Tom O'Keefe

Tom O'Keefe, age 78, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 23rd, 2018, in the presence of his loving family. Born in Fort Wayne on July 15th, 1940, he attended the Most Precious Blood Catholic grade school. A 1958 graduate of Central Catholic High School, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving as a rifle coach and mortarman in the 1st Marine Division Fleet Marine Force (Camp Pendleton, California), attaining the rank of Lance Corporal. After completing his military service, he studied as an apprentice machinist at Compton College in California, before relocating and working at International Harvester/Navistar (Fort Wayne and Springfield, Ohio) for over 35 years. He was a member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church. Tom lived a life of devout dedication to his family; his wisdom, encouragement, and sense of humor will be greatly missed by those whose lives he touched. His passions in life included golf, history, and supporting Notre Dame athletics, but his grandchildren were his greatest joy. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Sharon (Wendling); sons, Edward and Joseph (Pam); sisters, Colleen DeVito and Carolyn Holbrook; grandsons, Patrick, Henry, Brady, Nicholas, Luke, Ryan, and Dillon; and granddaughter Alaina. He is preceded in death by his father and mother, Albert and Mary (Federspiel); brothers, Donald and Gerald; and sister, Patricia Jordan. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, December 7, 2018 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church (4916 Trier Road, Fort Wayne) with visitation from 9:30 am – 11:00 am, with burial immediately following at the Catholic Cemetery (3500 Lake Avenue, Fort Wayne). Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or to his grandchildren's education fund. To sign the online guest book, go to www.divinemercyfuneralhome.com.