Edmund F. O'Keefe

Edmund Francis O'Keefe, 81, died at 5:00pm, January 31, 2013 in a local hospital surrounded by his family.

He was born April 27, 1931 in Springfield, Massachusetts, of Edward Joseph O'Keefe and Marie Anna Dell Feist O'Keefe.

Edmund retired from the US postal Service in 1988 after 35 years of service.

As an active member at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church, he loved being able to serve his church community as a lay minister, and was active in ACTS Retreat.

He had also participated in several local organizations and groups through the years, including: Women Children's Senior Circle, beginning Experience Group, Come Lord Jesus group, and the American Legion. He also enjoyed playing Pokeno with the girls and exercising at LA Fitness. Edmund had also been a volunteer with Odyssey Healthcare where he could give comfort to those in need and also share his own experience of having cancer, and caring for a loved one with cancer. He was also associated with Calcasieu Association of Retarded Citizens, having been named parent of the year in 1977. Edmund enjoyed traveling and camping. Edmund and Dolores had been members of the Retreads Motorcycle Club and Just Friends Camping Club. After retiring, they both enjoyed traveling the United States and serving as hosts in various campgrounds.

Edmund is preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Dolores Marasco O'Keefe, his parents Edward and Marie O'Keefe, and brothers Bob and Bill O'Keefe.

He is survived by five children; Dennis and wife Brenda of Atlanta, Georgia, Jeffery and partner Eddie Jacobson, Steven, Ann, and David all of Lake Charles. Other survivors include 10 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren; his sister, Rose Mary Meziarus and husband Hank of Hallandale Beach, Florida. His very special cousin Terry Mahoney and husband John Yosgandes of Brewster, Ma.; his sister-in-law Rosalie Ledoux, and his close friend Evelyn Schopen both of Lake Charles. Edmund is also survived by his four-legged friend Blondie, who gave him many years of love and devotion and friendship.

A brunch honoring Edmund will be held Saturday, February 9, 2013, from 9:30 am until 11:00 am at the St. Martin de Porres Conference Center. Further visitation will be from 11:00 am until noon at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church. His Funeral Mass will be at 12:00 Noon in the Church. Father Keith Pellerin will officiate. Local arrangements are by Johnson Funeral Home.

Edmund donated his body to Tulane University.

Honoring his love for his church family, in lieu of flowers or plants, please consider a memorial donation in Edmund's name to the church building fund at: St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church, 5326 Elliott Road, Lake Charles, LA 70605.