recruited from Nashville to join the Von Braun’s rocket team. He worked consecutively for OGMDC, ABMA, then NASA where he participated in the Saturn IV and Space Shuttle programs to name a few. He retired from NASA December 25, 1982.
Introduced by his aunt (Mary Lou’s teacher), Pat met Mary Lou and they married on January 12, 1951. After moving to Huntsville, they designed and built a house on Monte Sano Mountain in 1954 where they lived happily for the rest of their lives.
Pat was predeceased by his wife Mary Lou Keyes. Survivors include daughters, Lucy Coleman (husband Rick) of Huntsville, Katy Prince (husband Chuck) of Nashville, and Sara Keyes of Huntsville; four grandchildren, Celia McKechnie, Greg, Art, and Oliver Prince; and one great-grandchild, Lilith McKechnie.
No services are planned.
Memorials to The Food Bank of North Alabama would be appreciated (https://www.foodbanknorthal.org/.)
