Albert LeRoy "Al" Keefer

Albert LeRoy “Al” Keefer, 95, of Ottawa, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in Ottawa, at the home he shared with his wife, Marilyn, for seventy-two years.

Funeral Service will be held 10:00am, Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at the First Christian Church, 1045 South Hickory, Street, Ottawa, Kansas.

Family will greet friends 5:30-7:30pm, Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 South Hickory Street, Ottawa, Kansas.

Al was born Thursday, April 10, 1930, at home on Pecan Street, Ottawa, Kansas. He was the only child of Clarence and Vista (Sowers) Keefer.

A life-long resident of Ottawa, Al attended Hawthorne Grade School and graduated from Ottawa High School with the class of 1948. Al received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education from Emporia state University in 1960 and his Specialist’s Degree in Education in 1969 from the University of Wyoming at Laramie.

Al served in the United States Army from September 1951 until January 1953 with the 40th Infantry Division during the Korean Conflict. His over-sears duty included serving as a forward observer ahead of the front lines.

Upon returning from Korea, Al was united in marriage to Warda Marilyn Browning, his high school sweetheart, on March 31, 1953. She survives of the home.

Al was a teacher and principal with USD 290 for his entire education career spanning thirty-five years. He taught at Lincoln Elementary beginning in 1957 and went on to be the assistant principal in 1959. In 1960, he began teaching at Garfield Elementary. Al became the first principal of the brand-new Eisenhower Elementary School in 1969 where he remained until his retirement in 1995. Following retirement, he continued in the field of education, tutoring children and substituting as an administrator when called upon.

Having had Orlis Cox as a coach and mentor while a student at Ottawa High School, he enjoyed coaching students throughout the years. He worked with the Junior Olympics program, coaching students from Garfield and eventually Eisenhower. He was very proud of the first football team at Eisenhower which went undefeated in 1969.

An Elder at First Christian Church, he was awarded Elder Emeritus in 2016, honoring his many years of service which included sponsoring the youth group.

Al was a charter member of the Ottawa chapter of the Optimist Club, which was established in 1974. He served the club in various roles throughout the years, including Sergeant at Arms and President, becoming a lifetime member in 1995. He especially enjoyed working at the annual Duck Race.

Al received a service award from the University of Kansas when he reached twenty-five years in education. He also received a Friend of USD 290 Award. His greatest honor came in 2023, when, at the age of ninety-three, he was placed on the Ottawa High School Wall of Honor, having been nominated by former teachers and staff of Eisenhower Elementary.

Perhaps the love of farm animals grew out of his spending every summer from the age of twelve in the wheat fields of western Kansas, working harvest with family. Known at “The Chicken Man”, Al raised chickens for show from his garage and back yard. What began as a project for his elementary classroom became a lifelong passion. He showed his chickens at the Franklin County Fair, the Kansas State Fair, and the Fort Worth Livestock Show and Exposition for many years, accumulating numerous ribbons and awards including a Reserved Grand Champion at the Kansas State Fair. He also raised and showed rabbits and even had ducks and pygmy fainting goats at times, again in his back yard.

Of all animals, his greatest love was for his dogs. Beginning at an early age, Al always had a loyal companion, the latest being Chekala #5.

Family was a big part of Al’s life and he loved time spent with his wife, children, and grandchildren during summer trips, special holidays, and events. He also enjoyed the relationships with friends he made over the years through his community and church. He especially cherished his Eisenhower family that meant so very much to him.

Al was preceded in death by his parents.

Along with his wife Marilyn, he is survived by his children, daughter Mary Lynn McMichael (Chuck) of Fort Davis, Texas and son Alan Keefer (Becky) of Fort Worth Texas; six grandchildren Mariah Tinney (Leandra), Megan Tinney Anderson (D), Marileigh McMichael Hitge (Christiann), Charlie McMichael, Alex Keefer (Laura), and Conner McMichael (Rachel); and seven great grandchildren.

The family suggests memorial contributions to the Al Keefer Memorial Scholarship Fund, which is being established for a graduating Ottawa High School senior pursuing a career in education or the First Christian Church, Ottawa c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.

To share your memories of Al or to send a special condolence message to his family, please visit the guestbook below.