Leroy Keffer Jr.

NEWPORT NEWS - Leroy Keffer Jr., 81, died on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2005, at Mary Immaculate Hospital. He was a lifelong resident of Newport News and served as a corporal in the U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII. Mr. Keffer retired from NASA as a model maker where he worked from 1941-1977. After his retirement he enjoyed putting his woodworking skills to use by building furniture and remodeling kitchens. He was an active member of Warwick Memorial United Methodist Church and was the former President of the Methodist Men's Club. He was preceded in death by his wife, Catherine Keffer. He is survived by his son, Samuel L. Keffer III and his wife, Linda, of Newport News; his daughter, Catherine A. Keffer of Hampton; his sisters, Anna Mae Hertzler and her husband, Oliver, of Newport News and Bette Lea Lowrey of Gloucester; his brother, Freddy Keffer and his wife, Joyce, of Chesapeake; his four grandchildren, Samuel L. Keffer IV, Gina Coldwell and her husband, John, Susan Padgett and David Padgett; his four great-grandchildren, Kariann, Brandon, Annsley and Breanna Coldwell; and his very dear friend, Ethel Fahler of Virginia Beach. The family will receive friends from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. on Thursday, March 3, at Warwick Memorial United Methodist Church. Funeral services will begin at 1 p.m. at the church by the Rev. Steve Plymale. Interment will follow in Peninsula Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Warwick Memorial United Methodist Church Building Fund, 38 Hoopes Road, Newport News, VA 23602. Arrangements by Weymouth Funeral Home.