Obituary of Roger M. Keagle

Roger Maurice Keagle, 98, of Owego, died Wednesday, September 21, 2016 at the Elderwood Care Nursing Home in Waverly. Predeceased by his wife, Frances (Brecher) Keagle. He leaves two sons, Charles Keagle and Edward Keagle; a brother, James Keagle; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; many friends and relatives. Born October 17, 1917, the son of Leon and Eleanor (Parsons) Keagle of Canton, PA, one of five siblings, he lived in Owego from 1950 until the end of his life. Mr. Keagle graduated from Mansfield State Teacher’s College (now Mansfield University) with a music degree in 1941, enlisted and served as a musician and bandleader in the U. S. Army and later in the Army Air Force stateside and in Italy until 1946. He received graduate degrees in Music from University of Michigan in 1950 and Ithaca College in 1967. He taught music in the Owego public schools from 1950 until his retirement in 1973, much of that time as head of the music department. A generation of Owego students benefited from his teaching and guidance. He had a passion for writing music, and composed a large number of pieces for many different ensembles. Among his output is a prize winning piece for percussion ensemble. He also performed with the Tri-Cities Opera, the Binghamton Symphony, and Music Unlimited as a trombonist. An avid woodworker, over his life he crafted a number of pieces of fine furniture as well as large and small weaving looms. Later in life he took up weaving himself and showered his friends and relatives with beautiful place mats and scarves. NOTE CHANGE: A celebration of Roger’s life will be held on Saturday, November 5, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Church, 300 Main St., Owego. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery. Condolences may be made to Roger’s family at www.emfaheyfuneralhome.com.