Loyd L. Keefer

Loyd L. Keefer, Sr. was born January 24, 1922 the son of Arthur and Edna (Farling) Keefer. He grew up in Rexford, Kansas, Rantoul, Kansas and Ottawa, Kansas. He lived a short time after World War II in Kansas City, Kansas before moving to Fort. Riley, Kansas. From there he moved to Washington, D.C., Korea, Fort Polk, Louisiana, Baumholder, Germany, Scottsburg, Indiana, Wertheim, Germany, Fort Ord, California, San Francisco California, Japan, and in 1966 he moved to Overland Park, Kansas where he made his home until his death on Friday May 5, 2006. Loyd attended Ottawa High School with the class of 1940. He was a United States Postal Worker for twenty years retiring in 1987. Loyd joined the United States Army in 1942 and retired from the military in 1966 attaining the rank of E-7. He honorably served the country in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. During World War II he was a member of Patton's Army as a tank commander and served from Africa, through Sicily, and on into Berlin. He also saved the life of a military pilot that had flown into a set of power lines Loyd was a member of the Happy Pairs Square Dancing Federation, and during his military service was a member of the U.S. Army bowling team, during which time he maintained a 225 average. Loyd loved the outdoors. In his younger years he would always enjoy hunting. His favorite pastime was fishing. As his family said he was a 'fisherman extraordinaire.' He was a very gracious host, and one of the last chivalrous men around. Most important to Loyd however was his family and especially his beloved wife Francis, with which he shared over 60 years of marriage. On December 24, 1945, Loyd was united in marriage with Francis Taylor at Ottawa. She survives of their home. He is also survived by three sons, Loyd Keefer, Jr. of Edgerton, Kansas, Randy Keefer of Lenexa, Kansas, Ronnie Keefer of Wichita, Kansas; one sister, Ava Comeau of San Diego, California; six grandchildren, Natosha Keefer of Overland Park, Kansas, Courtney Williamson of Grandview, Missouri, Angela Teter of Spring Hill, Kansas, Nick Keefer of Tempe, Arizona, Shane Teter of Overland Park, Kansas, Bryan Keefer of Overland Park, Kansas; and one great grandson, Gavin Williamson of Grandview, Missouri. He is preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Terrie Teter; one brother, Frank Keefer; and one sister, Myrna Hashman. SERVICES: Funeral services will be held from the Dengel & Son Mortuary 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 9, 2006. IN STATE: Loyd will lie in state at the Dengel & Son Mortuary after 4:30 p.m. Monday to the service hour where the family will meet with friends from 7 to 8 Monday evening. CEMETERY: Peoria Cemetery. MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorials to American Cancer Society c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.