Thomas S. Keefe passed away peacefully at his home Sept. 23, 2013. He was born Oct. 17, 1931, in Everett. The son of Jerry and Emma Keefe, Tom had eight siblings and was raised in Lake Stevens and the Everett area. In 1951 he graduated from Lake Stevens High School where he participated in the Future Farmers of America program.

In 1952, he entered the U.S. Army and spent most of his military time as an infantryman on the front lines in the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1954, receiving the Korean Service medal with two bronze stars, the National Defense Service medal, the United Nations Service medal and the Combat Infantry badge. He was a member of the American Legion, George Morris Post 129 of Oak Harbor. He told many stories about his time on the front lines of Korea.

On June 22, 1955, Tom married his sweetheart, Dorothy Clark of Coupeville and they made Whidbey Island their home. Tom was very proud of the house he built on Parker Road. Tom began work at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station in 1956 and retired in 1986 as a computer supervisor in data processing.

Tom was well known for his guitar playing and his beautiful singing voice. He loved country music and played in several bands. The song most requested for him to sing was “China Doll” by Slim Whitman. In the 1960s he coached Coupeville Little League Baseball for seven years and loved it. He also donated his time to the Coupeville Civic Club for children’s activities and bingo. Tom raised chickens, pigeons, cows and pigs and loved gardening.

He was a sports fan – especially boxing, as he was a boxer in his younger days. He enjoyed watching the Seahawks and Mariners and especially watching his children and grandchildren play sports.

Tom is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Dorothy, and by four children: Rick O’Keefe of Coupeville, Randy O’Keefe of Freeland, Ryan O’Keefe of Langley and Renae Mulholland (Robert “Moose”) of Coupeville; six grandchildren: Kramer, Austin, Kendra, Courtney, Gavin and Abbey; three siblings: Jackie Eigenbrode (Ike) of Everett, John Keefe (Tina) of Stanwood and Charlotte Hebert of Lynnwood. He was preceded in death by his brothers Edward and Wayne Keefe and sisters Irene Smith, Allene Alf and Peggy Tracy.

Funeral services for Tom will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, at Living Hope in Coupeville with Pastor Garrett Arnold officiating. Graveside services will follow at Sunnyside Cemetery with military honors presented under the auspices of the U.S. Army.

Friends and family are encouraged to share memories and condolences utilizing the Book of Memories hosted by Wallin Funeral Home at www.wallinfuneralhome.com