Lonnie Ray O'Keeffe

He graduated from Burges High School and was drafted into the Army the following year. After basic and then advanced training, he was stationed in Germany for the remainder of his 2 years of service. He traveled to several military installations in Germany to perform upgrades to equipment on Army tanks. His younger brother Gary was killed in a car accident while he was stationed in Germany.

Lonnie’s career spanned multiple industries, reflecting his diverse skills and interests. He worked at Frank Lucky Shell during high school and later managed a Phillips 66 where he met Peggy, a Civil Service employee at Fort Bliss, whom he later married in 1971. Lonnie also worked for Napa Auto, International Harvester, and Lawson Products before launching his own woodworking business. Most recently, he dedicated more than a decade of service to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department at Hueco Tanks State Park. During his time at Hueco Tanks, he designed and supervised the building of trails for visitors.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Lonnie was a gifted carpenter and inventor, holding a United States patent for a transparent toolbox cabinet design. He was a devoted and endlessly creative father, crafting homemade toys for his children and designing elaborate garage haunted houses for Halloween. His ingenuity and craftsmanship brought joy to many, and his legacy of creativity will live on in those who knew him. He also had a deep love for his three dogs, Cheyenne, Dakota, and Apache, who were his loyal companions and brought him immense joy.

Lonnie was preceded in death by his parents and his younger brother, Gary O’Keeffe. He is survived by his son, James Jason O’Keeffe, of El Paso; his daughter, Julie Michelle O’Keeffe, of Albuquerque; his former wife, Peggy Hammond, of El Paso; and his brother, Larry O’Keeffe and wife Donieta of Bracketville, Texas; niece Laura Moore and husband Kelly; nephew Chris O’Keeffe and wife Cindy.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, March 7, 2025, at Funeraria Del Angel Hillcrest West, located at 5054 Doniphan, El Paso, Texas, 79932. A private family viewing will take place at 4:00 p.m., followed by a public viewing at 5:00 p.m. and service at 7:00 p.m.

Lonnie will be remembered for his generosity, creativity, and unwavering love for his family. His presence will be deeply missed, but his spirit will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him.