Obituary

Thurman Keffer, 81, died peacefully at home Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2011, surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Patricia; two children, Dan Keffer (Sue) of The Woodlands, Texas, and Janis Davis (Tom) of Bessemer, Ala.; four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Thurman is also survived by his sister, Colleen Mottino (Ron) of Vista, Calif., and his brother, Marvin (Helen) of Monterey, Calif. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vester and Alma Keffer of Amarillo, and his sister, Bonnie Trampp of Waldren, Ark. He married Patricia Malin on Aug. 7, 1949, in Amarillo. He was a 1948 graduate of Amarillo High School and a 1951 graduate of the Department of Public Safety Academy in Austin, Texas. He retired from the Texas Department of Public Safety in 1985 after 35 years of loyal service as a Texas state trooper at the rank of sergeant. He supervised the Plainview area district. He was affectionately called "Sarge" by not only other troopers, but by friends and family as well. He was known for his sense of humor and dry wit. He was best known, though, for being a Christian man of integrity and strength. The family would like to express a special thanks to Belinda and Ray Ramos and Alice Perez for their many kindnesses during the past several years. The family is rejoicing knowing that he is now with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011, at First Christian Church with Dr. Max Browning officiating. Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. today at Bartley Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Plain?view Memorial Park under the direction of Bartley Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to First Christian Church or the charity of your choice . Online condolences can be made at www.bartleyfuneralhome.net.