John Freeman Keefe

John Freeman Keefe (Johnny O'Keefe) passed away peacefully on June 10th, 2025, with his family by his side. He was born on January 31st, 1930, in Everett WA, to Jerry and Emma Keefe. He had 8 brothers and sisters and grew up in the Everett and Lake Stevens area. John lived the last two and a half years with his youngest son Cameron, daughter-in-law Becky and granddaughters Olivia and Sophia where he enjoyed planting his garden, watching the girls play sports, going to the fair and attending his first Mariners game in T-Mobile Park.

John is survived by his nine children, Judy Cram of Snohomish, Donna Larson (Butch) of Snohomish, Jerry Keefe (Rachel) of Chehalis, Sarah Umphrey (Lynn) of Shelton, Wendi Warren (Dan) of Marysville, Troy Curtis of Spokane, Angie Clark (Chip) of Snohomish, Tiffany Proctor (Chad) of Snohomish, Cameron Keefe (Becky) of Snohomish. Many grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is also survived by two of his sisters Jackie Eigenbrode of Snohomish and Charlotte Hebert of Lynnwood.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Jerry and Emma, brothers Wayne, Edward (Bud), Thomas (Tommy) and sisters Irene Smith, Allene Alf, Peggy Tracy, grandson Tyson Keefe and great grandson Corey Keefe.

In May of 1951 he enlisted into the U.S Army and was a Radar Repair man in the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in April of 1952. After the army he worked for Alaska Airlines and then Snohomish County PUD for 29 years.

He was a very talented musician who went on to record 12 songs on 6 country music records in Nashville and New Mexico in the 60's. He even had his own fan club, "The Johnny O'Keefe fan club".

John was also an avid Ham Radio Operator, whose call sign was W7PCK. He got his license at age 21, in 1951. He had his license for 74 years and continued to listen to the radio up until his passing. He was very involved in the Stanwood Camano Amateur Radio Club. He always looked forward to assisting with the Ham Radio field day and the annual swap meet. He enjoyed helping any new ham operators and repairing radios for himself and others.

Service will be held Thursday, June 26, 2025, 11:00 a.m. at St. Michaels Catholic Church, 1512 Pine Ave, Snohomish, WA 98290.