OBITUARY FROM THE VEREANS FUNERAL CARE (CLEARWATER, FL) WEBSITE:
Arthur Keefe went to be with his Heavenly Father on November 4, 2019. Arthur was born in Valparaiso, Indiana. He was the oldest of twelve children, later graduating from Hobart High School and Austin Peay State University. He proudly served his country in the US Army form 1971 until he retired in 1991. After his military career, Arthur continued to serve the community by becoming an elementary school teacher with the Clarksville Montgomery County School System from 1993 until he retired in 2011.
He was a truly wonderful man. He was devoted to and adored by his wife, children, and grandchildren. He was a funny person who loved spending time with family. He loved to roughhouse with the grandkids and his dogs. Arthur had the unique ability to create lessons for life out of everyday experiences. He was a handyman and could “MacGyver” anything out of duct tape.
He was a devout Christian throughout his life and was a member of Indian Rocks Baptist Church. He willingly served his family, community, country, and his church. Arthur loved serving people, and always seemed happiest when he was helping someone. He was a natural teacher. He spoke kind and supportive words to those he met. He would want to tell you one more time he loved you and “Keep your eyes on the Son”.
Arthur is survived by his wife Gail Keefe; son Matthew Keefe; daughter Michelle Butler (Les); stepdaughters Teri Sidberry (Charles) and Jennifer Scism; stepson Greg Scism (Tina); siblings Margaret Berg (Pete, deceased), Michael Keefe, Carl Keefe, Joan Brooks (Rick), Judy Austin, Joyce Camp (Dennis), Lydia Crew (Bill), David Keefe (Barbara), John Keefe (Nancy), and Mark Besse (Brother in law); grandchildren Lauren Butler, Emily Burns (Kyle), Jackson Butler, Justin Keefe, Dylan Parker (Lynsey), Carley Sidberry, Dalton Hulme, Logan Hulme, Clayton Hulme, Victoria Lundgren (Nathan); great-grandchildren Waelyn Parker, Graysen Lundgren and Carsen Lundgren, Dakota Burlison, and multiple nieces and nephews.
He was proceeded in death his parents, Robert and Dorothy Keefe, sisters Robin Mosley, Patricia Besse, nephew, Robert Keefe.
Arthur was a member of the Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Gideons International. He volunteered with Bethesda Food Mission, IRBC and IRBC School, multiple missions.
Pallbearers: Les Butler, Jackson Butler, David Keefe, Matthew Keefe, Justin Keefe, and David Kee
Services and Ceremonies in Arthur’s honor will take place on Sunday, November 10th 2019 at First Baptist Church of Indian Rocks at 12685 Ulmerton Rd, Largo FL 33774. Viewing/Visitation will begin at 2:00pm and funeral ceremony will follow at 3:00pm with Pastor Max Holt officiating. To honor his service to our nation, the Honor Guard from American Legion Post 273 will render military honors.
In lieu of flowers Mr. Keefe’s family is encouraging donations and support be directed to Indian Rocks Baptist Church Children’s Ministry (IndianRocks.org) or Gideon’s International (Gideons.org)
Arrangements by Veterans Funeral Care in Clearwater, FL.
This information and picture were obtained from: https://veteransfuneralcare.com/obituary/arthur-edward-keefe.