A surprise party Jan. 25 in Bethlehem marked Thomas Franklin Keim’s 100th birthday with a number of relatives attending.

Keim was born Jan. 21,1925 in Bethlehem where he spent his whole life. He attended public schools and graduated from Bethlehem (Liberty) HS in 1943 and enlisted in the Army where he was trained as a radio operator and gunner then served with the Army Air Corps. He entered active duty flying on a B-24 out of Norwich England towards the end of the war.

He returned stateside and served out his tour of duty and entered Moravian College (now University) on the GI bill and graduated in 1949.

He married Louise Claire Stiles in 1948 and was married to her for 73 years until her death in 2022. They have two daughters, Joanne Keim VanSweden of Bethlehem Township and Linda Keim Hunsicker of Bethlehem.

He had a long career as an agent with Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. and a shorter stint at Moravian College in its development office. He has been a supporter of the college for many years, especially the Blue and Grey Club. He also served on the alumni board and was awarded the Medallion of Merit.

Throughout the years, Keim has supported his church, St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran, by teaching Sunday school, serving on various committees including the committee guiding the construction of a new sanctuary and singing in the choir. In fact he still sings with the chorus at Moravian Village.

He was a birder and served as the president of the local Audubon Society in the 1960s. He spent many hours playing golf at the Bethlehem Municipal links. He was an active volunteer at St. Luke’s Hospital, Historic Bethlehem, Boutique at the Rink, Musikfest and New Bethany Ministries.

“He is always there with a smile and an encouraging word for those who needed it,” says daughter Joanne VanSweden. “He’s led a long happy life giving to his community and his family, and I don’t think he is done yet.”