Vincent L. O'Keefe

Vincent L. O"Keefe, 93, passed away March 20, 2010 at the family home in Bucyrus, Ks. He was born Feb. 3, 1917 on this same home place site. Vincent was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Louise, his sister, Dorothy Pfannes, and his parents, Lawrence and Mae Doherty O"Keefe who also lived their lives in this area. Vincent went to school at Wea, Queen of the Holy Rosary, graduating from high school in 1934. After graduating, he attended Rockhurst College, Kansas City, MO for one year, where he met Louise. They were married October 22, 1938 and raised 11 children together. His son, Richard and grandson, Chase of the home, who had cared for him the last several years. His other children are: Jenni Shoemaker, Titusville, FL;, Larry O"Keefe and wife Nancy, Fortuna, CA; Mickey O"Keefe and wife Karol, Cleveland, MO; Steve O"Keefe and wife Carol, Bucyrus, KS; Doug O"Keefe and wife Kailee, Durango, CO; Nancy Deppeler and husband Mike, Aurora, IL; Pat O"Keefe and wife Kay, Paola, KS; Doris Kerr and husband Steve, Bucyrus, KS; Jan Leahy, Bucyrus, KS; Fran Stevens and husband Shawn, Stanley, KS; 44 grandchildren, 54 great- grandchildren and 7 great- great-grandchildren. Vincent belonged to the Knights of Columbus, served on the School Board, the Bazaar Committee, the Church Cemetery Committee and the Local Water Commission for many years. Playing pitch with couples from the parish was a favorite, especially during the winter months. Holidays were very special, and Christmas dinner and 4th of July parties were always held at the O"Keefe farm. He attended most athletic and school events as the offspring were growing up. His favorite was basketball as he had played in school. All his life he was a farmer with dairy cows and corn and other various grains. After retirement, Vincent enjoyed traveling with Louise, visiting grandchildren and playing cards with anyone available. There will probably be a deck of cards in his casket. Funeral Mass will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, March 26, 2010 at Queen of the Holy Rosary Wea, Bucyrus, Ks. Burial to follow in Holy Rosary Cemetery. The Rosary will be prayed at 6:30 p.m. followed by visitation until 8:30 p.m. Thursday, at the church. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Queen of Holy Rosary Wea Catholic School. Queen of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church Wea, 22779 Metcalf Bucyrus, KS 66013 Service: Friday, March 26, 2010 10:00 AM Visitation: Thursday, March 25, 2010 Rosary starting at 6:30 PM followed by visitation untill 8:30 PM