Jacob Keesee

Some people are given many days in which to live their lives, days which they seem to whittle away, their lives seeming to fade into the everyday tapestry of time. Then there are those who are granted many fewer days, but those days are laced with color and zest, days that seem to jump off the pages of time. Jacob Keesee was an extraordinary man who embraced each day he was given bringing light and life to all those around him. He was a fun loving man with a tender heart who saw becoming a father as a precious gift; his family was his greatest pride and joy.

Mood rings, lava lamps, Rubik’s cubes, Sea Monkeys, smiley face stickers, and pet rocks altered the face of the culture of our nation during the 1970’s. A time of carefree boundaries and the claim for equality for women and minorities abounded. Burt and Connie (Clanin) Keesee, of Mooresville, Indiana were anxiously awaiting a time of change within the fabric of their own family as Connie was due to give birth to their child at any time. They were indeed blessed on April 25, 1976 with the healthy birth of their son, Jacob. Jacob grew up as one of three children in his family and spent most of his childhood days in Indianapolis where he began to leave his unique mark on the world.

Jacob was an independent boy and as a result, he was drawn to individual sports like diving and skateboarding and he was an avid Indianapolis Colts fan as well. He was known to proudly wear his Colts cap often in undying support for his beloved team. Jacob was a unique individual from his youngest days and never really seemed to care what others thought about him. He had a vivid imagination and his parents remember his imaginary friend Buddy who kept him entertained for hours. From an early age, Jacob had a love for music and he especially liked to play the guitar and would regularly make up his own songs, exhibiting a talent that would follow him throughout his entire lifetime.

Never one to conform easily, Jacob was proud to always be just a little bit different than the norm, taking pleasure in doing things a bit more his own way. Although he did not graduate from high school, Jacob was incredibly intelligent and he used his life experience to take him where he needed to go. As a young man Jacob began working for his father’s business, Vinyl Connections Painting Company, but what Jacob didn’t know was that life was about to take him on a long journey that would lead him to new and exciting waters.

While on the job one day at Community Hospital North in Indianapolis, Jacob noticed a young lady who worked at the hospital and as fate would have it, she would forever change the course of Jacob’s life. Her name was Amber Parlos and a friendship quickly was established between her and Jacob. Not long after, a romance had developed and they found themselves hopelessly in love. A short time later they were living together and they were soon blessed with the birth of their son Nolan, followed by their daughter Ava.

In 2007, Jacob and Amber were united in marriage and Jacob was so proud to have his now late grandfather, Earnest Keesee serve as his best man. Jacob was the apple of his grandfather’s eye and his greatest source of pride and joy; he was proud to have the great honor of serving as his grandson’s best man. A short time after they were married, Jacob and Amber were again blessed with the birth of their daughter, Charlotte. Together Jacob and Amber were excited with the direction that their family was headed, focused completely on their future. Jacob was so thankful that Amber waited for him until he was ready to finally settle down and get married as it was no secret that he considered himself blessed to have such a wonderful wife in Amber. After he worked for Vinyl Connections for a number of years, Jacob found employment at Westbury Court Apartments where he worked in maintenance.

There were some interests and preferences of Jacob’s that contributed to the unique individual that his family and friends knew and loved. Jacob loved Mountain Dew, Starbucks Coffee, and just about anything that is caffeinated. The passion he developed for music and his guitar in his earlier years continued into his adulthood as he could still be found playing when he had spare time. Jacob had a special place in the hearts of many, especially his mother-in-law whom he always treated with the utmost respect.

Jacob Keesee was an energetic and sometimes goofy man who was proud to be the unique individual that his friends and family knew and loved. He lived a vibrant life, drinking in the diverse opportunities that life had to offer while holding near those he treasured the most, his family. Jacob was a devoted father who spent his lifetime making precious memories which will be forever etched on the hearts of all those he leaves behind. He was a beloved son, brother, husband, and father who will be dearly missed.

Jacob Keesee, of Indianapolis, IN, died unexpectedly on February 14, 2009. Jacob’s family includes his parents, Burt and Connie Keesee; his wife, Amber (Parlos) Keesee; young children, Nolan, Ava, and Charlotte Keesee, all at home; sister, April Keesee of Mooresville; half-sister, Tracy Vaughn of West Newton; grandparents, Wayne (Phyllis) Clanin of Marion; parents-in-law, Marty (Karen) Parlos of Pendleton; sisters-in-law, Amy Cortrecht (Josh) of Pendleton, Angela Parlos of Fishers, and Alissa Parlos (Tom Werres) of Washington, D.C.; many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins. Friends and family will gather from 5-8 p.m., Friday, February 20, 2009, in the Carlisle & Son Funeral Chapel - Mooresville, IN. A memorial service will begin at 1 p.m., Saturday, February 21, 2009, in The Church at Mt. Gilead, 6019 E. SR 144, Mooresville. Please visit Jacob’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can leave a favorite memory or photo, or make a memorial contribution to the Keesee Children’s Trust, c/o Citizens Bank, 33 N. Indiana St., Mooresville.