Norfolk City Virginia USGenWeb Archives Obituaries.....Kegebein, John Henry October 21, 1945
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Robert Woolfitt http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00034.html#0008401 May 18, 2026, 7:42 pm

Virginian-Pilot October 22 & 23, 1945
                J. H. KEGEBEIN, EX-FIRE CHIEF, DIES SUDDENLY
John Henry Kegebein, 81, former chief of the Norfolk Fire Department, serving in 
the days before the equipment was motorized, died suddenly yesterday morning 
about 10 o'clock while attending the First Methodist Church Sunday School.
When Mr. Kegebein, apparently suffering a heart attack, slumped in his seat, a 
doctor was called but pronounced him dead and he was removed to the H. D. Oliver 
funeral apartments.
A daughter, Mrs. Grace K. Martin, with whom Mr. Kegebein lived at 517 Rhode 
Island Avenue, said her father had not complained of feeling ill when he left 
home yesterday morning, but had been ill with pneumonia during the Summer.
The former fire chief was first named to the Norfolk Department in 1889 as a 
substitute callman, being a pioneer in the early days of the paid fire 
department, he did not become a regular until May 16, 1892. He was appointed a 
driver on March 6, 1893, and was promoted to captain on July 1, 1895. He was 
named chief of the division September 3, 1904, taking over the duties on 
September 11, and serving in that capacity until 1910, when Chief R. F. 
McLaughlin was appointed to succeed him.
After leaving the fire department, Mr. Kegebein opened a hardware store on 
Brewer Street, which he continued to operate until his retirement from business 
a few years ago.
Only three present members of the Fire Department served under him, these being 
present Chief Edward J. Cannon, W. T. Traylor and J. W. Myers. At the time Chief 
Kegebein served the department, there were only 60 men in the service, whereas 
today there are 237. Chief Cannon was appointed a fire- । man by former Chief

Kegebein on January 29, 1906.
Mr. Kegebein was a member of Ruth Lodge 89, Masons; Norfolk Royal Arch Chapter 
1, Grice Commandery 16, Knights Templar, and Khedive Temple.
Fire Chief Cannon last night paid tribute to the services of the former chief, 
saying, "Chief Kegebein held the love of every man who ever served under him and 
was a very efficient fire chief."
Mr. Kegebein was the son of the late Charles F. and Mrs. Anna Talbot Kegebein, 
and was a native of New York. He came to Norfolk at the age of 14 and resided 
here thereafter.
Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Martin, and Miss Lillian Kegebein; two sons, 
John F. and C. Frederick Kegebein; two grandchildren, John F. Kegebein, Jr., and 
Gwen Marie Kegebein, all of Norfolk.
Funeral arrangements had not been completed last night.
                               FUNERALS
John Henry Kegebein - Funeral services for Mr. Kegebein, who died Sunday, will 
be conducted at the H. D. Oliver Funeral Apartments today at 3:30 p.m. by the 
Rev. T. E. Landis, pastor of the First Methodist Church. Interment will be in 
Elmwood Cemetery.



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