William E. O&Keefe

Date of Death: December 6, 2010

William E. O&Keefe, 91
William E. O?Keefe, 91, of Lafayette, died Monday Dec. 6, 2010, at his residence.
He was born on Jan. 20, 1919, in East St. Louis, Ill., where he graduated from Central Catholic High School. He was the son of the late Matthew and Mary Walsh O?Keefe.
He served in the Army Air Corps from March 5, 1942, until Nov. 18, 1945.
On Sept. 11, 1954, he married Mary Grady in Indianapolis. She died Oct. 14, 1977.
Mr. O?Keefe was self-employed in sales.
He was a member of St. Mary Cathedral, an active leader in St. Mary and St. Boniface scouting programs for 30 years, and an active member in St. Mary Parish.
Mr. O?Keefe was instrumental in the founding of youth soccer in the greater Lafayette area. He enjoyed cooking, reading, watching Notre Dame football, Indiana University basketball and spending time with his family and friends.
Surviving are five sons, John O?Keefe (fiancé: Carolyn) of Avon, Bill O?Keefe (wife: Debbie) of Suffolk, Va., Matthew O?Keefe (wife: Kimberly) of Clarmont, Fla., Michael O?Keefe (wife: Beth) of Fort Wayne and Patrick O&Keefe of Lafayette; and a daughter, Mary Fickle (husband: Brent) of Lafayette.
Also surviving are 19 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10, 2010, with rosary at 4:45 p.m. at Soller-Baker Lafayette Chapel, 400 Twyckenham Blvd. Funeral Service 1:30 p.m. Saturday at St. Mary Cathedral, Fr. Daniel Gartland officiating. Burial will be at St. Mary Cemetery. Preceded in death by sisters, Mary and Catherine; brothers, Fr. John O?Keefe and Matthew O?Keefe. In Lieu of flowers, family request those wishing may contribute to the Lafayette Clergy Retirement Fund C/O St. Mary Cathedral, 1207 Columbia St., Lafayette IN 47901 www.soller-baker.com

Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc.

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Mike, Beth, Brian, Katie and Tori,

I am deeply sorry for your loss. I want to let you know that even time doesn&t erase good memories, it makes them more precious. I fondly remember Mike rushing off after a Sanders& gathering to be with his dad. I always admired that about a Mike, his dad and brother&s relationships. They seemed to be true buddies. The way fathers and sons should be, as Mike is with his children! What a good dad he is. What a good dad William was.

My own personal memory of William was his wonderful smile. No matter when I saw him, every time I saw him, he had a smile on his face and looked to be the happiest person in the room. It made me gravitate towards him just to listen to whatever he happened to be saying. God will love listening to him.

My dear extended family, I hope you all know how often I think of you and how I pray for your comfort at this and all times. No matter what time does to us, it definitely moves us all towards one true eternal family. Please remember ?Sanders West? loves you!

Love,
Tammy , Josh and Becca

Uncle Bill
We will all miss you. I have very fond memories of the backyard barbques in the mid-1950&s and of you grilling chicken and ribs with dad and the other uncles at our old home on Rockville Road. Kids running around laughing and you swinging us up and around for a &ride&. More wonderful memories of you and Aunt Mary at my wedding in 1975 in Fayetteville, NC. May God bless you both in heaven.
Your loving neice,
Kathy

I feel blessed and proud to have had this very special man and my favorite uncle in my life. He has always been my hero because of his caring unselfish manner. He always had a smile and a twinkle in his eye for his immediate and extended family. He loved to tease and make me laugh. I will always remember the vacations I spent in Otterbein and Lafayette when I was a child. I&m so grateful for the time I spent with him. I will miss him very much but believe that he is a peace with the Lord and the love of his life, my Aunt Mary. May God bless and comfort his children, grandchildren and family.

Dear O&Keefe Family,

We&re sorry to hear of your loss but thankful for Bill&s life. I&ve got so many fond memories of him while we were growing up and always appreciated him making Ryan and me feel part of the family. You all will be in our hearts and on our minds over the next several days.

With Love,

Troy Cole & Family

Our sincere condolences. He will be missed by all. We loved him and have many wonderful memories of him and all of you. He is in our prayers. Randy, Shirley Amy and Aaron

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

My Dear Uncle Bill,
The best Godfather anyone could wish for.
Never wealthy, but rich beyond imagination.
Unforgettable laugh, infectious smile, believed everything was possible with love, and proved it, too.
How timely to hear of his passing, moments after leaving Mass Monday evening, praying for his comfort into Eternity. How sad but for a moment, then glad at the realization of his long-awaited reunion with his bride, my wonderful Godmother Mary.
Memories of that wedding picture from 1954, that infectious smile.
The happiest man on earth.
Oh, how Our Lord has blest him!

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.