Robert Vernon O'Keefe

Mr. O’Keefe (Bob) was born December 16, 1921 in Springfield, Illinois, the son of Dwight H. O’Keefe and Anna Louise Young O’Keefe. He married Elsie Jane Staley on January 1, 1944. Although Mrs. O’Keefe passed away August 4, 2013, they were married for close to seventy years.

Bob graduated from Dartmouth College. He was a platoon sergeant for Third Platoon, Company B of the 23rd Infantry, Division II in World War II. They landed on Omaha Beach three days after D Day and ultimately fought around St. Vith, Belgium, and throughout the Battle of the Bulge. Bob was awarded a Purple Heart and the Bronze Star Medal.

Returning to Springfield, Bob was employed by Baker Manufacturing Company and later was Assistant Works Manager for Allis Chambers Manufacturing Company, Springfield Works. He became Executive Vice President of the Weatherproof Company of Litchfield, Illinois until he was General Manager of the Weaver Manufacturing Company in Springfield. In 1974 Bob and his family moved to Michigan where he became Executive Vice President of Dura Corporation, Southfield, Michigan.

Bob was the first Chairman of the Board of the Town and Country Bank and served on the Board of Directors of the Illinois National Bank and later was Executive Vice President of the Springfield Marine Bank. He was a member of the Board of Directors of Center Illinois Light Company and of Cilcorp, Inc. He also was a member of the Board of Directors of Cilcorp Venture Capital, Inc. and of Environmental Science and Engineering Co., Inc. He was a past Trustee of the Springfield Pleasure Driveway and Park District during the building of the Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon. He was a lifetime member of Illini Country Club where he served as President in 1962.

Survivors are his four daughters: Dianne Simpson (husband David), Jennifer Anderson, Pamela Franks (husband Richard) and Niana Hill (husband Steve). Mr. O’Keefe has nine grandchildren:

Christopher Simpson, Kelly King, Roland Anderson III, Megan Franks, Mollie Franks Christiansen, Madeline Franks, Matthew Franks, Robert Hill and Sarah Hill. He has two great grandchildren: Connor and Benjamin Simpson.

Graveside services will be held at Noon Thursday June 26, 2014 at Oak Ridge Cemetery with the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County conducting military honors.Family and friends will meet at Boardman-Smith Funeral Chapel 11:30 AM Thursday and go in procession to the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests gifts to Embracing Hospice. 2160 Fountain Drive, Snellville, Georgia. (www.boardman-smith.net).