Born in Detroit (MI) on November 6, 1937 to Eugene and Marguerite O’Keefe, Doug was the oldest of seven (7) children. Doug’s family moved several times in his childhood, with stops in Cincinnati (OH), Baltimore (MD), and West Palm Beach (FL), where he graduated from St. Ann’s School in 1955.
He then enrolled at Xavier University as a student in the R.O.T.C. program and graduated in 1959 with a BS in Psychology. After graduation, Doug was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the United States Army and proudly served his country for two years in Korea as part of the field artillery branch. After completing his service, he returned to Cincinnati and joined a then-small package delivery company called United Parcel Service (UPS), where he would build a distinguished 30 year career.
While on assignment in Lexington (KY), he met and fell in love with Jane Walker, and they married in 1967. They relocated to North Carolina later that year to support UPS’ expansion, and it was there that their son, Brian, was born in 1968. In 1976, the family moved to Salt Lake City (UT), where Doug would help establish UPS operations in the mountain region. In 1986, the family relocated to Orange County (CA), where he worked to expand UPS’ west coast air operations, ultimately retiring from the company in 1992. In 1994, Doug and Jane made what would be their final move to Austin (TX).
Doug had many passions throughout his life. His interests in World War II aviation made him an avid and accomplished scale-model airplane builder. His time in Salt Lake City and interest in basketball produced a love of all things Utah Jazz, which led to an extensive collection of related memorabilia and basketball cards. In 2005, his generosity led to the founding of the Xavier University P. Douglas O’Keefe Athletic Hall of Fame, which now recognizes more than 150 student athletes whose achievements made a difference on the playing field for Xavier and in the lives of others.
Later in life, he found joy in cars and became a fan of both NASCAR and Corvettes – eventually owning three different Corvettes from 2007 to 2019. He also took to swimming, learned to scuba dive, and enjoyed traveling with family, especially to Hawaii, Hilton Head Island (SC), and Bardstown Kentucky (Jane’s hometown). His pride and love of his family inspired him to research the family’s genealogy, which he successfully traced back to the mid-1800s and now leaves as a legacy for future generations.
Despite his many varied interests and hobbies, friends and family will remember him most for his lifetime love of golf and his often-creative scorekeeping. Although he was never able to fully master the game, he did accomplish every golfer’s dream on March 14, 2007 – shooting a hole-in-one on the 14th hole at the Fazio Foothills course in Barton Creek.
Doug is survived by his wife, Jane O’Keefe; son Brian O’Keefe; his granddaughters, Rachel and Erin; and his six siblings: Nancy O’Keefe, Dennis O’Keefe and wife Sue, Judy O’Keefe-Drexel, Terry O’Keefe, Robert O’Keefe and wife Sarah, and Patti O’Keefe Van Zandt and her husband Scott. Dogs were also an important part of his life and were undoubtedly waiting for him at Rainbow Bridge. The family would like to thank everyone who provided care and support in his final years, especially Joleen Washburn, Zeina Hashem, Sabryna Longoria, and the entire team of caregivers at Senior Helpers and Home Instead.
Relatives and friends are welcome to join the family in a celebration of life on Monday, May 13, 2024 from 5-7 p.m. at the Cook-Walden / Forest Oaks Funeral Home, 6300 W. William Cannon Dr, Austin, TX. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, May 14 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 5455 Bee Cave Rd, West Lake Hills, TX. Inurnment will follow at the church immediately after mass, followed by a brief reception in the parish hall.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah, or another charity of your choice.
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