Joseph F. Kiefer, Sr.

Joseph F. Kiefer, Sr., age 88, of Temple died Thursday, October 29, 2009 at his residence. Services will be held at 11:00 AM Monday, November 2 at Scanio-Harper Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Leroy Kemp officiating. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery. Visitation will be held 3:00 - 5:00 PM Sunday at the funeral home. Mr. Kiefer was born September 6, 1921 to Frank and Albina Lesikar Kiefer in Bell County, Texas. He was a 1939 graduate of Temple High School, attended Temple Junior College, and completed numerous law enforcement training programs. He was a graduate of the FBI National Academy, a certified police instructor, a certified firearms instructor, and held an advanced and instructors certificates from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education. Mr. Kiefer retired in 1979 as Captain of the Patrol Division after 34 years of service to the City of Temple Police Department. He was a decorated veteran of World War II and the Korean Conflict and was awarded a Bronze Star, a Purple Heart, the Combat Infantry Badge, the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, WWII American Campaign Medal, American Defense Medal, European African Middle East Campaign Medal, Army of Occupation, Germany, Medal, and the World War II Medal. Mr. Kiefer was preceded in death by his first wife, Frances, and is survived by Margaret Cochran Kiefer, who he married on November 16, 1979 and brought her into the family as a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Joe and Margaret had 30 wonderful years together enjoying life while traveling, camping, and fishing. Mr. Kiefer is additionally survived by a son, Joseph F. Kiefer, Jr. and his wife Cathy Orlandi Kiefer of Temple, a granddaughter, Stacy Michele Sturlin, and her husband Matthew Sturlin of Burleson, a grandson, Shane Joseph Kiefer and wife Jenni Maupin Kiefer and a great granddaughter Layla Nicole Kiefer of San Antonio. Not to be left out are his "adopted" sons and numerous other friends whose life he touched along the way. Pallbearers are John Hancock, Mark Erskine, Dan Stephens, Wayne Farrell, Bill Harris and Mike Hughes.