Patrick Gerald "Jerry" Keefe's Obituary
Patrick Gerald “Jerry” Keefe age 91, passed away Tuesday evening, August 24, 2021 at The Trace Assisted Living of Covington, Louisiana. He was born on June 14, 1930 in New Orleans, Louisiana to John Henry Keefe and Catherine McNiff Keefe.
Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Lucy Bethke Keefe, his children Patrick Gerald Keefe Jr. and daughter Kathleen Keefe Speer (wife of Garry Speer), his Step-children Martin Bethke (husband of Terri Bethke), Karen Bethke Cutrell, and Amy Bethke. He is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his wives Gloria Gifford Keefe (1982) and Dawson Forman Keefe (1985), his parents John Henry and Catherine McNiff Keefe, his brothers John F. Keefe, Lloyd Keefe, and Edward Keefe, his sisters Rita Keefe, Ruth Hecker, Lois Nutter, and Leah Atkinson.
A native of New Orleans, and resident of Covington, proudly served in the United States Army for 26 ½ years. In 1947, Jerry started in Anti-Aircraft Guns and Radars, then Surface to Air Missile Systems. He was selected to participate in the research and development of the first Anti-Ballistic Missile System. He retired with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer (CW4).
Jerry was a member of Covington Country Club, where he made ever lasting friendships while enjoying the social functions. He was well liked and respected by all. Jerry was a kind, caring, loving, and loyal person who will be deeply missed by all that knew him.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Patrick “Jerry” Keefe may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project at https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org or The Alzheimer’s Association at https://www.alz.org.
Due to COVID-19, social distancing is encouraged and masks are required to attend services.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral services at E.J. Fielding Funeral Home, 2260 W 21st Ave., Covington, LA 70433 on Thursday, September 16, 2021 at 11:00 AM with visitation beginning at 9:00 AM until service time. Interment will follow the services in Lake Lawn Metairie Cemetery, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70124.
The family invites you to share thoughts, fond memories, and condolences online at E. J. Fielding Funeral Home Guest Book at www.ejfieldingfh.com.
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