George E. Keffer

George E. Keffer, age 69, of New Philadelphia, died Thursday, November 19, 2009, in Mercy Medical Center at Canton following a brief and courageous battle with Leukemia.Born in the Oldtown Valley on May 29, 1940, George was a son to the late Samuel G. and Edna L. (Metzger) Keffer.George was a 1958 graduate of the former Gnadenhutten High School and would go on to hold positions with the Former Farrell Trucking and I.F. Ridge Tool. For a period of time he also was an independent insurance agent and had previously owned the Corner Tavern at Tuscarawas. While working at Joy Manufacturing, George founded Keffer Home Improvement of New Philadelphia. For the past few years, George has served the New Philadelphia Police Department where he was working as a parking control officer.George was an active member of the NRA and an avid collector of Winchester guns. He has also owned and operated George’s Gun Gallery at New Philadelphia for more than thirty years and had taught numerous classes as a certified instructor for concealed weapons.As a longtime member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in the Oldtown Valley, George served on church counsel for a number of years, and served alongside his wife as a youth group advisor. In addition to his active roll within the church, George also previously served as a 4-H advisor for the “Oldtown Boys”.Additionally, George was a longtime member of the New Philadelphia Elks Lodge, B.P.O.E. 510 where he served as a trustee and was instrumental in the sale of the former Elks Lodge located in downtown New Philadelphia and building and relocating the Lodge to its Union Avenue location.George leaves behind a family which includes his wife of 51 years, Marilyn (Deardorff) Keffer; a son, Rick Keffer (companion, Barbara Limbacher); two daughters, Jennifer Horner (companion, Pat Cassell) and Laurie Keffer-Loar (husband, Darrell) all of New Philadelphia, a sister, Janet (Charles) Davis, and an aunt, Pauline Thompson all of Uhrichsville.Five grandchildren, Michelle Keffer, Sam Keffer, Brittany Hunka, Tiffany Hunka, and Harlee Hamilton as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins complete the family.The family will receive friends on Sunday, November 22, 2009, from 1-3 and 5-7 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. Reverend Hugh B. Berry and Reverend Dr. Kathryn White will lead a service celebrating George’s life in the funeral home’s chapel on Monday, November 23, 2009, at 10:30 AM in the funeral home’s chapel. Burial will follow in the Evergreen Burial Park at New Philadelphia.Following services the family would like to invite guests to join them in St. Peter’s Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall where a meal and fellowship will be shared.Those unable to attend may send the family personal condolences by signing the online guest registry located on the funeral home’s website.Those wishing to do so may direct memorial contributions in George’s name to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 3640 Oldtown Valley Rd. SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.Linn-Hert-Geib330-343-5506www.geibcares.com