The family of Sam McKeehan have asked the Patriot Guard to accompany them as they say good-bye to their loved one and hero. We are honored to be able to be of service.
Samuel (Sam) Aloysius McKeehan, USMC, 87, passed away peacefully at home on Jan. 27, 2026.
Funeral services will be officiated by Father Gregory Beaumont of Saint Malachy Catholic Church on Feb. 13, 2026. Interment followed at Bakersfield National Cemetery in Arvin, Calif.
Sam was born in Walsenburg, Colo., to Vernon and Josephine M. McKeehan. He grew up as one of 10 children, with six brothers and three sisters: Bernard, Floyd, Marlene, William, John, Dorothy, Lillian, Ronald and David. When Sam was 2 years old, the family relocated to Los Angeles, where he was raised.
After graduating from Lincoln High School in 1957, Sam enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving from 1957 to 1962 as a motor transport operator (heavy truck driver) and mechanic. During his service, he completed a brief deployment to Lebanon in 1958. Following his active-duty commitment, he moved his family from downtown Los Angeles to Highland Park, Calif., in 1959.
Sam later worked for the Herald Examiner as a delivery driver for several years. In 1963, he met Joan V. Costigan, and they were married in September of 1965. During this time, while raising their growing family — including the birth of their son Samuel V. and while Joan was pregnant with their daughter Bernadette — they both participated in labor strikes, which ultimately resulted in the closure of the office where they worked.
Sam went on to work for several major freight companies over the next 36 years and retired from the Teamsters Union in 2000.
As their family expanded, Sam and Joan moved from Highland Park to Hacienda Heights, Calif., following Bernadette’s birth. After the arrival of their sons Michael and Frank, they relocated to Upland, California, in 1977, seeking a larger home and greater opportunities for their children. Sam lived in Upland until his retirement. In 2000, they sold their Upland home and moved to Tehachapi, Calif., where they had purchased a home two years earlier. Sam remained in Tehachapi until his passing.
Sam was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 55 years, Joan, in 2020, and by his son Michael in 2023.
He is survived by his children, Samuel V., Bernadette, and Frank; 16 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by five siblings: Marlene, John, Dorothy, Lillian and David.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this military veteran. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, we will be accompanying the hero and his family from the church to the cemetery. Please see the timetable if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the cemetery, we will meet you there.
Time Table for Friday, 13 February:
1200 - Stage at St. Malachy Roman Catholic Church, 407 W E St, Tehachapi, CA 93561
https://maps.app.goo.gl/2NmrtuRtvodnETcN81210 - Mission Briefing
1215 - Flag line as our hero is moved from the church to the coach followed by KSU to Bakersfield National Cemetery. 30338 E Bear Mountain Blvd, Arvin, CA 93203
https://maps.app.goo.gl/UVRu3M5CLRWkuH8a71245 - est. arrival at Bakersfield National Cemetery
1315 - Flag line, Service and Military Honors.
Ride Captain
Jim "Pops" Davis US Army 1964-1970,
Vietnam 1966-1970
Ranger Mos 11B-63C20-63B20
jdavisabajo514@ yahoo.com 661-221-3120
You do not have to be a veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. All PGR members are welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the Ride Captain (RC). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and respect for our heroes. No talking, smoking, or cell phone use during the flag line or service. Please keep radios off and engine noise to a minimum. Observe the cemetery speed limit. Remember, cemeteries are hallowed ground. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we are honoring.
