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
No words can express the pain that so many across so many miles are feeling. I have always admired and looked up to you in hopes I would never disappoint you. You are a true leader and a teacher for so many. I have truly been blessed to have you in my life and proud to tell everybody you are my brother, and to tell them you are number one. As being the firstborn of 12 children you surely set the bar that none of us will ever be able to match. Thank you for being you and thank you for always having unconditional love. I will miss you brother. Keep your eyes on the Sun and the Son will always keep his eyes on you
My deepest sympathy goes to the keefes family and my cousin Gail
Auther your one of a kind you well be missed you brought much joy to our family your Humor and Thoughtfulness towards others we’ll be felt by many God must of needed you more because you have touched so many life’s you was a blessing to know you may you rest in Internally please God bless you
My deepest condolences for your loss. Arthur was a great person, wonderful teaching, and good friend . I enjoyed working with him and will miss him.
My deepest condolences for your loss. Arthur was a great person, wonderful teacher, and good friend . I enjoyed working with him and will miss him.
Arthur and I taught at Norman Smith from 1997 until he retired…Gail, you are in my heart and prayers. Arthur was a wonderful teacher who truly loved his students. We sorely missed him when he left❤️ And many students who came back to visit were sad to find out he had retired. Much love to you and your family. My heart aches for you all. 💔🙏🏼
Arthur was a light and encourager for so many others when they often felt like giving up. He always gave of himself to help others and did so with the sweetest spirit. He showed Christs love through his everyday life. He was truly an Angel on earth and a soldier of God’s army. Gail, you and the family are in my thoughts and prayers!!
Sad news. Worked with Arthur at NSES. Dedicated Christian and family man. Peace to you and your family.
Gail, I am so terribly sorry to hear the news of Arthur’s passing. I remember when you guys started dating many years ago. He was a true gentleman, man of God and I know he was devoted to you. My prayers go with you today and in the days to come. Tears are God’s way of allowing healing, let them flow freely. Love you sweet lady !
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Arthur at NSES and witnessed his love towards others. He was such a caring person. Prayers for your family at this time.
Margaret Adames
I am so sorry Gail. My heart breaks for you. I still miss you both here at Bethesda Mission. I think about Arthur every time we rotate food. Love and Prayers, Bro. Neal.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Gail. I feel honored and blessed to have had both you and Arthur in my life.
Love, Carmen Julseth
Gail, I am so sorry for your loss. Arthur was a friend, colleague, and dedicated educator who cared and wanted to make a difference. The NSES staff who worked with Arthur on a daily basis knew this all too well. Prayers for peace and comfort to you and your family. God bless.
Mr Keefe was my sons 5th grade teacher at Smith Elementary. My son choked on a cap of a mechanic pencil. He had to save him 2 times before he coughed it up, He also stayed after school and taught the kids computers. He was such a wonderful man and teacher. I am so sorry to hear this sad news. We were blessed to know him.
I was shocked read of Arthur passing. He leaves a belived wife and many loving children. He is in Glory now with family, friends, and most of all our Lord and God Jesus.
Gail, my prayers are with you. I love you and Arthur. He was an amazing man and I know He is in Heaven praising his Lord and Saviour. I am blessed to have known Arthur.
I worked with Arthur at NSES and am saddened to hear of his death. He was a dear, gentle man who loved the Lord and his fellowmen. It was awesome to work with him. I know Gail and his family will miss him terribly. Blessings to all.
I am still in shock. You were truly one who I looked up to and valued what you did in your life. Our bond since day one has been a unique one. We could laugh together, be funny, or have serious conversations. Your opinion I always held higher then anyone’s. You were always there for me through it all. Never judging me from my mistakes, but guiding me to do better. When wade came into my life you were one of the first to over look him by his apperence, but to see the man I knew he wad. That moment meant everything to me. Thank you for showing our kids the same love you have given me my entire life. It is something I will always hold dear to my heart, and the memories I will Cherish forever.
“I will love you forever, like you for always, as long as I am living, my Uncle you will be.” ❤
~Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.
To our cousin Art – may you rest in peace.
Thinking of you all, our dear cousins and family, during this sad time.
With much love,strong hugs and bountiful kisses.
Amy and Dee McKenna
xoxo xoxo xoxo xoxo
My heart aches for you, Gail, and your family. It was a joy to know Arthur and work alongside him at
Hazelwood for the short time that he served there. He had such a wonderful heart for children, but more than
that he had a heart that loved our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He is now experiencing the forever
joys of being with His Father forever. Keep your eyes on the Son!
I am so truly sorry to hear of Arthur’s passing. He was a very good and honorable man. I got to know him when we were both students at APSU. We were in several classes together, we worked on projects together, and served as officers in a student education society. Our paths also often crossed during those early years as teachers in CMCSS. Through all those interactions, Art was always kind, helpful, encouraging, and fun. He was a real Christian gentleman. May God bless you all through this sad time and in the future to come.