Robert Luke Keefer

Robert (Bob) Luke Keefer, 94, of Lebanon and formerly of Annville and Palmyra, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, October 13, 2023.

Born April 20, 1929 in Palmyra, he was a son of the late Jeremiah and Edna (Nye) Keefer and the widower of Vivian (Werner) Keefer with whom he shared nearly 60 years of marriage. Bob was also preceded in death by a daughter, Kathleen Hackman Wilhite, and siblings Sherwood Keefer and Ruth Schock.

Bob was self-employed as a partner in the family roofing business for many years after which he worked in maintenance at the Lebanon Valley Brethren Home in Palmyra. He served a non-combat role in the US Army during the Korean War and was stationed in Orleans, France. While there, he wrote letters daily to his future wife Vivian in anticipation of his return home for their wedding on April 18, 1953.

A gifted singer, in his younger years, Bob participated in his church choir, a quartet, and a community chorale. He often reminisced about his fondness for singing Handel’s Messiah with this group. He also enjoyed listening to classical music, opera, and hymns. Bob got great joy from taking his family on summer vacations, building memories that are dearly cherished. His hobbies included tinkering with ‘fix-it’ projects, board games, puzzles, and word searches.

Bob attended church throughout his lifetime, most recently at Fairland Brethren in Christ Church. He was involved in various church and outreach ministries including Gideons International. Bob had a close walk with the Lord, as evidenced by his kind, humble manner and his servant’s heart--always putting the needs and desires of others above his own. He read his Bible daily, prayed fervently, and upheld his beliefs in word in deed. Though he was serious with matters of faith, he had a wonderful sense of humor that was accompanied by a warm laugh and a twinkle in his eyes. He delighted in lifting others up with his playful spirit and quick wit.

Bob was deeply committed to his family and loved them dearly. He was a devoted husband, an adoring father, and a doting grandpa/papa and great grandpa. His love for family and his dedication to the Lord are his legacy and what he would most want to be remembered for.

Surviving are his daughter Donna Marie Keefer of Wilmington, Delaware; brothers Gerald Keefer and Kenneth Keefer (Shirley); grandchildren Jessica Park (Jin Ho), Benjamin Hackman (Melissa), Daniel Hackman (Assata), and Mia Keefer; great grandsons Logan Park, Andrew Hackman, and Granit Hackman; former sons-in-law Jeffrey Hackman and Gary Wilhite; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held 11:30 AM Friday, October 20, 2023 at Fairland Brethren in Christ Church, 529 West Penn Avenue, Cleona preceded by a visitation beginning at 10:30 AM. Private interment will be in Gravel Hill Cemetery, Palmyra beside his beloved wife Vivian.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Gideons International, PO Box 465, Palmyra, PA 17078.

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