Page 24 - Sojourner Newsletter-Winter 2025_FINAL

24 THE SOJOURNER
2023—2024 IN REMEMBERANCE OF PAST NATIONAL PRESIDENTS

Keye E. Perry, Sr.: 1947-2023 of the Trustees (‘22-‘23). Additionally, he was the President of
Lt Col Keye E. Perry, Sr., USAF Collingwood Library & Museum Association. He served as
(retired) – born April 4, 1947. Deputy Area Representative for the South-Central Area
Father, son, husband, grandfather, (‘18-‘23) and was a Director of the Royal Order of Barrow
uncle, pilot, mason, coach, athlete, Wheelers. He received the Houghton Memorial Award, the
scout, consummate life-long learn- Second Highest Award in National Sojourners, in 2018 and the
er, and gifted orator – laid down Donor Medal in 2019.
his working tools and joined the In 2015, Keye received the Conferral of the Orders of the
Great Architect of the Universe Austin Conclave of the Red Cross of Constantine, serving in
alongside his father, Wes, and son, several positions from 2015-2022. The following year, he was
Rob, on August 23, 2023 after a knighted into the Jewell P. Lightfoot Council of Knight
brief battle with a viral infection Masons #109. He served the Council as Excellent Chief
he obtained while traveling (‘19-‘20) and as Secretary/Treasurer (‘22-‘23).
abroad. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Rebecca Lee
Keye was born in Denver, Colora- (Thompson) Perry; son LTC Keye Perry, Jr (US Army retired)
do to Wesley and Dorothy Perry and his wife, Connie and grandsons, Connor, Jake and Zach;
National President on April 4, 1947. Keye was son Bryan Perry and wife, Kristin and grandchildren, Hayden
(2013-2014) known for his grand adventures and Mackenzie; daughter Sarah Elizabeth Perry; and son
and mischief around town with his Trevor Taubert and granddaughters, Libby and Margaret Ann.
younger sister, Pat, and their family friend Dinah Plum. His He is also survived by his mother, Dorothy Ann Perry and
father’s work moved the family from Colorado to Idaho to Ore- sister, Patricia Young and husband, Robert and nieces, Karissa,
gon and onto California where Keye graduated from La Mirada Sarah and Rachel. He will be dearly missed by many and will
High School in 1965. He attended college at the University of always be loved…
Southern California where he played the trumpet for the USC • Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity, Methodist University
band and joined the ROTC. He graduated from USC with hon- Sigma Theta Chapter (Member #142).
ors and was commissioned into the United States Air Force in • National Sojourner Fort Hood Chapter #208, John Bell
1969. Hood Camp Heroes of '76
After attending flight school, Keye served three tours in • 14th & 32nd Scottish Rite Valley of Waco, Orient of
Southeast Asia flying O-2s and B-52s, followed by Farsi lan- Texas
guage training and a brief assignment to Iran flying C-12s for • Florence Royal Arch Chapter No. 275, Florence Council
the embassy. His next mission led him to serve as an instructor No. 208, Llano Commandry No. 54, Knight Templar,
pilot and school squadron commander at Sheppard AFB in York Rite of Freemasonry
Wichita Falls, Texas. It was here that he met and married his
bride, Becky. He then took the family to Hawaii for a Pacific
Air Force role followed by a tour at the Pentagon in Northern James A. Baker: 1944-2024
Virginia. His last assignment was at Griffis AFB in Rome, New
York before retiring and relocating his family to Austin, Texas. Personal: James A. Baker was
He always joked that while he wasn’t a native Texan, he got born in Dallas, Texas, on
here as fast as he could. 12 February 1944 to Frank P. and
The next chapter began with obtaining two masters from the Kathrine Dromgoole. His father
University of Texas, starting his second career as a CPA and in passed away on 28 March 1950,
his free time, starting his Masonic journey with Parsons Lodge and his mother moved the family
#222 in 1995. He served in many roles within Parsons Lodge, to Austin, Texas. In 1952, his
including the Junior Warden (’97-‘98), Senior Warden (‘98- mother married Eugene S. Baker,
‘99) and Worshipful Master (‘99-‘00) and District Deputy who adopted the two brothers,
Grand Master (‘15- ‘16). changing their name to Baker. Jim
Keye received the 4th – 32nd Degrees in the Austin Scottish attended grade and high school in
Rite in 1996. He received the 32nd Degree Knight Commander Austin and enlisted in the Navy in
Court of Honor in 2007 and was honored by receiving the 33rd November 1962. He received his
Degree Inspector General Honorary in 2019. He served the GED in 1963, an Associate
Austin Scottish Rite as the Head of all Four Bodies (‘10-‘17). Degree in Data Processing from
He received the Double Eagle Award (2014), was an Emeritus National President #80 Northern Virginia Community
Member of the Knights of St. Andrew Order of the Thistle and (2016-2017) College in 1976, a Bachelor of
served as the Austin Valley Ambassador. He completed the Science Degree in Business Administration from American
Master Craftsman Course in 2014. University in 1987, a Master of Business Administration
In 1998, Keye joined the local chapter of National Sojourners, Degree from American University in 1991, and a Doctor of
Anson Jones #507. Passionate about masonry history and the Philosophy Degree from The University of Texas at Austin in
military community, he dedicated the next 20 years to serving 1996. He was a member of Who’s Who in American
in a variety of roles within National Sojourners including Community Colleges (1975) and Phi-Kappa Phi Honor
Chapter President (‘02-‘03), Camp Commander (‘03-‘04), Society (1987). He married Kay Louise (nee Menhennett)
National President (‘13-‘14), Trustee (‘15-‘23) and Chairman Baker on 17 May 1991. He has two children from a previous