(July 5, 1950 - June 5, 2024)
O'Keefe, David M., 73, of Town & Country, Missouri, met his maker Wednesday, June 5, 2024, in hospice at his home surrounded by his loved ones.
Born July 5,1950, to Arthur John O’Keefe & Virginia Patricia (Hill), lovingly called Mickey, Dave grew up in South St. Louis City off Macklind Avenue. He is survived by his one sibling Tina (Phil) Worch, whom he lovingly doted after since the onset of becoming a big brother in 1955. His mother passed when he was just a young teenager (16) in 1966, after losing her battle with cancer. It would forever change him & how he viewed & lived his life. His father Art, a glazer by trade, never remarried, & joined his beloved wife Mickey on January 8, 2000.
Dave had attended St. Raphael’s Elementary & Bishop DuBourg Highschool, attending mass daily in Latin as an altar boy. He grew up playing in the alley way and loved bocce ball, stick ball with bottle caps, softball, dominoes, darts, & horseshoes. His Tuesday night wiffle ball rituals with his ride or die “brothers†would create bonds to last a lifetime. A league bowler at Red Bird Lanes, second only to his Brother-in-law Larry, who would remind him he was the only perfect 300 bowler in the family.
Dave started working at Schnucks Markets as a stocker at the age of sixteen (16). He worked his way up to the position of Grocery Department Manager by the early 70’s. In 1971, he began his courtship with his soon-to-be wife Sharon Ann Susan (McKay) who would be & remain the love of his entire life. Sharon had two young daughters Lori Lyn (Wilhelm) Griffin (Michael), & Shari Lyn (Wilhelm) Deranja, (Josh Modglin), at the time of their marriage on March 10, 1972. Dave was a devoted partner, provider, protector & Dad who lovingly assisted in raising the girls as if they were his own.
On September 27, 1972, their first son, David Michael O’Keefe, Jr. was born. It was an exciting time & the beginning of a beautiful triangular love story. David Jr. was born with Downs Syndrome & from the onset the challenges took strength to navigate. Dave never wavered in his fatherly duties & obligations to his family. On November 10, 1973, their second blessing & beautiful son, Michael Thomas (Erin) O’Keefe arrived. The house was filled with a newfound joy. David Jr. now had an incredible brother to teach him life lessons, and the family was complete.
They all would come to understand life as both different and beautiful dealing with the struggles of David Jr’s limitations. The simplest of tasks for the average person appeared as a milestone accomplishment for him. A celebratory steak family dinner at Flaming Pit was always in order as David Jr. conquered daily lessons. Michael by his brother’s side to teach, play & protect him from the harsh world of being different. It was a role reversal if you will. Michael the “big†brother & doting just like his dad. They all understood their lives would always be filled with purpose.
Dave was a car enthusiast & proudly owned sports cars & a motorcycle that he would inevitably trade in for a 1970 paneled station wagon to tote his four kids around. The girls loving the back window rolled down in the rear facing seat, & the boys strapped in their pumpkin seats while they listened to Johnny Matthis. Dave knew he had made a good decision. He could buy flashy fast cars anytime, but this cargo was priceless. He would, however, continue his obsession with cars his entire lifetime.
Dave was encouraged by Sharon to continue his education obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in business from Webster University, and a Masters in Business Administration from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
They were proud to move to South County into a new construction home in the late 70’s. Just a mile or so from Sharon’s sister Jan & her husband Larry. Jan worked for the Special School District & David Jr. would carpool with her for years to come. In that sweet home off Blossomheath Lane, Dave, Sharon & their children would make lifelong friends & watch their children grow up.
They built a second home at Lake of the Ozark’s. Countless weekends, summers & holidays spent together with extended family embracing lake life. Barbecue, beer, & boating brought him an abundance of joy. The Doobie Brothers, Hall & Oates, Eagles & Motown cassette tapes played across the water. He would smile and enjoy a cigar or pack his pipe with cherry flavored tobacco. The luxury of being able to afford this lifestyle was nothing compared to the luxury of time spent with his family.
He finished his 23-year career departing Schnuck’s Markets in 1989, as a District Store Manager. He taught college classes at Webster University sharing his expertise in Business Development & Management.
They would build their dream home in Town & Country off Clayton Road. Dave was a pillar in this community. Along with his sons, they became members of the Knights of Columbus & Dave remained a Eucharistic Minister for over 25 years.
He accepted a position at B. Dalton Book Stores in New York in the late 80’s. He resigned his position to become the President & CEO of Landshire Foods of Belleville, IL in 1992. He built the business to over a 50-million-dollar company over his 15 years of tenure. He was the King of sandwiches. Dave would retire from Landshire at the age of 57.
They moved into Kehrsmill Trails subdivision with Sharon’s brother Tom & wife Mary residing just down the street. Years later they moved into Meadowbrook Country Club, just down the street from Sharon’s brother Bill & wife Terry. Next destination, The Villages, FL. They were often found listening to music, dancing, & golfing together. Soon, Bill & Terry showed up, & resided just minutes away by golf cart.
Sharon & Dave celebrated their 50th Vow Renewal amidst all their family June 3, 2022. It was the most apropos of places…Disney, “The most magical place on earth.†Over the years, Dave had taken their children & all his grandchildren on countless Disney cruises & Disney World Vacations.
Dave was super affectionate, so it was no surprise it would carry over to his children. David Jr. coining his own phrase referencing great LOVE as “2-5â€. David Jr. would say, “I love you 2-5†or write you a note that said Love 2-5, David. “2-5†was deemed to be the MOST love you could bestow on someone & it was special to hear it. On their Vow renewal day, David would lovingly & proudly escort his Mom & Dad down the aisle. A summation of their triad life, & the deep meaning of loving “2-5â€.
Dave had a lifelong relationship with Jesus Christ. It was something to behold. We will all miss his beautiful poetic holiday prayers. 40 plus family members wrapping the room, holding hands and worshipping together. He has served the Lord well & remained a steadfast & devout church-going Catholic. The tattered turned pages of his Bible a reminder of his daily stewardship to the Lord.
In 2023, they moved back to Town & Country to be near their family & navigate his cancer treatment plan. They would place themselves Five (5) houses away in each direction from their son Michael & his wife Erin & their daughter Lori & her husband Mike. There was a consistent & undeniable family pattern logistically that had formed over the decades. It was important for Dave to be near his family.
Dave did not grow up with brothers but was blessed with brothers & additional sisters by way of marriage. His brotherhood included William (Terry) McKay, Thomas (Mary Ellen) McKay, Dale (Cynthia) McKay & departed Janet & (Larry) Bridges, whom he loved unconditionally and would be at his side until his passing day or the angels who crossed him over.
Dave was a loving & sweet Uncle to Danny (O’Keefe) Worch, Mickey (O’Keefe) Gales (Eric), Kelly (McKay) Ritter (Ryan), Christi (Bridges) Abeln (Jeff), Larry Dean Bridges (Kristen), Nathan McKay, Brianna McKay, Adam McKay (Solissa), and all his sweet great nieces and nephews.
Dave treasured time with all ten (10) of his beautiful & amazing grandchildren beyond measure. Olivia Griffin, Carly (Jeremy) Sands, Mitchell Griffin, Clark Griffin, Remey Deranja, Quinn O’Keefe, Rowan O’Keefe, Cormac O’Keefe, Bradyn Modglin & Maille O’Keefe. They have each felt great love from their Papa. His presence has always been a gift. Attending births, Baptisms, First Communions, graduations dance recitals, soccer, football, field hockey, & volleyball games, swim meets & water polo tournaments, State Dance & National Championship competitions. He would attend his Granddaughter Carly’s & husband Jeremy’s wedding blessing their marriage & all those who gathered. It was special to be prayed over in DOK fashion, & for many friends his final blessing. He was excited to be made a Great Grandfather in August 2024.
His absence will prove to be one of the most pinnacle heartbreaks we as a family and many friends will probably ever endure in our lifetime. Never would he have believed growing up, that this little south St. Louis City boy would have ever come this far or created a life in which to emulate.
He has taught us all how to be a child of God, a great leader, a peacemaker, to be generous, patient, kind & honest. He has told his grandchildren to always do the right thing, even though it may prove to be more difficult. Dave will always live in our hearts & dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Until we meet again, we will miss & love you “2-5â€!
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