Patrick David O'Keefe

Patrick David O’Keefe, 76, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2026, after a courageous eight-year battle with Parkinson’s disease. Through every challenge he faced, Pat remained a man of unwavering faith, quiet strength, and deep love for his family.

Pat was born on April 6, 1950, and grew up on the family farm in Bucyrus, Kansas. He was the beloved son of Vincent and Louise O’Keefe and one of eleven children. He shared a lifelong bond with his siblings: Jennia, Larry, Mick, Doug, Nancy, Steve, Doris, Jan, Dick, and Fran. Growing up on the farm taught him the values that would define his life—hard work, humility, loyalty, and helping others without hesitation. He attended Wea Catholic School until it closed his Senior year and he graduated from Stilwell High School in 1968.

Pat’s greatest blessing began when his sister Doris invited her Louisburg High School friend, Kay, over to the house and Pat met her in the kitchen. Pat asked her on a date the following week, and the rest was history. They were married in August 1970 and spent nearly 56 wonderful years building a life together filled with love, laughter, faith, and family. Together they raised three children, Lori, Ryan, and Timothy, who were the pride of his life.

In 1970, Pat left the family farm to begin his career at General Motors Fairfax Assembly Plant, where he worked faithfully for 36 years. He was known as a dependable, hardworking man whose word was his bond.

Outside of work, Pat devoted himself to his family. He loved coaching his children’s baseball, softball, and basketball teams and treasured the countless hours spent fishing, gardening, and putting up hay alongside his sons and his brother Steve. He especially enjoyed a good poker game and looked forward every year to the Wea Steak Dinner, where he shared cards, laughs, and whiskey with his sons, son-in-law, and lifelong friends.

Nothing brought Pat greater joy than becoming “Grandad.” When his first granddaughter was born in 2005, a new chapter of his life began. Seven more grandchildren followed and each one held a special place in his heart. He rarely missed a baseball game, basketball game, dance recital, school play, or special event until Parkinson’s disease made it impossible for him to attend. His grandchildren were truly the light of his later years.

Pat also treasured making memories through travel. He enjoyed annual trips to Vegas and Omaha with friends and loved taking his kids to visit his sister Jennia in Florida, where they spent time at the beach and Disney World. In later years, he fulfilled a lifelong dream by traveling twice to Ireland with his sisters Nancy and Doris, their husbands, his brother-in-law Jim, and Kay—journeys he cherished deeply. He also loved vacations to the beach, Disney, and hiking in the Colorado mountains with his children and grandchildren as well as going to Chiefs, Royals, and KU games with them.

Pat’s Catholic faith never wavered. It guided him through life’s blessings and sustained him during difficult times. He was a man of few words, but his actions spoke volumes. Whether it was helping a friend, sibling, niece, nephew, child, or grandchild, Pat was always there. He represented a generation of quiet strength—a hardworking, honest man who believed in putting family first, keeping his promises, and doing what was right.

He leaves behind his devoted wife, Kay; his children, Lori O’Keefe Locke (Chad), Ryan Patrick (Jennifer), and Timothy David (Amanda); his beloved grandchildren, Mackenzie, Madison, Rylie, Alexis, Brayden, Vincent, Camden, and Cora; his sisters Jennia Shoemaker, Doris (Steve) Kerr, Jan Leahy, and Fran (Shawn) Stevens and brother Dick O’Keefe; sisters and brother in law Ann and Jim Morales and Ginny Rigney; MANY nieces, nephews, extended family members, and countless friends who will forever cherish his example and the love he gave so freely.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to his devoted caregiver and niece, Crystal O’Keefe, whose love, compassion, and tireless care over the past four years were truly a blessing to Pat and to the entire family. They also wish to thank the incredible nurses and staff at Monarch Hospice, especially his favorite bath aide, Jasmine, for the kindness, dignity, and comfort they provided during his final journey.

Though Parkinson’s may have gradually taken his strength, it never took his faith, his character, or the love he had for his family. His legacy will live on in the values he instilled, the lives he touched, and the generations that proudly carry his name and his example.

He will be deeply loved, forever remembered, and profoundly missed.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Friday, July 31, 2026, at Queen of the Holy Rosary Wea Catholic Church, 22779 Metcalf Rd, Bucyrus, KS 66013. Rosary will follow at 7:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 am, Saturday, August 1, 2026, also at the church. Burial will be held at the Holy Rosary Cemetery, following the mass.

Memorial contributions can be made payable to the Parkinson’s Foundation, 5757 Waterford District Drive, Suite 310, Miami, FL 33126, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

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