Frederick Okeefe

alignjustifyAmerica lost a hero on Saturday, January 24. Frederick Thomas OKeefe, 89, a Temple resident, lost his long battle with Alzheimers disease. His family would like to acknowledge and thank the hospice unit of the Temple Veterans Administration for their compassion and care during his final days. The family takes great comfort in knowing that he is with the Lord.

alignjustifyFred was born in 1919 in Richland Springs, Texas to Lena Murray OKeefe and Benjamin Franklin OKeefe. His father died in World War I prior to his birth. As a young man, Fred was an excellent horseman and track athlete. He enrolled at Texas AM College in 1938 where he was a member of the Corps of Cadets. He graduated in 1942 with a degree in Agricultural Education. He was immediately sworn into the Army to serve in World War II.

alignjustifyFred married his sweetheart, Charlene Tommie Haggard in Ft Worth in April of 1944. They were married for sixty four years prior to his passing.

alignjustifyDuring World War II, Fred was a member of the 75th Infantry where he earned a purple heart for a wound suffered at the battle of the bulge.

alignjustifyAgain, in 1950 when the Korean War broke out, Fred went to fight with the 5th Regimental Combat Team, this time earning both the bronze star and a second purple heart. After a military career lasting twenty three years, Fred retired from the Army in 1965 as a Major.

alignjustifyFred was a quiet and private man and a devout Christian. He was a long time member of the First Christian Church of Temple. He is remembered by his family and friends as a man with a great sense of humor and as a man of high integrity. His hobbies were gardening and genealogy.

alignjustifyHe is survived by his wife Tommie, son Michael OKeefe of Albuquerque, New Mexico, daughter Carol Wilson of Temple, four grandchildren, Jena Hopkins of Ft Worth, Jeffrey OKeefe of San Diego, Laura OKeefe of Hollywood, CA, and Brittney Bost of Seattle, WA, as well as three great-grandchildren.

alignjustifyFuneral Services will be at 11AM Wednesday with visitation on Tuesday evening from 6 to 8, both at Harper Talesek funeral home.

alignjustifyIn lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimers Association in Freds name.

Visitation

HarperTalasek Funeral Home
500 W. Barton Ave.
Temple, TX  76501
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
68pm

Service

Chapel Service

HarperTalasek Funeral Home
500 W. Barton Ave.
Temple, TX  76501
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
11:00am

Cemetery

Bellwood Memorial ParkH
8575 Airport Road
Temple, TX  76504

Memorial Contributions

Alzheimers AssociationP
225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17
Chicago, IL  60601