Albert Keefer

Albert Ross "Papa" Keefer passed away June 23, 2024. Visitation will be from 6 PM-8 PM on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at Elmwood Funeral Home, 5750 US-277.

Funeral services will be held at 10 AM. Friday, June 28, 2024, at Elmwood Funeral Home with Novle Watkins officiating. Interment will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park.

Albert was born in Santa Anna, Texas to the late David and Eula Mae (Wallace) Keefer. Albert met the love of his life, Patricia Ann Watkins, on June 1, 1959, and they were married February 20, 1960. He is the loving father of Randy and Tami, as well as the cherished "Papal" to grandson Brady and "Papa" to granddaughter Heather. The proper spelling is greatly debated.

He proudly served his country and was a veteran of the US Air Force. In 1979, he went to work as a mechanic for Crown Cork & Seal, where he worked until he retired in 2003.

Albert added immeasurable joy to the world as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He always worked with his hands and worked hard enough to buy a house and provide his family with the American Dream.

He could usually be found in a pearl snap shirt with mints in the pocket. He was quick to smile and make a joke, and there was no problem he could not solve with a few pieces of wood and the tools in his shop.

He showed up to countless music and sporting events for his kids and grandkids and could always be heard letting referees and umpires know when they made a bad call (about the only time you would ever see him upset). He quit smoking cold turkey just because his granddaughter told him she wished he would. He was the type of man whohappily did anything necessary to help his family, friends, and neighbors.

Albert was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Owen and Austin Keefer; sisters: Geneva Adams and Lula Malaer; and great grandson Liam Odom.

Albert is survived by his wife, Patricia; sisters Eula Ray Bailey and Kathileen Stevens; children: Randy Keefer (spouse: DeeDee) and Tami Mayes (spouse: Eddie); grandchildren: Brady Odom (spouse: Carlene), Heather Torralba (spouse: Angel), Caleb Mayes, and Aaron "AJ" Mayes; great grandchildren: Ellis and Emma Odom. He has honorary grandchildren Celese Covey (spouse: Weston), Colten Crawford, and Rylee Crawford; honorary great grandchildren Saydee Hall and Layton Covey. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.