Gerald W. Okeefe

Gerald “Jerry” William O’Keefe was born on October 24, 1934 in El Paso, TX and died on December 7, 2016. He lived overseas as a child, while his father served in the petroleum engineering field. He returned to El Paso and attended Austin High School. He was an exceptional athlete in multiple sports including; football, boxing and diving. After graduation, he joined the US Navy, where he served on the aircraft carrier USS Lake Champlain. He returned home to begin his career with El Paso Natural Gas and start his family and his lifelong devotion to his children. Jerry leaves his cherished memories to his family who loved him for his faith in God, generous spirit and steadfast dedication to his profession. He is survived by his son Mike, daughter-in-law Lisa, grandchildren Kate and Ryan, his brother Dennis and sister Patricia McLahughlin. He is preceded in death by his daughter Bridget, parents Tom and Thelma and brothers Pat and Michael. His professional passion was officiating football, baseball and softball. Jerry began officiating football for the SFOA in 1959. He spent the next 49 years serving in multiple roles, as crew chief and leadership positions for the association. As the OFSA Secretary, he assigned every game for over 25 years. The most valuable aspect of his career was all the wonderful friendships he developed with his fellow officials. Their loyalty to each other was a great blessing in his life. Viewing will be Sunday, December 11th, from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm and Rosary services will follow at 5:30 pm at Sunset Funeral Home, 750 N. Carolina. Interment will be Monday, 9:30 am at Ft. Bliss Cemetery. Processional will leave Sunset Funeral home at 9:00 am. Please visit online registry at www.sunsetfuneralhomes.net