Galen S. (Bud) O'Keefe

Galen S. O’Keefe (Bud, as he was known to all that loved him), 73, passed away Saturday, Jan. 20, 2010, at his home in Shawnee, KS. Bud was born June 26, 1936, in Blaine, KS, to Urban and Cecelia O’Keefe.

Upon graduation from the Wheaton, KS, High School, he joined the Navy in 1955, serving until 1960.

In 1961, he married Janice Sanderson. Janice is the daughter of the late Roy and Evelyn Watkins and a 1961 graduate of El Dorado Springs High School. He and Janice eventually made their home in Kansas City.

Bud joined the Army National Guard in 1975, then transferred to the Air Force Reserves where he retired in 1996, serving his country a total of 26 years.

In 1993, he retired from Wal-Ties and Forms in Bonner Springs, KS, spending the next 10 years traveling the United States with his wife in their motor home.

He is survived by his wife, Janice; his daughters – Karen O’Keefe-Lingenfelter, and husband, Garrett, Kathi O’Keefe, and Kerry O’Keefe Owens, and husband, Dean; three grandchildren; two brothers; four sisters; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral Mass was held Monday, Jan. 25, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Shawnee, KS.

Burial was in St. Michael’s Cemetery, Wheaton, KS.

The family suggests donations to the Catholic Community Hospice or the Deanna Rose Farmstead in Overland Park, KS, or to an other charity of choice.