John Joseph William O'Keefe, MSgt, USAF, retired, age 64, of Troy, Ill., formerly of O'Fallon, born June 25, 1947 in Brooklyn, N.Y. died unexpectedly, January 27, 2012.

John was an Air Force veteran, a true patriot and defender of our country, serving during Vietnam as an air cargo supervisor and logistics plans superintendent, retiring in 1988 after nearly 22 years of service. He was a dedicated airman and expert marksman, earning four Meritorious Service medals, the Humanitarian Service medal, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with device, the Vietnam Service Medal with eight service stars, the Presidential Unit Citation, and numerous other superior recognitions. Following his military retirement, John was employed by McDonnell Douglas and SWIC, before assuming his current position at Headquarters, Air Mobility Command in the logistics division.

John was an inspirational little league baseball coach in Florida, and was a great supporter of local youth baseball in O'Fallon and Troy, and more recently, in Perryville, Mo., where his son, Don, coaches high school baseball. He was his kid's and grandkid's greatest fan, always supporting and cheering for them. The "lion of the family," John was strong and devoted to his wife and children, and was a much-loved son, grandfather, brother, and uncle.

Because of his fondness for youth baseball, memorial donations may be made to the Perryville High School Baseball Program, 326 College Street, Perryville, MO 63775 and will also be accepted at the funeral home.

He was preceded in death by his father William Donald O'Keefe.

Surviving are his beloved wife, Susan, nee Young, O'Keefe, whom he married November 30, 1972 at Hurlburt Field Chapel in Florida; children Charlotte (Steven) Farinella of East Patchogue, N.Y., Damon O'Keefe of Troy, Ill., and Donald (Carrie) O'Keefe of Perryville, Mo.; his mother Mary Elizabeth O'Keefe of Maryville, Ill., formerly of Bay Shore, N.Y.; brother Donald Thomas (Gina Corriero) O'Keefe of Bridgeport, Conn.; and sister Deane Driscoll of Fletcher, N. Car. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Jonathan, Christopher, David, and Nicole Farinella; and Troy and Colton O'Keefe; nieces Kayleigh O'Keefe and Taryn (Chris) Brandon, and nephew Ryan O'Keefe.

Visitation: Friends may call from 4 – 8 p.m., Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at Wolfersberger Funeral Home.

Visitation will continue at 10:00 am, Thursday, February 2, 2012, at the church.

Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m., Thursday, February 2, 2012 at St. Jerome Catholic Church, Troy, Ill. with Fr. Pat Jakel officiating.

Interment: Procession will depart the funeral home at 10:15 a.m., Friday, February 3, 2012 for an 11:00 a.m., graveside service at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Mo., where full military honors will be rendered.