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Joseph Murry Kiefer
Colonel, "Mr. Joe"
1915-2012
Joseph Murry Kiefer died December 11, 2012 at Baptist Hospital in Pensacola, Florida. Joseph was born in Camden, N.J., but as an infant, moved with his parents and two sisters to Philadelphia, PA. He was born September 29, 1915, the youngest child of Joseph John Kiefer and Ruth Esther Kiefer. He was a graduate of The Virginia Polytechnic Institute, class of 1939 with a B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering, and following WWII, a Master of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Tennessee. He had been employed as a research engineer at Rayonier, Inc., then General Motors Corp. and finally Monsanto Chemical Corp. in Pensacola, FL. He entered WWII as a Second Lieutenant in the Army Corp of Engineers serving in Africa, Corsica and France. Following the War, he returned to his profession as a Chemical Engineer, but remained in the Army Reserve for a total of 30 years' service attaining the rank of Colonel. He was a WWII honoree receiving the European-African-Middle Eastern ribbon with three battle stars, the Victory Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the American Defense Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal. Colonel Kiefer, before retiring from the Reserve served for four years as Commanding Officer of the 361st Civil Affairs brigade and Brigade Headquarters in Pensacola. As an employee of Monsanto, he held positions as senior engineer and Manager of the Patent Liaison Department. He was an active member of the Warrington United Methodist Church, and had served as Administrative Board Chairman, Lay Leader, Chairman of Evangelism Committee, and Sunday School teacher. After retirement, he served as a volunteer Math Tutor in the Basic Adult Education Dept. of the Pensacola Junior College, tutoring students in the G.E.D. program. He often would remark that "this volunteer occupation was the most rewarding job experience of his life. Helping young men and young women achieve a diploma and go further on with their education." Joseph was preceded in death by his dear wife, Cora, his parents, his two sisters, Miriam Lawson, Mildred Weand, his three sisters-in-law, Wilma Goodwin, Arlene Monroe, and Peggy Young. He is survived by his daughter, Dr. Lynda Arlene Kiefer, PhD. and numerous loving nephews and nieces. The family requests that, in lieu in flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Warrington United Methodist Church, St. Jude's Children's Hospital Memphis, TN., The Salvation Army, or your favorite cause. Oak Lawn Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to oaklawnfunerals.com
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WE here at the UPS store on Barrancas ave thought very highly of your dad he always had some of the best stories to tell He would sometimes come in a couple times a week at our store to make copies. we will miss "uncleJoe" as we referred to him greatly May he rest in peace. The staff at the UPS store 2927 Barrancas ave.
January 18, 2013
Lynda,
I was so sorry to hear of your father's death. Over the last 25 years I have seen and spoken with him many times as we happened to meet at the Warrington post office. Always cheerful, he would bring me up to date on where you were and what you were doing. He was so proud of you.
More recently I saw him getting into a van with assistance and not driving himself, but I did not get to speak to him. I was surprised to hear of his death since I had just seen him.
You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Nancy
Nancy King Wise Norman
December 15, 2012
Lynda, Your father was a fine gentleman and true Christian. I knew Joe briefly at Monsanto and rekindled our friendship at Warrington United Methodist Church. " Mr. Joe " was always cheerful and truly friendly in every way,setting an example we can all follow. It was a pleasure being in his company.
Don and Joyce Kehoe
December 15, 2012
We were so sorry to learn of your Dad's passing, Lynda. Joe Kiefer will always hold a warm and special place in our hearts. He was a special Sunday School teacher and an awesome ambassador for Christ.
Love,
Quentin and Cheri (Sumner) Henderson
Cheri Henderson
December 14, 2012
Lynda
I will miss your dad so much sitting behind me in choir.He truly was a special man and a wonderful Christian.
Sue Richardson
December 13, 2012
May your memories of your father keep him close to your heart. He was a wonderful man and christian. We'll miss seeing him in the choir. Mom and Dad (Bill & Esther) adored him so and always smiled when speaking of him. He would always ask about our children over the years since they've grown. God bless you and your family during this difficult time.
Jim & Merri Dennis
December 13, 2012
Lynda you have our deepest sympathy at this time. May you find comfort in knowing your Dad was a special man. We will miss him singing with the choir at Warrington UMC. Lonnie & Sandy Allen
December 13, 2012
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