"To forget one's ancestors is to be a brook without a source, a tree without a root."
Richaed Lee Keefer of Virginia Beach, Virginia passed away March 15, 2022. His death followed a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease. Dick was born November 25, 1939 in Carlisle, Pennsylvania to Harry and Dora (Wilt) Keefer. He was predeceased by his parents and brother, Harry Keefer, Jr. He is survived by his wife, Luan, daughters; Cherrie DeRentis (Rocky), Mari Mann (Rod) and April Adams Orcutt, grandchildren; Ricky Williams (Kelly), Eliza DeRentis and Ryan Debolt, great grandchildren; Kensie and Emmy, brother; Robert Keefer (Bobbie), nieces; Debby Rabchenuk (Mike) and Tawna Woolstenhulme, nephews; Larry, Craig, Brian and Bob Keefer (Angie).
Dick attended West Shore High School and was a standout athlete who aspired to a career in the US Navy as an aviator. In 1963, Dick, was selected to attend college under the Naval Enlisted Scientific Education Program (NESEP). He completed both BS and MS requirements in the Electrical Engineering discipline graduating from North Carolina State University in June 1967. Attended Officer Candidate School at Newport, Rhode Island receiving commission as an Ensign in October, 1967. He received orders to flight training in Pensacola, Florida, earning his wings in December 1968. Dick had a notable career as a naval officer with VAW-123 Screwtops squadron flying the Hawkeye E2-C.
He was tasked with the key leadership role of Commanding Officer of the Naval Aviation Engineering Service Unit at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was a well-respected and beloved leader, shipmate, classmate and crew member; renowned for his sense of humor and quick smile. He retired in September 1993 from Commander Naval Air Force Atlantic Fleet as a Captain.
Dick's professional pursuits were balanced with hobbies and life with his family and friends. He was an avid tennis player.
"Lord, guard and guide the men who fly through the great spaces in the sky. Be with them always in the air, in darkening storms or sunlight fair; Oh hear us when we lift our prayer, for those in peril in the air!" The Navy Hymn
Richard was buried at Rolling Green Cemetery August 22, 2022.
First Marriage: Wanda Mae Starr May 14, 1958 at Camp Hill, Cumberland, Pennsylvania
Richaed Lee Keefer of Virginia Beach, Virginia passed away March 15, 2022. His death followed a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease. Dick was born November 25, 1939 in Carlisle, Pennsylvania to Harry and Dora (Wilt) Keefer. He was predeceased by his parents and brother, Harry Keefer, Jr. He is survived by his wife, Luan, daughters; Cherrie DeRentis (Rocky), Mari Mann (Rod) and April Adams Orcutt, grandchildren; Ricky Williams (Kelly), Eliza DeRentis and Ryan Debolt, great grandchildren; Kensie and Emmy, brother; Robert Keefer (Bobbie), nieces; Debby Rabchenuk (Mike) and Tawna Woolstenhulme, nephews; Larry, Craig, Brian and Bob Keefer (Angie).
Dick attended West Shore High School and was a standout athlete who aspired to a career in the US Navy as an aviator. In 1963, Dick, was selected to attend college under the Naval Enlisted Scientific Education Program (NESEP). He completed both BS and MS requirements in the Electrical Engineering discipline graduating from North Carolina State University in June 1967. Attended Officer Candidate School at Newport, Rhode Island receiving commission as an Ensign in October, 1967. He received orders to flight training in Pensacola, Florida, earning his wings in December 1968. Dick had a notable career as a naval officer with VAW-123 Screwtops squadron flying the Hawkeye E2-C.
He was tasked with the key leadership role of Commanding Officer of the Naval Aviation Engineering Service Unit at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was a well-respected and beloved leader, shipmate, classmate and crew member; renowned for his sense of humor and quick smile. He retired in September 1993 from Commander Naval Air Force Atlantic Fleet as a Captain.
Dick's professional pursuits were balanced with hobbies and life with his family and friends. He was an avid tennis player.
"Lord, guard and guide the men who fly through the great spaces in the sky. Be with them always in the air, in darkening storms or sunlight fair; Oh hear us when we lift our prayer, for those in peril in the air!" The Navy Hymn
Richard was buried at Rolling Green Cemetery August 22, 2022.
First Marriage: Wanda Mae Starr May 14, 1958 at Camp Hill, Cumberland, Pennsylvania
"To forget one's ancestors is to be a brook without a source, a tree without a root."
Richaed Lee Keefer of Virginia Beach, Virginia passed away March 15, 2022. His death followed a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease. Dick was born November 25, 1939 in Carlisle, Pennsylvania to Harry and Dora (Wilt) Keefer. He was predeceased by his parents and brother, Harry Keefer, Jr. He is survived by his wife, Luan, daughters; Cherrie DeRentis (Rocky), Mari Mann (Rod) and April Adams Orcutt, grandchildren; Ricky Williams (Kelly), Eliza DeRentis and Ryan Debolt, great grandchildren; Kensie and Emmy, brother; Robert Keefer (Bobbie), nieces; Debby Rabchenuk (Mike) and Tawna Woolstenhulme, nephews; Larry, Craig, Brian and Bob Keefer (Angie).
Dick attended West Shore High School and was a standout athlete who aspired to a career in the US Navy as an aviator. In 1963, Dick, was selected to attend college under the Naval Enlisted Scientific Education Program (NESEP). He completed both BS and MS requirements in the Electrical Engineering discipline graduating from North Carolina State University in June 1967. Attended Officer Candidate School at Newport, Rhode Island receiving commission as an Ensign in October, 1967. He received orders to flight training in Pensacola, Florida, earning his wings in December 1968. Dick had a notable career as a naval officer with VAW-123 Screwtops squadron flying the Hawkeye E2-C.
He was tasked with the key leadership role of Commanding Officer of the Naval Aviation Engineering Service Unit at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was a well-respected and beloved leader, shipmate, classmate and crew member; renowned for his sense of humor and quick smile. He retired in September 1993 from Commander Naval Air Force Atlantic Fleet as a Captain.
Dick's professional pursuits were balanced with hobbies and life with his family and friends. He was an avid tennis player.
"Lord, guard and guide the men who fly through the great spaces in the sky. Be with them always in the air, in darkening storms or sunlight fair; Oh hear us when we lift our prayer, for those in peril in the air!" The Navy Hymn
Richard was buried at Rolling Green Cemetery August 22, 2022.
First Marriage: Wanda Mae Starr May 14, 1958 at Camp Hill, Cumberland, Pennsylvania
Richaed Lee Keefer of Virginia Beach, Virginia passed away March 15, 2022. His death followed a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease. Dick was born November 25, 1939 in Carlisle, Pennsylvania to Harry and Dora (Wilt) Keefer. He was predeceased by his parents and brother, Harry Keefer, Jr. He is survived by his wife, Luan, daughters; Cherrie DeRentis (Rocky), Mari Mann (Rod) and April Adams Orcutt, grandchildren; Ricky Williams (Kelly), Eliza DeRentis and Ryan Debolt, great grandchildren; Kensie and Emmy, brother; Robert Keefer (Bobbie), nieces; Debby Rabchenuk (Mike) and Tawna Woolstenhulme, nephews; Larry, Craig, Brian and Bob Keefer (Angie).
Dick attended West Shore High School and was a standout athlete who aspired to a career in the US Navy as an aviator. In 1963, Dick, was selected to attend college under the Naval Enlisted Scientific Education Program (NESEP). He completed both BS and MS requirements in the Electrical Engineering discipline graduating from North Carolina State University in June 1967. Attended Officer Candidate School at Newport, Rhode Island receiving commission as an Ensign in October, 1967. He received orders to flight training in Pensacola, Florida, earning his wings in December 1968. Dick had a notable career as a naval officer with VAW-123 Screwtops squadron flying the Hawkeye E2-C.
He was tasked with the key leadership role of Commanding Officer of the Naval Aviation Engineering Service Unit at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was a well-respected and beloved leader, shipmate, classmate and crew member; renowned for his sense of humor and quick smile. He retired in September 1993 from Commander Naval Air Force Atlantic Fleet as a Captain.
Dick's professional pursuits were balanced with hobbies and life with his family and friends. He was an avid tennis player.
"Lord, guard and guide the men who fly through the great spaces in the sky. Be with them always in the air, in darkening storms or sunlight fair; Oh hear us when we lift our prayer, for those in peril in the air!" The Navy Hymn
Richard was buried at Rolling Green Cemetery August 22, 2022.
First Marriage: Wanda Mae Starr May 14, 1958 at Camp Hill, Cumberland, Pennsylvania
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