Thurman Keffer, 81, died peacefully at home October 5, 2011 surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Patricia, two children, Dan Keffer (Sue) of The Woodlands, Texas and Janis Davis (Tom) of Bessemer, Alabama, 4 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Thurman is also survived by his sister Colleen Mottino ( Ron) of Vista, Ca., and his brother, Marvin (Helen) of Monterey, Ca. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vester and Alma Keffer of Amarillo and his sister, Bonnie Trampp, of Waldren, AR.
He married Patricia Malin on August 7, 1949 in Amarillo. He was a 1948 graduate of Amarillo High School and a 1951 graduate of the Department of Public Safety Academy in Austin, Texas. He retired from the Texas Department of Public Safety in 1985 after 35 years of loyal service as a Texas State Trooper at the rank of Sergeant. He supervised the Plainview area district. He was affectionately called "Sarge" by not only other troopers, but by friends and family as well. He was known for his sense of humor and dry wit. He was best known, though, for being a Christian man of integrity and strength. The family would like to express a special thanks to Belinda and Ray Ramos and Alice Perez for their many kindnesses during the past several years. The family is rejoicing knowing that he is now with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday, October 8, 2011 at First Christian Church located at 1800 N I-27 with Dr. Max Browning officiating. Burial will follow at Plainview Memorial Park under the direction of Bartley Funeral Home. A visitation will be held from 6 to 8 pm Friday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to First Christian Church or the charity of your choice. Online condolences can be made at www.bartleyfuneralhome.net