Jonathan P. Keefer Jr. 1954-2020

Jon was born Jan. 23, 1954, in Youngstown, the son of Colleen (Lefebvre) and Jonathan Keefer Sr.

As a child he grew up in McDonald and Youngstown. He graduated from Chaney High School before going to Youngstown State University, where he joined the ROTC and received his bachelor’s degree and masters.

In April 1972, Jon married the love of his life, Theresia “Terri” Goda of Youngstown, and together they had six children.

Jon was a U.S. Army Paratrooper in Desert Storm, ranking as major and receiving numerous service accomplishments during his 19 years in the Army. Jon and his family lived in Heilbronn, West Germany, Fort Benning, Ga., Fort Bragg, N.C., and Presisio of San Francisco, Calif., before his retirement from Fort Bragg in 1994.

Jon and his family moved to Albany, Ore., where he taught ROTC at Oregon State University in Corvallis and spent 20 years with the Corvallis Police Department before retiring as a lieutenant.

Jon was very active in St Mary’s Catholic Church where he had many roles including a Lay Eucharistic Minister, Grand Knight of Knights of Columbus No. 1577, and faithful navigator of Knights of Columbus No. 906. He was also part of St Miehad ministry, Marriage Prep Couples, and the Men’s Prayer Group.

Jon is survived by his wife Terri of 42 years; their children, Jennifer Grecko of Girard, Christina Keefer of Huntington Beach, Calif., Jonathan Paul Keefer III of Burbank, Calif., Francis Keefer of Seal Beach, Calif., Michael Keefer of Salem, Ore., and Matthew Keefer of Costa Mesa, Calif.; his mother Colleen Tokash and sister Daniece “Dee” Moore of Cortland, and nine grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jon Keefer, and his adopted sister, Paulette Savon .

Jon wholeheartedly served his God, his country and his community with honor, fidelity, integrity, humility and pride.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St Mary’s Catholic Church at a later date. Service announcements will be made once arranged.

(special notice)