Fred Keffer

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" (2 Timothy 4:7)
Having fought the good fight, Fred Davis Keffer died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family on July 11, 2014. Fred was born November 24, 1927 in Garrett, Ky. to Robert Henry and Minnie Catherine (Steele) Keffer. At the age of seventeen, he enlisted in the United States Army where he served as a member of the 82nd Airborne Division and as a member of General Eisenhower's Honor Guard. He considered himself privileged to have met Generals Eisenhower and Bradley, and to have served the country he loved.

In 1947, he married Mary Elizabeth Manning and they began their journey through life together. Together, they raised three daughters. They enjoyed traveling, spending time with family and friends, and their involvement in church. Throughout their years together, their love and respect for each other have been an example to all who knew them. Whatever their joys or heartaches, they faced them hand in hand while leaning on their faith in God.

Fred was retired from CSX and was a former dairy farmer. An active member of the First Church of God in Ashland, he was a member of the Fidelis Sunday School Class, former member of the Board of Trustees, an usher, and was involved in the building of the church's current facility on South 29th Street. He also served as a member of the board of the Federal Land Bank. In 1970, he was awarded the honor of Kentucky Colonel.

He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 67 years, Mary Manning Keffer; their three daughters Karen Keffer of Ashland, Ky., Linda (Dale) Hannon of Ironton, Ohio and Kim Keffer of Ashland, Ky.; grandsons Christopher Hannon of Huntington, WV, Lucas Hannon of Ironton, OH and Zachary Keffer of Ashland, Ky. He is also survived by his sisters Garnet Kimberlin of Fairfield, CA and Maxine Scott of Ashland, Ky.; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Henry and Minnie Catherine Keffer and his sister Rose Keffer Crabtree. A joyful reunion is now taking place in their eternal home.

Visitation will be from 5-8 PM on Sunday, July 13, 2014 at Steen Funeral Home-Central Avenue Chapel. Funeral services will be held on Monday at 1:00 PM July 14, 2014 at the First Church of God, Wildwood Ministries with Burt Scott officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Burial Park where military honors will be provided by the US Army and American Legion Kenova Post #93.